New parliament can put good faith before reform rush

The new parliament begins on Tuesday (“No time to waste in reform push”, 25/7) but, as our chosen representatives in the nation’s capital, the new Labor ministers have already given us a foretaste of what is to come from their media appearances.

As expected after a few weeks of bonhomie and talk of togetherness, they have derided the previous parliament, especially the former prime minister who was, according to Labor, personally responsible for heatwaves, fires, floods and a pandemic.

I had hoped the new government might not start the first session with this outdated modus operandi, but old habits die hard for Labor. A lot needs to be done by all our well paid and indulged politicians, new and old, in this our great country. Putting old grievances aside, they could all work together in good faith for the best outcomes for everyone who identifies as Australian.

Stephanie Summers, North Turramurra, NSW

Tony Burke’s decision essentially to scrap the building industry watchdog (“Backlash as building cop cut”, 25/7) is a sure indication the Albanese government supports industrial thuggery that has been the hallmark of the CFMEU for decades. Despite court cases resulting in large fines against the union, it has continued to thumb its nose at the courts; the fines mean nothing to a tax-exempt organisation that has bucketloads of cash and can donate to the Labor Party.

Sadly, we have a government that is prepared to ignore the realities highlighted in your editorial (“PM, Burke risk credibility in ditching building watchdog”, 25/7). Anthony Albanese says he wants decency, fairness, reliability, respect – you name it – when it comes to his government. With the help of Burke, he may just jettison all that.

John George, Terrigal, NSW

If ever there was an industry that requires close supervision it is the construction sector and in particular the CFMEU. Historically, there is a litany of examples of unsavoury behaviour. This assertion is supported by the judgments and fines imposed, all of which seem to have no influence on their ongoing costly and boorish behaviour. Open Labor support for this organisation does not sit well with the average Australian as ultim­ately the rising costs associated with a “free-range” CFMEU will be borne by them. The government needs to be mindful of this union’s influence within their party and remember they were elected to govern fairly for all.

Tom Moylan, Melbourne

The Albanese government, in typical Labor fashion, is hellbent on rushing into legislation for climate change, a voice to parliament referendum and an integrity commission, and obliterating the Australian Building and Construction Commission. But it is moribund when it comes to an urgent and appropriate response to the incredibly serious foot-and-mouth problem.

Norm Shepherd, Kellyville, NSW

I urge the Albanese government to incorporate Mick Keelty’s concerns (“Federal ICAC can’t be a law unto itself”, 25/7) that the legislation for the federal integrity commission protect the vitally significant principle of innocent until proven guilty. Keelty’s two proposals are eminently sensible, namely a panel of assessors to weed out “frivolous and vindictive complaints” and an inspector-general position to monitor that proper “investigations and prosecution guidelines are followed”. For the commission to gain credibility, the expert advice of the highly respected Keelty, a former Australian Federal Police commissioner, must be incorporated – otherwise it so easily could “be politically weaponised”. I share his broader concern that so much depends on their definition of corruption.

(Father) Kevin Burke, Sandringham, Vic

As a parliamentary staffer in the mid-1980s, I was one of three full-time staff serving a senator whose responsibilities covered the entire state of Victoria. When I joined the staff of a Victorian MHR I was one of four.

So you can imagine how the previous government’s staff allocation of eight for a crossbencher seems a luxury, especially as technology has made research and communication so accessible. The successful teals apparently consider themselves exceptional.

Myra Mortensen-Williams, Toorak, Vic