Sabre-rattling talk is futile in the face of numbers

Defence expert Jennifer Parker writes that Australia’s defence effort is underfunded (“We need to spend on defence not suffer cheap shots”, November 18). To support that argument, she offers the usual unsubstantiated assertion that this nation is facing “the most challenging strategic circumstances since the Second World War” and that “the risk of conflict is rising”. We have heard that rhetoric before, and watched the pointless military involvements it encouraged (Malaya, Korea, Vietnam). Here’s the reality. We already spend between 2 per cent and 2.04 per cent of our GDP on defence. China spends just 1.7 per cent. While there are about 76,000 active ADF personnel, China has more than 2 million recruits in its armed services – more than 26 times as many. When it comes to military conflict, it’s not the percentages that matter but actual numbers. The only way to achieve Parker’s goal of preserving “the way of life we take for granted” is through patient diplomacy and co-operation, not buying more guns. David Salter, Hunter’s Hill

China has more than 2 million recruits in its armed services.Credit: Getty Images

I agree we need to have a national conversation about how we prepare for Australia’s defence, but only if it includes the people and not just politicians, defence personal and experts from weapons companies. It would appear our defence force is being prepared to support the US in the event of war with China, when we should rather be creating an independent ADF that can defend Australia without relying on dubious allies. For a start, the money saved by abandoning both AUKUS and the building of US bases would go a long way to creating a truly independent force. Yes, submarines are an important defence capability, but our defence would be better served by conventionally powered submarines, which is why Japan, South Korea and Singapore use them. Yes, let’s have a conversation, but I fear we are already locked to US defence interests. Joe Collins, Mosman

Moderates’ best hope

Your editorial castigates Liberal moderates for being gutless in not resigning from the opposition frontbench (“Moderate Liberals’ net zero stance is just gutless”, November 18). I agree that the moderates need to take a major step, but sitting on the backbench as Liberals under National Party policy does not seem like the answer. A large swathe of former Liberal voters have moved away from the party in recent years to vote for independents, who have adopted the liberal philosophy to a large extent. Or, to be more accurate, the Liberal Party has moved away from a large number of its traditional supporters. I think the only course for the moderates is to reclaim the centre by forming a new party and attracting the independents to join them in espousing true liberal values. There is no way the National Party and the conservative Liberals are going to cut it with most voters. John Duff, Lavender Bay

“Gutless” is a savage indictment of Sussan Ley’s Liberals but, as both your editorial and Cathy Wilcox’s cartoon make clear, it is justified. Dragged into a counter-productive coalition with David Littleproud’s backward bunch, the liberalism of Ley’s lot, as Menzies intended it – is notable by its absence. It is crucial for the democratic well-being of this nation that there be an effective opposition to keep the bastards honest, as former politician Don Chipp memorably proclaimed. Who wants a one-party state? If Ley’s Liberals had supported net zero and stopped damaging themselves with attacks on immigration, it could more effectively have opposed the Albanese government. Ron Sinclair, Windradyne

Duopoly of shame

As neither of the major political parties seems to be addressing the climate concerns of the electorate, the Herald is to be congratulated for publishing articles by Liberal insider Jane Buncle (“Lib issue is the horse not the jockey”, November 18), and former WA Labor premier Carmen Lawrence (“Every coal and gas approval tarnishes Labor’s climate legacy”, November 18), who elucidate their parties’ failings. As Ms Buncle spells out, net zero is not driving up prices and the transition to a clean energy future is not a cultural change, but one of economic necessity. On the other hand, Carmen Lawrence rightly points out that allowing new coal and gas projects is a failure in the duty of care owed to every Australian. Unless the major parties start listening to their constituents, the voters will be entirely justified in declaring a pox on both their houses and finding candidates who take their concerns seriously. Peter Nash, Fairlight

Retire the coal-fired

I spent about 40 years working in the NSW coal-fired power industry – from tin-pot electrical apprentice to somehow ultimately GM of a couple of power stations. In particular, I remember with affection my many years at Liddell power station, its dedicated working-class people and its inclusive communities. There was a growing acceptance of the climate science that informed us all (aside from Barnaby) was that Liddell was finite. Aside from age-related failures, there was a forward view towards renewables. The proposed closure of Liddell started a battle between its owners and the federal government, which was unproductive from any viewpoint. I have worked in both coal and renewable enterprises, and I can very earnestly say that, while I loved the rumble, the dark and the cadence of old Lady Liddell, and especially her people, she definitely was ready to retire. So should be her sisters – Bayswater, Mount Piper, Eraring and Vales Point. It can be done well, though I suspect this idea will displease many. We should not let the dinosaurs (hello again, Barnaby) get in the way of a sustainable future for us all. Kate Coates, Wangi Wangi

An aerial view of the Liddell power station in MuswellbrookCredit: Janie Barrett

Why is Australia pushing so hard to host COP31 (“PM issues Turkey ultimatum on hosting climate conference”, November 18)? Is it to showcase our less-than-transparent net zero calculations, to highlight that our Pacific neighbours are slowly sinking due to climate inaction, to show that we’re the biggest emissions exporters in the world and that we encourage the expansion of fossil fuel extraction and exports? Do we really think we can fool the rest of the world into thinking we’re an exemplar for climate action and emissions reduction? Mark Tietjen, Redfern

Hanson lures Libs

Sussan Ley should think twice (“Ley seeks Howard help on migration and the rise of Hanson”, November 18). Someone should remind her that Pauline Hanson was disendorsed by the Liberal Party before the 1996 federal election, resulting in the rise of One Nation, and the Howard government being forced to mimic Hanson and take a tougher line on immigration. The tail has been wagging the immigration dog since. If Sussan Ley wants advice or prophecy from the gods, she is going to the wrong oracle. Joe Weller, Mittagong

Is there no limit to the number of red lines the Liberals are prepared to cross in their fruitless quest for power? Having ditched our commitment to net zero by 2050, immigration “will be the next debate”. Sussan Ley asking John Howard for advice on migration presages a ramping-up of the divisiveness now baked into Coalition policy. No matter how many times Ley says “I have my own migrant story”, her potential leadership rival Andrew Hastie tells the real story: “We’re starting to feel like strangers in our own home.” What does his “home” look like? The most recent ABS data shows 54 per cent of Australians claim Anglo-Celtic background, 25 per cent non-European, 18 per cent European and 3 per cent Indigenous. As for immigration numbers, our population is still lower than was projected before COVID. Coalition-manufactured alarmism over migration – and decarbonisation – places them further to the right. Fiona Colin, Malvern East (Vic)

Credit: Cathy Wilcox

I can already imagine John Howard’s answer to Sussan Ley’s question:“Just do what I did, Sussan; adopt her policies and use racism to scare gullible people into voting for you.” Kenneth Smith, Orange

Don’t ruin Kiama

I know how Wendy Whiteley must feel with the “rapacious rush” to build a 30-storey tower that would loom over her treasured “secret garden” (“Wendy Whiteley joins the fight against Sydney high-rise apartments”, November 18). We in Kiama are just about to endure the same assault on our tiny town. Some years back a developer bought a prime block of real estate that been a car park and applied to build a six-storey block on it. With some adjustments, the council agreed. But the developer went to a court of appeal and has now received the nod for 14 storeys. The town, quite rightly, is stunned, with such a massive midtown development about to assault our tiny holiday haven. It’s going to cancel out the charm – the very reason tourists are attracted here. Heritage homes behind this monster will have their harbour aspects completely obliterated. About 100 trees will also go, many very old and tall. What is it about this state government that encourages such inappropriate developments in a perfect little seaside town? We may need more accommodation in NSW, but with a future fast train network why not create new satellite towns rather than ruin existing locations? Travellers come to Kiama for its quiet holiday vibe. It’s not the Gold Coast and that’s why we chose to live here. A broader vision is required to build new communities and give the current, historic older locations room to breathe and thrive for what they are. Greg Vale, Kiama

Orwellian moment

Trump offers congratulations to the world as he confirms himself the chair of the “Board of Peace” (“Trump’s Gaza peace plan approved by United Nations Security Council”, November 18). He is also the commander-in-chief of the Department of War and is positioning US navy vessels off the coast of Venezuela as intimidation. A truly Orwellian moment. I am not surprised that the parties involved bestow the “chair” on Trump, another insincere accolade in exchange for US resources and puffery for those easily flattered. However, I am surprised that the term “chair” is enough for Trump – not imperial enough I would think. Whether the efforts in Gaza lead to peace and stability for the region is yet to be seen. Whatever the outcome, chairman Trump will boast and blame, claim and disown in equal measure. The circus continues. Marie Del Monte, Ashfield

Clear message

Thank you, Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke, for sending a clear and unequivocal message to Matthew Gruter and others who seek to shape Australia in their narrow and discriminatory image (“Neo-Nazi taken into Villawood detention centre”, November 18). We welcome those who come to contribute their effort, skill and passion for the benefit of all, not those who would build walls and deny the dignity and humanity of their neighbours. Philip Cooney, Wentworth Falls

Matthew Gruter (third from left) with other members of the NSN outside NSW Parliament on November 8.

I find Matthew Gruter and his fellow neo-Nazis’ views abhorrent. Nevertheless, I think that an argument could be made to let him stay, under strict guidelines, to demonstrate that we are a compassionate nation and our values are the opposite of his. In many ways he deserves to be deported, but that will probably make him a martyr to some. As the premier said, he is a pissant and his views have no value in Australia, but our democracy is alive, vibrant and resilient. Ron Brown, Wallsend

All is not lost for Matthew Gruter. No doubt with Donald Trump’s immigration policy favouring white South Africans, he and his influencer wife may gain immediate entry to America. Peter Clarke, Turramurra

I’m not sure if the South African government would accept a white supremacist deported from Australia. Tom Dolan, Narraweena

Australian first

New NSW Nationals leader Gurmesh Singh nailed it when he asked, “How many more generations does it have to be before I stop being an Indian-Australian and become just an Australian?” (“Gurmesh Singh elected NSW Nationals leader”, November 18). I don’t think of myself as an Irish-English-German Australian just because that’s where my family came from between 1790 and 1890. Mr Singh’s comments go to the heart of the ignorance of people who judge by looks alone – and to evil, divisive politicians seeking to grab power by blaming immigrants based on that false premise. Don Easter, Dubbo

Triple shambles

Why are phone users who have not updated their phones locked out of triple zero (“TPG says person dead after failed Triple Zero call”, November 18)? Surely triple zero should be made available to everyone, no matter how old their phones are. Many people with older phones use them for basic phone calls only and don’t want to use social media platforms, emails etc. Why should they be forced to buy an expensive new device? This is a life and death issue that should be addressed by all the telcos. It’s a disgrace that this is happening. Lynne Egan, Glenbrook

National curriculum

Neville Turbit, we did bring in a national school curriculum a few years ago (Letters, November 18). It was somewhat successful, but some states decreed that their state curriculum was superior and reverted to their own programs again. Trying to implement a one-size-fits-all system ended up with a watered-down curriculum that compromised courses. Margaret Grove, Concord

Layne Beachley surfing in Tahiti in 2006.Credit: Getty Images

Wave of women

As young women with surfboards under their arms rush past me, eager to get to the surf, I think what a difference a generation has made (“Just how far women’s surfing – and Layne Beachley – have come”), November 18). No longer relegated to sitting on the sand, or fetching food and drinks for surfing blokes, girls and women have taken their rightful place on the waves. It’s so fitting, then, that Layne Beachley has been honoured with the 2025 The Dawn award. From one pioneering woman to another, both clearing a path for those young women who follow. Jenny Forster, Manly

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