Jacinda Ardern should not be surprised at our deportation policy

Perhaps it comes as a surprise to New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern that our right to deport non-citizens who’ve committed crimes in Australia ought to be respected, as all Australians would acknowledge New Zealand’s authority to deal with their own criminal non-nationals, in line with their national interests (“Don’t deport problems: Ardern”, 29/2).

Ardern’s attack on Scott Morrison was unwarranted. A possible diversionary tactic used to potentially gain some credibility in a NZ election that is looking increasingly shaky for the incumbent.

I’m sure Ardern’s concern for NZ criminals’ rights being eroded in Australia — a nation that has failed to provide security for NZ-born drug dealers, murderers and rapists — has fallen on deaf ears among Australians who would generally applaud the difficult work of Immigration Minister Peter Dutton.

Perhaps Ardern and Scott Morrison may just have to jointly agree to disagree, on this obviously sensitive issue of the deportation of criminal non-citizens.

Lyle Geyer, Essendon, Vic

Not a ‘man issue’

Caroline Overington makes some very good points but still comes to the conclusion that violence such as that which incinerated three young children and their mother is a “man issue” (“This is the deadliest disease known to man”, 29/2).

While the perpetrator’s gender is male that doesn’t make it a man issue. If that were so then all men have the potential to do such a hideous thing. For anyone, male or female, to carry out that act, they would have to be seriously unhinged.

How that state of mind was arrived at is the issue that must be remedied. We are all products of our upbringing and cultural background. An extreme example of that can be seen in the so-called honour killings in some Muslim and Hindu families on their own daughters. This was not an “honour killing” but what produced the kind of mindset to bring about such an horrific murder is the area that requires attention. That could relate to a particular kind of alpha masculinity which in itself could be generated by certain family or societal dysfunction.

Roger Bridgland, West Hobart, Tas

Campus intolerance

It is shocking that Liberal students at Melbourne University were asked to leave an event while other groups, including people who were not students at the university, were allowed to stay (“Cry of bias as Lib students told to take a hike”, 29/2).

This is another example of suppression of freedom of speech at universities which are supposed to be the home of the battles of ideas and uncensored opinions.

It is increasingly the case that uni students can only express their views if they fit in with leftists on campuses. What hope is there if students who don’t have a particular world view are silenced for expressing an opinion?

Thomas Carrie, Summer Hill, NSW

Zero target a mug’s game

Chris Kenny makes it clear why Scott Morrison should dismiss the push for a net zero emissions target by 2050 and fight on behalf of the nation for affordable and reliable power which, in the absence of nuclear power, can only come from coal and gas (“Our leaders open to ridicule in setting silly climate targets”, 29/2).

It would be a herculean task for Morrison to stand up to green-left politicians, activists and the progressive media who couldn’t care less that a net zero target would cost Australia up to $400bn and between 200,000 and 400,000 fewer jobs.

But if the PM put his case convincingly, Australians would back him, because they know that a net zero target is a mug’s game, and has nothing to do with saving the planet from an alleged climate catastrophe.

Dale Ellis, Innisfail, Qld