Letters
Letters to
the editor
No contest
It is extreme for Senator Peter Whish-Wilson to accuse the Murdoch media of being Australia’s “biggest cancer on climate action”. But no organisation is worse (“Fighting the ‘cancer on climate action’ ”, October 4-10). News Corp commentators regularly repeat exaggerated and fake news. Letters on climate are dominated by anti-net zero readers. Rarely do even the most easily disproved assertions get a reply. Tax-free donations helped the Institute of Public Affairs to do “research” that, with ludicrous assumptions, found one third of all Australia’s agricultural land could be needed for renewables. The Murdoch media published this, with almost no checking or analysis. By comparison, an Australian National University study found that just 1200 square kilometres is needed. The Australian includes “Welcome to the contest of ideas” online and on the front page of its print edition!
– John Hughes, Mentone, Vic
Missing the point
I am disappointed and angry with the revealing information provided by Jason Koutsoukis (“Exclusive: Anthony Albanese overruled push for public NACC hearings”, October 4-10). Albanese, for all his achievements, has completely missed what the Constitution requires for good government. His failure to effectively grasp the details of the issues at hand are exemplified by: (1) his appointment of Senator Murray Watt to negotiate an acceptable compromise with relevant parties regarding the continued production of fossil fuels to 2070, with no guarantee of protection for the environment; (2) his complete watering down of the NACC and its operational definitions, to the degree that trust of politicians and public servants has reached a new low; and (3) his recent ongoing commitment to the maintenance of the constitutional monarchy.
– Will Martin, Bawley Point, NSW
Immigration inaccuracies
The suggestions by Emily Barrett that immigration drives economic growth and makes up for the cost of an ageing population (“Fantasy islands”, October 4-10) repeat deeply entrenched misconceptions within the media and on the part of policymakers. Increasing population through immigration impacts many Australians through the difficulty and cost of providing the additional infrastructure and services required. These needs and costs are conveniently ignored when measuring economic growth. And immigrants too will age, meaning immigration will not lessen overall population ageing. To express these concerns is neither racist nor part of a fear campaign, as implied by John Hewson (“Hastie climbers have sudden falls”) in the same issue. The time for an informed discussion of immigration policy that reflects growing public insights and sentiment is way overdue.
– Rob Fowler, Glenside, SA
Misguided Hastie
Hastie by name, hasty by nature. Andrew Hastie has a high opinion of his own ability, but if perhaps he wasn’t in such a hurry, he might have taken time to reflect on the recent vote of the Australian people to reject the basic tenets he is supporting. Hastie seems to want to fill the ill-advised divisive Dutton role within conservative politics. It worked so well for Dutton, he even lost his seat. To suggest Hastie has the answers to the Liberals’ problems is absurd. Australians have rejected the Trump-inspired, right-wing, nasty tactics Dutton championed. Perhaps a period of rebuilding and listening would do the Liberal Party good.
– Geoff Nilon, Mascot, NSW
Treaty yeah
Thanks to Marcia Langton (“A model Treaty”, October 4-10) for a thoughtfully optimistic response to Victoria’s Statewide Treaty Bill 2025, establishing Gellung Warl. We will benefit by preserving Daniel James’s explanations. “Treaty builds the architecture of a renewed relationship. Gellung Warl, meaning ‘tip of the spear’ … Nginma Ngainga Wara, meaning ‘the voice that holds to account’ … Nyerna Yoorrook Telkuna, meaning ‘to keep speaking truth’ …enduring commitments.” Titled in Wemba Wemba language, these culture-laden ideas will guide future actions.
– Roger Eggleton, Wallsend, NSW
Moral commitment
One can only admire Dr Bob Brown’s steadfast moral commitment to the preservation of our planet over his long, petitioning involvement in public life. That this should flow into his personal journey as an octogenarian and his praiseworthy attitude to the inevitability of death comes as no surprise (Bob Brown, “A full life”, October 4-10). His encouragement for making worthwhile bequests with one’s wealth affirms his concerns for humanity and the environment’s preservation.
– Lesley Forbes, Kew, NSW
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This article was first published in the print edition of The Saturday Paper on October 10, 2025.
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