Sadly, another election will be fought over boats and borders

The heat of battle is obscuring sincere differences over what is best for our borders and for asylum-seekers

Your correspondents seems to salivate at the prospect of another election fought on boats (“Shorten’s electoral gift to a struggling Morrison”, 14/2).

Why not? It worked in 2001 and 2013. However polls suggest a majority of Australians now support more humane treatment of asylum seekers. Community attitudes do change over time, just ask those gay couples who are happily married now.

Those who voted for the medivac bill are genuinely concerned with the welfare of those stranded in offshore detention centres, rather than with any desire to assist people smugglers in any way, as the PM suggested.

And most of the conservative politicians are well-intentioned in their adoption of harsh measures for existing boat arrivals in order to deter future asylum seekers from embarking on the perilous journey. But my confidence is shaken by the prime minister’s refusal to clarify publicly that the bill doesn’t apply to new arrivals, a cynical signal to people smugglers to start their trade so as to score a political point against Labor.

Perhaps it’s time for Mr Morrison, a devout Christian, to pause and reflect on the morality (if not the legality) of punishing boat people who are exercising a right to seek asylum, to achieve a specific policy outcome.

Han Yang, North Turramurra, NSW

Whatever the pros and cons of the medivac bill passed this week in the federal parliament and whatever any of us may think about, on the one hand the humanitarian aspect, or on the other, the message that it might send to people smugglers in southeast Asia, I find the prime minister’s response intemperate.

I would hope his advisers would caution him and encourage restraint.

It’s not just, to quote Rebekha Sharkie, the prospect of him “peddling the politics of fear”, but also this past week the indignity of having to watch a national leader miffed at not getting his way.

He needs to settle down and remember he represents all Australians including those who disagree with his well known position on immigration.

Simon Hattrell, Lucaston, Tas

The image of the three female independent MPs Kerryn Phelps, Rebekha Sharkie and Julia Banks, celebrating the carriage of the medivac laws is one that will live in the memory.

It is hard to fathom that they have brazenly set aside the advice of this country’s security authorities.

They may believe that there are sufficient safeguards to ensure the floodgates of boat arrivals are not reopened, but as history shows from little things big things grow when there is a lack of resolve on border protection.

Many countries in Europe and around the world are envious of our success in this area; why would anyone in good conscience place at risk that success.?

Kim Keogh, East Fremantle, WA

Ramsay emphasis correct

Nigel Jackson’s letter (14/2) supporting increased emphasis in the Ramsay Centre syllabus on Renaissance mystics, aesthetics and metaphysics, reminded me of an aphorism about the difference between two groups who draw heavily on such thought. A philosopher is someone who enters a dark cellar at night, without a light, looking for a black cat that isn’t there; a theologian follows the philosopher into the cellar and finds the cat. Mysticism and metaphysics should be taught — so students can learn why they’re largely ignored.

Doug Hurst, Chapman, ACT

It’s right to avoid blaming

It’s encouraging to see Scott Morrison is not using the blame game approach to indigenous affairs. He recognises the “top down” approach hasn’t worked, and that consultation and problem solving starting in communities themselves are the only solution.

Helen Scheller, Benalla, Vic