Voters recognise fidelity to promises and reward pragmatism in office

Scott Morrison’s aim to see Australia play a more active role in bodies that set international standards — as shown by his call for an independent inquiry into COVID-19 — demonstrates his pre-election commitment to pragmatism and commonsense (“Stepping up to more active role”, 9/6).

Combined with his relatively successful management of the pandemic, it explains his rise in popularity. His commitment to pragmatism with definable outcomes contrasts with the Labor opposition, which runs a platform based on ideology and is generally utopian with vague outcomes, and uncritical reverence for the UN.

Ron Hobba, Camberwell, Vic

Switched-on bruvas

The story of the CFMEU is not all bad news (Cut and Paste, 9/6). The mining and energy division’s submission to the Victoria inquiry into nuclear prohibition shows a depth of electricity sector understanding beyond most Federal government agencies.

If the construction division showed similar intelligence they might get the chance to participate in the massive construction required to replace ageing base-load power stations. No way with the current culture but change is always possible.

Barrie Hill, Lane Cove, NSW

The government has given little thought to their largesse with the construction stimulus and are chasing a quick employment fix. The nation has woken up to the lack of manufacturing in this country and a better use of almost $700m in construction stimulus would be to expand our manufacturing sector.

Perhaps we should be looking to become world leaders in battery technology or nuclear power. The legacy from investing in such industries would far outweigh that from building more houses or from renovations.

John Chapman, Nedlands, WA

Dilemmas of gender

A brief note to thank Bernard Lane for his efforts to inform us about the situation behind medical treatments for children with gender dysphoria (“Probe into trans teen autism rate”, 9/6). For me, it is a case of “there but for the grace of God, go I”. My own daughter, as she entered puberty, insisted I shop for her clothing in the boys’ department and she expressed the desire, repeatedly, to be a boy.

We sympathised but reminded her “girls can do anything”. This lasted for a couple of years. She was and is a very bright person, being dux of her high school class and graduating from university with a medical degree.

She now works as a GP and has a lovely family with husband and three very bright children. I’m pretty sure she has come to terms with her gender. Had she been a teen today, I’m not sure where we would be. I hate to think.

Name withheld, Adelaide, SA

As a trans, autistic guy I know the importance of separating literal thinking, sensory conflicts and gender dysphoria from one another. Living with a cognitive system that allows me to interpret life differently, poses lots of challenges, yes, but this doesn’t mean the things I experience are of less value, so much as it means I need time to sort through them.

Being given hormone blockers so I have time to explore what my body, mind, soul and heart are telling me, buys time for everyone.

Wenn B Lawson, Warrnambool, Vic

‘Intolerance’ in India

Not sure what planet Lyle Geyer is on (Letters, 9/6) when he says India upholds the rule of law, freedom and mutual respect, when it is well known the BJP government persecutes minorities. Open Doors (an advocacy group for persecuted Christians) in their 2020 World Watch list has India at number 10 among the 50 worst countries for persecution of Christians. Iran is number 9.

John Chapman, Thornleigh, NSW