Unaffordable promises

I would be more interested in the presentations of political party leaders if they stopped trying to buy votes with Band-Aid solutions and developed some strategic policies.

John McBratney, Lancefield, Vic

How can any government deliver a budget that is in the red and then go on a pre-election tour and promise billions of dollars in handouts if re-elected? It’s morally indefensible.

Peter Claughton, Farrer, ACT

Does either leader believe the unaffordable promises they make? If they think we will believe them, their naivety is touching. Is this the level of government we have come to expect and, unfortunately, have got used to?

Roseanne Schneider, Toowoomba, Qld

As election day looms, Australian voters are being bombarded by a torrent of misinformation, disinformation and contradictory messages, particularly on energy policy. Sadly the main offenders – Chris Bowen, Jim Chalmers, Anthony Albanese and not least Adam Bandt – have reduced the current political debate from what should be a contest of ideas to a contest of lies.

Jim Taylor, Brisbane

A swath of articles in The Weekend Australian demonstrates that none of the election contestants have policies that would provide a wealthy, healthy and harmonious future for Australia.

An essential basis for a strong economy is constant low-cost energy, which is not in prospect. Other critical bases are rewards for initiative, enterprise and self-reliance, all of which are undermined by intrusive high regulation governments.

Michael Cunningham, West End, Qld

May I take the liberty of pleading with my fellow voters to put the Greens last on their federal election voting paper? Here in the ACT we know from experience how damaging a Labor minority government in hock to the Greens can be.

Helen Jackson, Higgins, ACT

Chris Kenny is right to say the “nutty climate activists” go too far in pursuing their aims. But we must get the balance right as there is no doubt the global temperatures are rising and Australia has to do its share in minimising emissions.

Ken Clarke, Tweed Heads, NSW

Donald Trump would do well to ponder on the sage words of Benjamin Franklin in 1750: “Glass, China, and Reputation, are easily crack’d, and never well mended.”

Paul Kershaw, Burnside, SA