Liberal senator Andrew Bragg’s suggestion that the Coalition could govern with One Nation did more than create another awkward headline (“Libs face fresh confusion over possible One Nation coalition”, July 28). It exposed, yet again, a Liberal Party that cannot agree on its own direction. Within hours, leader Angus Taylor was publicly contradicting one of his own frontbenchers while trying to contain the fallout. Meanwhile, South Australian senator Alex Antic continues to flirt with closer ties to One Nation. The Liberals increasingly appear to have too many loose cannons and too little discipline. Add Pauline Hanson and One Nation, where almost everyone seems to be a loose cannon, and it is difficult to imagine such a collection of competing egos and conflicting agendas providing stable, effective government. The contrast with Labor’s recent national conference could not have been clearer. Robust debate occurred where it should: inside the party’s democratic processes. Once decisions were made, Labor emerged united behind a common platform. That is what political stability looks like. Australians deserve a government that knows what it stands for and who it stands with. The Coalition’s latest display of cluelessness suggests it is still trying to answer both these questions. If a party cannot even agree on whether it would govern with One Nation, how can Australians have confidence that it is ready to govern the nation at all? The Coalition doesn’t need a coalition agreement with One Nation – it needs one with itself. Denise McHugh, Tamworth
How ridiculous is Andrew Bragg’s use of the term “communist” to describe the Labor government. As usual, the Liberals are showing their complete lack of original thought by copying the language and tactics being deployed by Donald Trump and his Republican cronies against the Democrats. But surely Bragg should know the difference between communism and a centrist position that his own party once held. His talk of “pragmatism” to excuse possible future deals with One Nation reveals the weakness and lack of principle that has left the Liberals floundering with no credibility. Alan Marel, North Curl Curl
It appears some members of the Liberal Party are ready to give in to the threat posed by One Nation, rather than stand up for what they believe in. Andrew Bragg labelling the Labor Party a communist government smacks of desperation. Raising the possibility of a One Nation coalition after the next election with, ipso facto, Pauline Hanson as deputy prime minister, must be giving Angus Taylor nightmares. On a day when the One Nation leader lost her bid to overturn a racial vilification ruling, how can such a political relationship be even contemplated (“Hanson loses bid to overturn racial vilification ruling”, July 28)? Gordon Lambert, Kiama Downs
I am no fan of Hanson but one must feel a certain amount of sympathy given Mehreen Faruqi’s latest court victory. The fact that the Greens believe this woman is fit and proper to be their deputy leader reveals their inability to read the mood of the population. It is people like Ms Faruqi and her tasteless remarks after the death of Queen Elizabeth that partly explain the rise in support for One Nation. Tony Letford, Wentworth Falls
Labor’s flexible values
One of MP Ed Husic’s proposals, which Labor was determined not to debate at its 50th national conference, was the tracking of dual nationals returning after serving in the Israeli military during what the International Court of Justice alleges is a genocide. Former IDF members are among those who make up the Community Security Group, a volunteer-run security organisation for the Jewish community, which Premier Minns wanted to arm (“NSW Police reject Minns’ proposal to arm guards for public Jewish events”, July 28). For a party obsessed with the danger posed by an ISIS bride, NSW Labor’s values seem quite flexible. Shayne Chester, Waterloo
Your correspondent Chris Moon, who believes backbencher Ed Husic should not ask Australia to take sides on Gaza, might consider that the stand being taken by my local federal member, whom I strongly support on this, is the same stand taken by international organisations, including courts (Letters, July 25). It is not supporting violence against civilians by Hamas, Hezbollah, the IDF or the illegal settlers. And I must confess that I rather enjoy the “warm glow” of seeing a politician “standing on principle” for a change. Al Svirskis, Mount Druitt
Chris Moon agrees with Ed Husic’s position on Palestine/Israel but claims that taking sides in this “far away, intractable conflict” would not help the situation in Gaza and would only create mayhem at home. My thoughts are that Anthony Albanese, despite recognising Palestine as a state, has most definitely picked a side in this conflict, for 2½ years siding with Israel. The use of the phrase “far away” is very interesting, trying to distance us from our responsibilities in relation to Gaza when we are, in fact, very strongly tied to Israel’s actions through both our diplomatic support and provision of weapons parts and investment in an Israeli weapons manufacturer, Elbit Systems. I would also argue this conflict would not be “intractable” if Australia and various Western governments had simply taken action and forced a stop to the horror in Gaza. Lisa Dixon, Croydon
My disappointment with the recent Labor Party “lovefest” has not yet abated. Albo seemed obsessed with running a tight ship and has defended his approach. As a result, the faithful have been indoctrinated in another gathering of yes men and women toeing the line. Surely a truly democratic party would invite and welcome dissent, and allow a contest of ideas and beliefs. It seems the Middle East and Gaza are off limits. Only Ed Husic showed fortitude and escaped from the Labor echo chamber. When truth takes second place to conformity, the opportunity for real debate and mature thought is sacrificed. Steve Fortey, Avoca Beach
Victorian blues
The eleventh-hour change of premier in Victoria is simply bureaucratic window dressing (“The omission in Jacinta Allan’s departing statement as premier”, July 28). As deputy premier, her successor Ben Carroll gave his assent to every devastating decision that has ground down the great southern state. It is difficult for non-Victorian residents to fully appreciate the level of brokenness that exists in every arena down here. The people are divided, poorer, agitated, glum and have been held to ransom by an incompetent political administration. As Australia rejoices in its sporting exploits in Glasgow, the cancelling of the Commonwealth Games three years ago is emblematic of everything that is wrong with Victorian Labor: cynically promise much infrastructure spending to secure votes, change tack, obfuscate, refuse to apologise or hold any form of inquiry into why hundreds of millions of dollars of public money was paid for nothing. The people of Victoria are surely ready to make electoral amends come November, no matter who is steering the ship. Peter Waterhouse, Craigieburn (Vic)
Dumb and dumber
This dumb duo with their insane hubris and egos are squandering lives and weaponry (“Dumb and dumber: Trump and Putin are both losing wars to smaller enemies”, July 28). But what does that make us, persisting with an AUKUS plan to hand over sovereignty and precious billions for apparently next to nothing, and which makes us both a threat and a target? If we imagine a venal US will rush to our defence, or hand over scarce military hardware as it rebuilds its own critically low capabilities, we’re the most extreme form of dumb. My disappointment is that it is a Labor government, under pressure to fund critical services, that persists with this Morrison madness, even against the advice of eminent elders, military experts and growing numbers of ALP members. Alison Stewart, Riverview
Peter Hartcher doesn’t believe Trump and Putin are dumb men, but labels them dumb and dumber at the conclusion of his article. Neither seem particularly intelligent, but both managed to rise to the presidency by selling their souls. However, instead of achieving the true greatness they desired, they brought ignominy on themselves and humiliation to their fellow citizens. They may think themselves strong and successful, but in reality they are abject failures as leaders and as human beings. They had the opportunity to do good, but chose to inflict harm and pain on others in their insatiable lust for wealth and power. Graham Lum, North Rocks
Even though Labor luminaries such as Paul Keating and Gareth Evans have voiced misgivings about the AUKUS debacle, PM Anthony Albanese has failed to explain the logic of committing Australian taxpayers to the tune of $400 billion (including infrastructure, waste disposal etc) for AUKUS, which is arguably not fit for purpose. Nations such as China are already developing unmanned underwater drones to destroy such antiquated, manned, military hardware. Albanese has made statements to the effect that local manufacturing is to be resurrected. If so, I suggest AUKUS be decommissioned and the money spent in Australia, using existing local expertise and capabilities to develop our own underwater and land-based drones. Perhaps there may even be excess funds available for health and education, thereby benefiting Australians rather than foreign countries. Mervyn Cross, Mosman
Joyless with Joyce
I’m struggling to understand why anyone would want to read Alan Joyce’s self-serving memoir, let alone spend good money on buying a copy (“Alan Joyce’s self-serving tell-all packs plenty of action, attitude and drama”, July 28). What he did to Qantas and how he trousered so many millions beggars belief. Rob Mills, Riverview
Welcome future growth
Melissa Hoyer can rest assured that despite losing a fully grown South African wild plum tree, its replacement, a native weeping lilly pilly, is an excellent choice (“I cried when the council cut down my tree”, July 28). This species of lilly pilly grows quickly at a rate of one to two metres a year, reaches a height of between six and 12 metres in the suburbs and has a wonderful, weeping habit with white fluffy flowers in summer. As with a child, just enjoy watching it as it grows up. Peter Nash, Fairlight
You are lucky, Melissa Hoyer, that your council will replace the tree they removed. Lake Macquarie Council has done nothing to replant half a dozen mature trees on public land down the road from my place which were poisoned 18 months ago. And they weren’t sick and they didn’t they pose any hazard to passers-by. They did, however, block the water views of a nearby home. Our state administration has also not fulfilled a promise to increase fines for illegal land-clearing and tree vandalism. It is a woeful response but seems to be situation normal for a government that over-promises and under-delivers across most areas. Dorin Suciu, Eleebana
Future growth
Several times we have visited friends who live in a beautifully designed three-storey house in Germany (“Three-storey homes: the radical plan to cut prices”, July 28). Each floor is an independent three-bedroom home, with the building set in a beautiful garden. Unfortunately, in this country many greedy developers and condescending councils allow giant apartment buildings right up to property boundaries, leaving just enough space for a sad potted cactus or two, let alone space for a beautiful magnolia like that one that glorified the spring outlook enjoyed by our friends. Lance Dover, Pretty Beach
Three-storey homes everywhere. Smaller minimum lots sizes. But where will the trees live? Anne Wagstaff, Oatley
Pest control
The NSW government’s approach to feral pig management highlights a broader issue of fairness, transparency and policy consistency. Farmers already carry the financial burden of controlling feral pigs, yet there are proposals to increase penalties if they fail to keep populations under control. At the same time, feral pigs continue to thrive in national parks, state forests and other Crown land, where government agencies should be held to the same standard expected of private landholders. Feral pigs do not recognise property boundaries. Effective control requires co-ordinated action across all land tenures, supported by practical tools and genuine co-operation with those managing the problem every day. If the government expects greater accountability from farmers, it should also publish measurable outcomes for pest control on public land. Transparency and consistency are essential if public confidence is to be maintained and effective long-term pest management achieved. Tony Bath, Bathurst
Hidden danger
On Monday, my phone made a hideous screech that made me jump. The screen was alight, it showed a heading about an emergency followed by more than a screen full of text. Then I remembered it was a test (“Missing messages don’t stop government declaring trial of new national emergency alert a success”, July 28). When I searched my phone afterwards, I couldn’t find a trace of the message anywhere. If it was a real emergency, I knew I’d have to do something, but where would I find instructions? Where do they go? Should I run or should I hide? Was panic the best response? Meanwhile, my wife was out and about and received no message, no sound, nothing. Unable to find and read the message, I have no idea whom to talk to about this. Jock Brodie, Port Macquarie
Not only did I receive my emergency message, but I discovered we are now a republic and have a president after my screen of my old phone lit up with the words “Presidential Alert”. Stephen Manns, Woollahra
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