Libs pay price for climate ignorance

Tom Uren, the revered former Whitlam government minister, Labor legend and mentor to a young Anthony Albanese once assessed Albo as the future of the party. Nailed it, Tom. Bill Young, Killcare Heights

So, Liberal Party, climate change, a federal ICAC and women do matter. Jane Armitage, Mosman

The editorial (“Albanese must lead with caution to fulfil mandate”, May 23) proposes that Anthony Albanese has a “mandate for cautious, inclusive change”. This is a reasonable summary but the emphasis needs to be more on change and less on any restrictions. What is obvious now is that everyone underestimated the depth of the mood for change existing in the community. The electorate found its voice to slam the indolent and incompetent Coalition government. The electorate is very engaged and is unaccepting of some former givens. Labor cannot afford to be timid and must make the argument for more change than was proposed. It may not be in his make-up, but Anthony Albanese has a green light to be bold. Ross Butler, Rodd Point

Niki Savva correctly claimed last week (“Why is this bulldozer so bullish?” , May 19) that dislike of Scott Morrison has remained a constant theme in this campaign. And it has proved to be so in the first batch of post-election letters. After a brief congratulation to Albanese on his win, the remainder of the section was devoted to giving Morrison and the Coalition a good kicking. It might be worthwhile remembering the words of Churchill, “In war, resolution; in defeat, defiance; in victory, magnanimity; and in peace, good will.” Ross MacPherson, Seaforth

Libs’ comeback wishful thinking

Simon Birmingham (“Swift Liberal comeback possible”, May 23) raises some interesting thoughts on the Liberals coming together, learning from their mistakes and winning the next election. Good luck, as we all live in hope of learning from our mistakes. In quoting all the positives he could, he forgot to be honest about the basic fact that the average Australian is worse off in 2022. Yes, we survived the crisis of the pandemic and other natural disasters, but Labor guided us through the financial crisis of 2008 and no thanks were given for that by the Liberals, who have mishandled the issues of climate, integrity and the status of women. In rebranding the Liberals, the soul-searching will need to look at the issues of trickle-down economics, the needs of the aged, the sick, the disabled and homeless and the building of a society where a living wage and work conditions are paid to all employees, all underwritten by an integrity commission. That’s why Labor won, but it’s also a clear indicator of the independent women winning in so many Liberal seats.Please remember it’s all about the people, not the politicians. Robert Mulas, Corlette

If Birmingham thinks a swift comeback for the Liberals is possible once we [the electors] understand the “extent of strong leadership Scott Morrison showed” on climate action, he still doesn’t get it. Kate Baker, Bensville

Poor Simon Birmingham, it seems you think too much. The reason the Coalition is not in power today is the same reason John Howard lost in 2007 – hubris. Difficult to see it when you’re part of the establishment. Take the blinkers off, Simon. Smell the roses. Dick Barker, Epping

Birmingham says Anthony Albanese “may scratch together a majority government”, citing “no majority support of Australians”. Sour grapes indeed from a “moderate Liberal” who supported a prime minister who has been unceremoniously dumped, and dumped by the majority. Liberals wasted nine years not stopping Australia’s climate decline, imposing “religious” underpinnings to their policies completely out of step with our secular society, and besmirching our reputation on the world stage, despite Birmingham’s claim. Selwyn Glynn, Paddington (Qld)

Tell him he’s dreaming. Peter Dasent, Bondi

Indigenous rights

The people have called for change. I am touching 80 years young. One change I desire is that the voice and culture of our Indigenous brothers and sisters be recognised in our constitution. This is a form of truth telling. Truth has the hidden power of freedom, freedom for flourishing, not freedom from this or that. Australia is a young democracy and is ready for its next big leap forward. Our PM-elect singled out this issue as being a marker for the success/failure of his office. I hope I live to see it. Truth is a terrible beauty. Michael Kennedy, West Pymble

Democracy at work

To your correspondent’s comment (Letters, May 23) about the 2020 US election and the pride Australians can take from Morrison’s civilised concession of defeat, I would add relief that Australians show themselves to be unlikely followers of demagoguery and still exhibit trust in the election process and institutions. The lucky country indeed. Marie Del Monte, Ashfield

Give him a break

It seems everyone wants to tell us Morrison is to blame for all our problems. Well, I sent him several emails when he was trying to lead us during such difficult times. He answered many of them in a kind and sincere manner – even though I am an 83-year-old nobody. I hope I can send the same kind of encouragement to Anthony Albanese. Geoff Hinds, Merrylands

Back to Biloela

Now, will the incoming immigration minister allow the Biloela family, whose two daughters were born in Australia, to go home to Biloela where they belong? Genevieve Milton, Newtown

Can we now anticipate a slight growth in the permanent population of Biloela? Charlie Brown, Katoomba

The Albanese federal government should honour its pre-election promise of allowing the return of the Murugappan family from community detention in Perth to their home in Biloela. Eric Palm, Gympie (Qld)

It appears that the electorate in general failed to fall for the electoral promises of Clive Palmer.Let us hope this little venture cost him a fortune. The other good news is the likely return of the Murugappan family, half of whom are Australian citizens, to Biloela, where they will be welcomed.One wonders how much of a role the prolonged, costly, intransigent and ideological attitude of the “Liberal” Party in this matter played in the recent rout. Michael Broe, Mosman

Once Labor is installed and the Murugappan family is returned home to Biloela, I think an inquiry should be undertaken as to what it has cost the Australia taxpayer to house that family, first in detention on Christmas Island, then in home detention in Perth, by the disgracefully cruel process perpetrated on them by the former government. Gay O’Connor, Manly

Voice in the wilderness

All Labor voters would, if they could, vote for Peter Dutton to be leader of the Liberal Party (“Dutton favourite to lead Coalition”, May 23). Denis Sullivan, Greystanes

Peter Dutton as leader would guarantee the Liberals the next 10 years or so in the wilderness. Llieda Wild, Eastwood

Let’s hope the Liberals elect Peter Dutton as their leader to help keep them out of the way for a long time. Peter Thompson, Grenfell

Unless the Liberal Party selects a liberal leader, its time in the wilderness will be long and painful. Mustafa Erem, Terrigal

Dead language

If I hear “aspirational” one more time, I will expire. John Campbell, South Golden Beach

First-name basis

Since when was an Australian prime minister reduced to a mere first name? “Anthony said, Anthony will, …” I am already all Anthony-ed out. Garrett Naumann, Cammeray

Odd job man

The Coalition will be regrouping. Can we anticipate Morrison becoming shadow minister for multitasking? His CV will be impressive. Robyn Lewis, Raglan

The digital viewOnline comment from one of the stories that attracted the most reader feedback yesterday on smh.com.auAnthony Albanese must balance expectations with realityFrom KEEPITREAL: At least the new prime minister is facing a parliament of Greens and independents determined to take action on the same key issues Labor will be seeking their consensus to achieve. The timetables may be ambitious but having a combined massive majority of Representative seats mandated to drive change is a potential that must be used to advantage considering the 10 years of intentional sabotage the nation has already endured.