Younger generation ignored as Libs ponder direction, relevance

The Liberal Party has just faced a major political wipeout at the last election.

There were many reasons: poor policies, poor explanation of policies, not enough women in the party and, probably the most important, not focusing on the younger generation to win their votes.

I do not doubt Sussan Ley’s credentials and her leadership skills. But I have to ask the question: Is this what the younger generation wants? Why have the younger generation of the Liberal Party and public been dismissed as not being relevant? They surely are, and should have their concerns listened to.

If you don’t invite the younger generation to have a say or be recognised, what chances do you have of being elected to govern the nation?

Alan Clark, Gosford, NSW

The selection of Sussan Ley as Opposition Leader is testament to the fact that the party is failing to embrace core Liberal values in favour of Labor-lite cowardice.

While she has a depth of experience and talent, it remains to be seen if she has the courage to enforce the policies discouraged Liberal supporters are pleading to have fulfilled.

Meanwhile, she deserves the support of her party and Liberal supporters, and an opportunity to explain and promote her values.

Grassroots Liberal supporters want to see the abolition of the impossible, unrealistic Paris Agreement and the resultant destruction of our country for a failed renewables ideology.

Secure energy is the basis of a flourishing economy, a First World country and an expectation of a modern country with increasing energy demands.

At a time when government policies are being blamed as shortsighted, Liberals must embrace nuclear energy, not only for our submarines, as we have, but for the secure future of our children and grandchildren. Otherwise, we remain uncompetitive and a parochial backwater on the world stage.

Mary-Anne Higgins, Rose Park, SA

In its search for reasons for the May 3 political massacre, the new Liberal Party team would do well to carefully consider Noel Pearson’s eloquent and stunning critique of Dutton-style politics (“Dog act: Pearson unleashes on all”, 10-11/5).

In the aftermath of successive election disasters for the Liberals, it is clear that the people are fed up with the tough-guy stance of the discarded leaders, along with the obfuscation and personal attacks that mask an inability to engage in reasoned political debate. The question now is whether the dog will continue to be wagged by the tail.

Perhaps a trial separation of the Coalition partners would give both an opportunity to reflect on what they really want to stand for in the future.

Bill Bodkin, Tewantin, Qld

Climate action vital

David Littleproud is pushing back on climate science, as well as what the electorate clearly wants (“Net-zero change possible as Littleproud stays in charge”, 13/5).

Peter Dutton and the LNP lost the election with a very weak plan for transition to renewables and nuclear power. Seeing off the climate change-denying Matt Canavan is not enough. The Nationals will drag the Coalition down if it does not support action on reduced carbon emissions.

John Hughes, Mentone, Vic

Watt Shelf life

New Environment Minister Murray Watt has a clear mandate to approve critical projects like the North West Shelf (“Minister’s first job: fix Shelf, 13/5).

His bigger challenge lies in reforming the bureaucratic “green tape” and its entrenched culture. This situation exists largely due to constant litigation from activist groups exploiting every legal avenue, and politicians trying to mitigate political risk by over-legislating. Unless the government reforms the legal system that permits these delays with little accountability, green tape will remain entrenched.

At present, obstructing project progress seems to be far too easy, with little to no consequences for those responsible.

Don McMillan, Paddington, Qld

All eyes on Middle East

Excellent article by Jonathan Spyer (“Israel on cusp of finishing the war that Hamas started”, 13/5). The wholesale slaughter of innocents in southern Israel by Hamas terrorists established a terrible precedent that Israel can be surprised.

The region is in a holding pattern eager to anticipate President Donald Trump’s (possibly) mellowed attitude to Middle East politics. His visit will be played out in full view of his endeavours to initiate peace deals, between Ukraine and Russia, India and Pakistan, and his aim to relieve Iran of its nuclear weapon capabilities. We watch with fascination, as key personalities shuffle their position on the world stage to authenticate their validity and authority.

Aviva Rothschild, Caulfield North, Vic