There could not be a better time for a man of Anderson’s calibre to return to Canberra

On announcing his planned return to federal parliament, former Nationals leader John Anderson said, “The National Party is the natural home of a sensible, mainstream outlook, of a bush pragmatism which is rooted in traditional Australian values” (“Anderson makes Nats comeback”, 9/3). My God, if ever there were a time for a senior, experienced politician with traditional and pragmatic values to arrive on the scene in Canberra it is now.

As state governments gradually destroy the national electricity grid, the economic backbone of the country, with flim-flam and environmentally destructive renewables; as the government places the future defence of the country at risk by investing in inferior diesel subs rather than nuclear powered; as governments retard the development of the nation by not fully exploiting our natural resources of uranium, gas and coal; and as the nation’s number one issue, water security, continues to be neglected, then something has to give.

When you add to the above the abomination that our schoolchildren are taught at schools that there is nothing to be proud of in our history, then someone with the values of John Anderson is well and truly welcome.

Ron Hobba Camberwell, Vic

Commendations are due to John Anderson, former deputy prime minster, for chasing a political comeback because his motivation is the improvement of the tone of national politics and to “eliminate the poison of identity politics”. His focus on promoting traditional Australian values can only enhance cultural and political life in our “lucky” country.

Babette Francis, Toorak, Vic

The news of John Anderson’s intended run for the Senate in NSW is welcome, indeed. The integrity of Anderson is beyond question and he would provide a wonderful counterbalance to the left-leaning crossbench, which is filled with angry, single-issue senators who delight in the poison of identity politics while constantly attacking the values that made Australia great. A sensible, cool head with great insight into the deep spiritual and economic malaise afflicting our nation, John Anderson could again make a valuable contribution.

Peter Curtis, Werribee South, Vic

Comments by Kim Keogh (Letters, 9/3) on Johannes Leak’s very insightful cartoon (Commentary, 8/3) are certainly true, but as John Anderson comments, politics in Australia are broken. As Leak’s cartoon highlights, there is, and has been for some time, an awful “play the person, not the policy” mentality in the Left’s political agenda, ably supported by GetUp and the fast-becoming irrelevant Greens. First, Tony Abbott was subject to simply awful campaign tactics in Warringah, followed by similar tactics against up-and-coming Nicolle Flint. Now the targets are Craig Kelly, for having an opinion, and Angus Taylor, for being Angus Taylor. These are tactics of a party void of policies — if you have no answers play the person. I certainly hope John Anderson can make a difference in Canberra.

Ian Murray, Cremorne Point, NSW

A big welcome back to politics to the very decent John Anderson. Let’s hope the Nationals select him. And while we are at it, perhaps his move will prompt a few other notable past stars out of political retirement — Peter Costello (federal), Jeff Kennett (Victoria) and Kate Carnell (ACT).

Ian Morison, Forrest, ACT

Given his experience, calibre and straight-forward decency, John Anderson’s possible return to federal politics is not just an advantage for the Nationals, it is a massive advantage for Australia. However, it has to be said, there are sections of the media (and others) who won’t understand why.

Peter M. Wargent, Mosman, NSW

With all the nonsense going on with Harry and Meghan and Christian Porter, it is good to read that someone of the calibre of John Anderson is coming back to politics. Anderson is a man of intelligence, wit, compassion, integrity and downright decency, qualities seldom seen in the halls of Canberra.

Iain Rae, River Heads, Qld

Archie’s title

Meghan is being disingenuous with her complaint that son Archie isn’t a prince. The children of Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, aren’t princes or princesses either. In 1917, King George V issued a Letters Patent as to who in the royal family inherits the title of prince. Archie is entitled to use his father’s second title, Earl of Dumbarton, and will inherit the title of Duke of Sussex upon Prince Harry’s passing.

David Armstrong, Maylands, WA

Surely people aren’t surprised to hear Harry and Meghan blame others for their woes. This is a prominent feature of this generation all over the West. Blameless victims of a horrible society. We can only hope their vast wealth will buy them sufficient safe space into which they can retreat.

Russ Fathers, Tweed Heads, NSW