Hanson’s blindside is a blow to those who back her

When Pauline Hanson burst upon the political scene, her opinions resonated with many, including me, and much of it was common sense. Sadly, in her latest political role she has become a parody of herself in that she has over-reached her ability to discern the needs of the country and the malign forces that threaten to destroy its harmony (“Hanson blindside kills anti-thug law”, 29/11).

Aligning herself with Jacqui Lambie — a person whose values appear to depend on a coin toss — and avenues of self-aggrandisement was a disservice to the Australian people she has always said she would bat for. The Morrison government should refuse them any further dialogue.

If Australians are to suffer because of their dancing with Labor and the Greens, then we at least know who to blame at the next election.

Allan Caton, Mount Eliza, Vic

The failure of the Ensuring Integrity Bill in the Senate is more than just another example of a dysfunctional Senate. As a member of that house, Andrew Bragg demonstrates a Labor Party still hostage to militant unionism (“Labor is still allowing unions to write policy”, 29/11). Anthony Albanese’s post-election intention to loosen ties with the unacceptable side of its union paymasters appears to have had little practical effect when put to the test of legislative reform.

By so firmly opposing that reasonable reform Labor has arguably weakened its electoral prospects. Every future incident of destructive union lawlessness will revive memories of Labor’s demonstrated subservience to a movement that, although representative of an ever-declining minority of the workforce, remains dominant in its own ranks.

John Kidd, Auchenflower, Qld

With friends like Pauline Hanson and Jacqui Lambie, the Morrison government doesn’t need enemies. These two, who delight in trying to play well above their political weight, have destroyed what little credibility they may have had.

John George, Terrigal, NSW

Pauline Hanson has said that she did not vote for the union-busting bill while there seemed to be one rule for white-collar crime (which in the case of Westpac seems to have been rewarded) and harsher rules for blue-collar crime. I think she has made a good point.

Roseanne Schneider, Toowoomba, Qld

I don’t think Pauline Hanson voted against the union-busting bill solely as payback for Scott Morrison ruling out a preference deal with One Nation on the voting card in the last federal election. Still, it was a silly thing for him to say knowing the Senate vote is traditionally tight and conservatives generally lean towards One Nation.

Brian Whybrow, Wanniassa, ACT

Pauline Hanson may think she has endeared herself to her followers with her stunt of siding with Labor to defeat the union-busting bill. One Nation is changing into just another unrepresentative group in the Senate.

C. Dicker, Bracken Ridge, Qld

Pauline Hanson continues to spruik her support for farmers, small businesses, rural and regional workers, yet votes with Greens and Labor on reining in union thuggery, the very thuggery that is a threat to these same businesses and workers.

Graham Blackman, Crows Nest, Qld

So much for Pauline’s concern for the Australian people. Her vote in the Senate was purely political. As a result, she has blown any credibility she may have had.

Anne Felici, Denistone, NSW

Jacqui Lambie and Pauline Hanson did well to disallow the so-called Ensuring Integrity Bill as they sensed the hypocrisy of being heavy-handed with union corruption but light-handed on corruption in banking.

Kevin Burke, Sandringham, Vic

The Coalition has no choice but to continue to fight union thuggery ensuring Australians can continue to work without fear of intimidation. There are some lousy employers in this country who flout the law and must be made accountable. The bill for a fair go must be re-presented so that Hanson and Lambie can reassess what is a categoric mistake.

John Bain, South Bunbury, WA