Libs are fast becoming irrelevant, without policies that resonate

As Janet Albrechtsen writes, playing identity politics is creating problems for us all, without solutions (“Forget quotas, it’s mediocrity that’s killing the Libs”, 2/7). Following the Labor playbook, Opposition Leader Sussan Ley is attempting the same with the Coalition.

The slow march leftward will have only one outcome: the end of the Liberals. This is bad, not only for the party but also for the country, which sorely needs an effective opposition.

The list of real problems is enormous, but for an invisible right-wing election campaign, they should be actively addressed: climate change, energy generation, defence, education, the Middle East, over-regulation, the unions, debt and manufacturing. Electing a female leader does not change these issues or address them.

As is happening in Europe and the US, it is time to rediscover traditional values, and promote politicians on ability rather than gender, race or religion.

Graham Pinn, Maroochydore, Qld

Unjust super tax

Paul Keating and Sally McManus may be attacking Jim Chalmers’ tax on superannuation, but it is only indexation that they want for the many large investors in industry super funds (“Roundtable revolt on super”, 2/7).

The real injustice is the tax proposed on unrealised gains, such as those made by farmers or small business owners who have placed their assets in a self-managed super fund. To pay this tax, a farmer might have to sell a portion of the property each year, as its values increases, or take out crippling debt. In reality, it would drive such investors out of superannuation altogether and leave them without the shelter it provides. Perhaps this is the purpose.

The Treasurer may buckle under pressure to allow indexation, but his stipulation that government spending will not be abated and any changes will be “budget positive” means that hurt will be inflicted on the so-called haves to continue Labor’s pretence that we can have it all and that it will be painless – like net zero.

John Morrissey, Hawthorn, Vic

Enterprise crushed

Australians are taxed more and more (and soon some will be taxed on something they don’t have yet) to fund the most inefficient and incompetent part of our economy: the public service (“PM’s $16m team: it’s time to earn it”, 2/7).

And while the public service grows, its policies crush, rather than encourage, private enterprise, the main engine of wealth. Meanwhile, our tax base continues to dwindle.

This equation can lead our country only to one ruinous destination. When did we become so hopelessly myopic?

Murray Alder, Canning Vale, WA

Your report on decisions made by the Remuneration Tribunal concerning public service salaries reinforces the need for a review of this sector.

The system is ludicrous, inequitable and, when cost-of-living pressures and natural disasters are uppermost in the minds of so many, breeds bitterness and resentment.

Jim Dickson, Mount Eliza, Vic

Taiwan’s dilemma

The thing that puzzles me most about China is, if its system of government and culture are so superior, then why do the Taiwanese not want to actively become part of it?

Rather than threatening to take them over by force, would it not be more sensible to woo them into unity? I suppose they have seen what has happened with the promises made to Hong Kong and are justifiably cautious (“Under Xi’s thumb, Hong Kong cedes identity to China”, 1/7).

Peter Thornton, Killara, NSW

UN role obsolete

I am not sure, but I am of the opinion that the world as it is at present is not in good shape.

My education tells me that following World War II, when things were grim, people sat down and created the UN. Its main job was to ensure world peace.

For a few decades this was almost achieved – at least a nuclear war was averted. At the moment, the UN and its various offshoots seem to be totally irrelevant, so why is it still in existence? Who is paying for it?

Protesting that a veto is the difficulty is simply not washing – the truth is that the UN seems no longer needed and should be dismantled.

Glenda Ellis, Drummoyne, NSW

Work going overseas

There are plans to decommission the Northern Endeavour in Denmark, sidelining Australian businesses that say the work could be done here and generate hundreds of jobs. The implication is Australian industry is not up to the task. Yet the Albanese government proposes to build nuclear-powered submarines here. Am I missing something?

Peter O’Brien, Kiama, NSW