The Nationals need to change more than just its leader

One former deputy prime minister (John Anderson) was rejected, a former deputy prime minister (Barnaby Joyce) was accepted, and the newly rejected deputy prime minister (Michael McCormack) made a most acceptable concession speech. Talk about a weird mob. Nonetheless, good on Barnaby Joyce. He helped the Coalition retain office in 2016, was returned by his electorate in 2019 with an increased majority and recently fended off a preselection challenge. While on the mission-critical issue of energy, it’s the common-sense advocacy from Joyce for coal and nuclear, with able support from colleagues Matt Canavan and Bridget McKenzie, that now provides hope the Nats can put some centre right ticker into the Libs. Baseload power is not green hydrogen, ScoMo. Indeed, it’s precisely the sort of rot Morrison’s predecessor talks, with the same turn-off result.

Mandy Macmillan, Singleton, NSW

Greg Sheridan (“Nationals diminish party on Anderson”, 21/6) is, as usual, absolutely right. If ever there were a time for John Anderson’s experience in the parliamentary party it’s right now. As Sheridan rightly points out, not only do the Nationals need Anderson but both Matt Canavan and Bridget McKenzie, two of the party’s most talented performers, are sitting on the back bench completely wasted again at a time when the party absolutely needs them.

Apart from losing the talented Anderson, much of the current conundrum comes back to the removal of then deputy prime minister Barnaby Joyce by then prime minister Malcolm Turnbull. For all his faults Joyce was a man of the land and spoke for the people he and his party represented, and stood up to the Liberals. That is what the Nationals constituents want of their party and its leader.

Now, like never before, is the time for the Nationals to get back to basics, particularly in Queensland. This won’t happen without Canavan and McKenzie and perhaps we will see Anderson take on the party presidency where his influence can steer it back to fully representing its grassroots constituents.

Ian C. Murray, Cremorne Point, NSW

Greg Sheridan is correct in every one of his comments. The National Party has lost an opportunity to include one of the brightest politicians, with integrity, and one of the most decent men ever to walk the corridors of Parliament House, by failing to select former leader John Anderson to a Senate position.

It would appear that political parties today are only interested, not in conservative members, but the progressives, whom they think will win votes in the cities.

Let them think again, because voters are beginning to comprehend that the left will not deliver policies for the regions.

Lesley Beckhouse, Queanbeyan, NSW

One of the things that continues to amaze me is how often political parties eat their own. For decades the Labor Party made this an art form. At times the Liberals are not far behind. Now the Nationals are doing the same – much to the detriment of their public image and that of the Morrison government. Some lessons are never learned.

If they had to have a new leader, the Nationals should have gone with David Littleproud, who at least has some fire in his belly and offers a new face. Barnaby Joyce has had his turn. He should use his undoubted political smarts to support Littleproud and forget about Barnaby. As for the Nationals shunning John Anderson for a couple of political staffers with very little true-life experience, one just wonders what the National Party powers-that-be must be thinking.

Peter D. Surkitt, Sandringham, Vic

The election of Barnaby Joyce as leader of the National Party beggars belief. Australia will be embarrassed in having such a person as deputy prime minister.

What has he achieved of any note in all his years in parliament? These comments come from a retired farmer and grazier who has always supported the National Party member both federally and at state level since 1967.

Geoff Bushby, Milsons Point, NSW

The Nationals’ original rejection of Barnaby Joyce is the mirror image of the Liberals’ rejection of Tony Abbott.

There aren’t that many good men around that the Coalition can afford to be so petulant.

Andy Hegh, East Fremantle, WA