Labor’s first priority must be keeping Australians safe

For those of us, like myself, who have been observing politics in Australia for more than half a century, the attack on Peter Dutton for being a racist is reminiscent of the successful personal attacks on former prime minister Scott Morrison and minister for defence Linda Reynolds before the last federal election (“PM on fence over ‘racist Dutton’ claim”, 19/8).

The teal, so-called independent, Zali Steggall, the originator of the “racist” claim, and Monique Ryan are Labor lieutenants. It could be argued they are now doing the same grubby work for Labor that the “Mean Girls” did before the last election.

Ryan absurdly stated on the Nine Today show on Monday that “our” (the government’s) first priority should be giving those needing humanitarian assistance (from Gaza) residence here in Australia.

No, Monique Ryan. Your Labor government’s first priority is keeping Australians safe.

Peter R. Tredenick, Laidley, Qld

The carry-on about Peter Dutton’s demand about the granting of visas for Gazans is more than just over the top, it’s childish, offensive and counter-productive. It is beneath the expected dignity of our political system (“ ‘No regrets’ from Steggall on ‘racist’ slur for ‘dog whistling’ Dutton”, 19/8).

The word “racist” has become a convenient weapon to try and degrade someone whose views, no matter how correct, differ from those who make the allegation. In the case of teals representative Zali Steggall, it is obvious she has some difficulty interpreting the difference between the words “racism” and “security”. Calling Peter Dutton “racist” is way off the mark.

Steggall, of course, is a lightweight in the political boxing ring so she needs to make her mark somewhere, somehow. However, in doing so on this occasion she has selected the wrong target. The influx of tourists who are arguably refugees, real or potential, is a not insignificant security risk to this country. This is not a matter with which we should be playing politics, it’s something we need to tackle with understanding and resolve. We must keep Australians safe, and terrorists and their sympathisers are clearly not part of this narrative. Steggall needs to curb her language and educate herself on terrorism.

John George, Terrigal, NSW

Accusations of racism against Peter Dutton highlight the fact that most accusers don’t know what it is, nor can they define race. Is it ethnicity, culture, common beliefs or religion? The same applies to the label “fascism”, which few seem to realise means a centralised, autocratic government and severely restricted personal liberties for all, not just those you disagree with. The accusers are mainly of the left, using insult instead of reasoned debate, which they know would expose their shallow, immature, emotional opinions.

But thanks to them, we are headed for a future like the UK, with a splintered and divided society, and expensive, unreliable power. So much for the clever country we might have been.

Doug Hurst, Chapman, ACT

Last week in question time, the Prime Minister made the false claim that the same processes used to check refugees from Gaza were used by the Coalition when accepting refugees from Syria and Afghanistan, when all checks were run past ASIO.

Later, to justify the claim, Anthony Albanese read out the comments made by ASIO director-general Mike Burgess on the ABC’s Insiders program. In doing so, he misquoted Burgess, leaving out a section that changed the meaning of what he had said. Burgess said ASIO only checked the refugee applications referred to it. The PM made it sound as though ASIO checked all applications.

As Dennis Shanahan wrote (“New front opens on national security”, 17-18/8), “Albanese shamelessly misused the claimed words of Mike Burgess as political cover”. He misled parliament and he is treating the public as fools. No one apart from the opposition calls him out or seems to care. He should step down immediately. This man, who has proved himself to be inept time and time again.

It is hard to name one policy that he has introduced that is good for Australia rather than just good for his re-election. He is a political animal whose only objective is to win the next election.

Matters would only be worse if, after the next election, he oversees a hung parliament being dictated to by the Greens and what is left of the green-left teal members.

Andrew Murray, Bellevue Hill, NSW