Labor victory exposes political shift, Libs’ weakness

The Australian Labor Party’s decisive victory in the NSW state election presents a defining moment for the future of our nation, particularly as the Albanese government embarks upon a course to introduce an Indigenous voice to parliament.

It is within this context that Paul Kelly’s piece at the weekend focused many of the issues associated with the referendum wording (“Albanese’s flawed voice fails the test”, 25-26/3). In warning against the dangers of constitutional overreach, Kelly states: “It is fatuous to say those constitutional powers, once granted, will not be used.” As we break through the many layers of this issue, Labor’s state election victory is further proof that our democracy is facing a new era and a new set of questions.

Vincent Zankin, Rivett, ACT

With Labor in control federally – and Chris Minns’s big victory in NSW – every state and territory on the mainland is now under Labor’s dominance. For me this underscores the parlous state of our nation’s energy security.

Labor’s aim is to rid the nation of its coal-fired power stations and to elevate renewables in their place. But with victory comes accountability. It will be on Labor’s head when the blackouts start, leaving us at the mercy of weak, inefficient, intermittent renewables. If the federal Coalition and its state and territory counterparts are to regain relevance, they must shed their strategy of presenting as a paler version of Labor when it comes to energy policy.

The NSW election result and last year’s federal election outcome show that tactic doesn’t work. Instead, Peter Dutton must convince his Coalition colleagues, federal and state, that they are obligated to offer voters a genuine choice from Labor governments that neglect energy security. Unless the Coalition decides to fight, and fight hard, for the survival of our coal-fired power stations and thus our energy security, we will have to live with Labor uncertainty on this issue.

Dale Ellis, Innisfail, Qld

The body politic reached a degree of gracious civility at the weekend. Dominic Perrottet’s concession speech demonstrated a genuine appreciation of future premier Minns both as a person and an opponent. In return, and in the same vein, the premier-elect thanked Perrottet for conducting a civil campaign.

How well served we would be if party politics were put aside and like-minded leaders, such as Perrottet and Minns, could work together to make decisions that maximise the effort of hardworking politicians.

Stephanie Summers, Turramurra, NSW

As Australia’s mainland turns Labor red, I ask when will the Liberal Party wake up to itself?

Scott Morrison and Dominic Perrottet were “mister nice guys” heading governments seeking fourth terms, but both lacking a strong future vision. They were part of the Covid overreach (so too their opposite numbers), they ran up enormous debt, failed to stand up to wokeness and, with their Labor-lite go-along with net zero, merely confirmed their loss of mojo.

I can only conclude the Liberals are slow learners. A true conservative rescue can’t come soon enough. While centre-right common sense seems to be in such short supply.

I think the Liberal Party needs to look to the success of Tony Abbott as opposition leader as the best guide forward.

Mandy Macmillan, Wattle Ponds, NSW

I applaud new premier Chris Minns for his election win and victory speech. But it is difficult to disregard the part played by Matt Kean in making the Liberals such an undesirable option, given his green policies.

It is a shame the Liberals, both state and federally, are no longer showing their true colours and sticking up for principles. I may only be one vote, but there would be other conservative voters that also perceive the Liberal Party’s weakness.

Ian Kent, Renmark, SA

The NSW election was a very fair contest, with both leaders fighting honest campaigns.

It is important to point out that Chris Minns and Dominic Perrottet are both outstanding politicians in the way they went about their business. Political leaders around Australia need to take note.

Peter Surkitt, Sandringham, Vic