It’s time to move on from the voice

The 12-month anniversary of the failed voice referendum has been marked by a number of lame excuses. There are two main reasons it failed. First, it offended the basic democratic principle. Second, voters were not persuaded that another Indigenous organisation, with its accompanying bureaucracy, would make any worthwhile improvement in closing the gap.

Peter Tierney, New Town, Tas

I am sure Megan Davis means well. But her accusation that the defeat of the Yes vote in the voice referendum was based on misinformation is mistaken (“Outlaw ‘Trumpian lies’: voice leader”, 12-13/10). The No vote was an informed decision based on logic, facts and a philosophy that all Australians are equal under the law and the Constitution.

Riley Brown, Bondi, NSW

There is little doubt Megan Davis has a heartfelt passion to improve outcomes for her Indigenous people. But it is time to move on from the voice and accept the outcome where 60 per cent of Australians voted against it.

Ian Morison, Forrest, ACT

Barack Obama criticising male voters – maybe not so smart as an election strategy (“Obama hammers ‘crazy’ Trump, takes aim at male voters”, 12-13/10)? You’d think the Democrats might’ve learnt after Hillary Clinton and “the deplorables”.

Geoff Forbes, Kensington Gardens, SA

Tony Lupton’s article in The Weekend Australian says it all (“Party I love dumps Enlightenment values, principles”, 12-13/10). His disappointment in the ALP’s behaviour in embracing identity politics, plus not standing up for our ally Israel, has caused great division in the Australian community.

June Zentveld, Newrybar, NSW

Federal Education Minister Jason Clare should stop embarrassing himself and Australia and leave his comments on the Middle East conflict to those who understand something about it.

Maris Dabars, Murray Bridge, SA

I’ve travelled some 70 countries in my 87 years and until Daniel Andrews’ Labor took over Victoria I believed I lived in the best place in the world. Not any more. What is his legacy? A bankrupt state, dodgy union connections, an unaffordable public service and unsafe streets. Surely the public should demand a royal commission before it’s too late?

Alan Chipp, Hawthorn East, Vic

When will our governments learn that they must live within their means and control debt, just as our households must?

Ken Moore, Chapel Hill, Qld