Liberal MP Andrew Hastie’s no-nonsense approach is just the type of leadership the devastated Liberal Party needs (“Hastie slams Hanson’s ‘MAGA first’ mindset”, June 8). He is quick to call out MAGA adherents and their despicable leader. As an ex-soldier, he is no doubt aware of the demands of combat. Hastie was doing his duty by testifying in the Ben Roberts-Smith defamation trial. Few would be better qualified for such a task. Standing by our defence force members is one thing, but protecting alleged criminal behaviour is another. Hastie is well suited to make that distinction. Derrick Mason, Boorowa
Andrew Hastie is the answer to redressing the Liberal Party’s possible extinction. He is a politician who speaks the truth with courage. Hastie is right about Pauline Hanson. He said: “she is MAGA first, even when the Australian people suffer the economic consequences”. This truth was again demonstrated by Hanson when she spoke of Trump’s ill-considered war. She said the war would be determined “if we can get the Strait of Hormuz open”. “We”, Pauline, are not actively involved in America’s war. Gerardine Grace, Leura
Some may quietly applaud Andrew Hastie for openly labelling Pauline Hanson “MAGA first” after her claim that Donald Trump’s confected war in the Middle East might yet prove successful. However, we have yet to hear his denunciation of those on his own side of politics who are avowed Trump supporters, including senators Alex Antic, Jacinta Nampijinpa Price and Michaelia Cash. Instead, he stands shoulder to shoulder with them. Or does he? Shaun Davies, St Peters
With Tony Abbott breathing down his neck, Liberal leader Angus Taylor remains mute while Andrew Hastie states the obvious. Sue Dyer, Downer (ACT)
I’m not saying the Liberal Party is totally doomed because of Tony Abbott and Angus Taylor, but I am saying they have an extremely shallow pool of talent. Pauline Hanson and Matt Canavan might suit their own parties, but they have nothing to offer the country. On the other hand, Labor has a depth of talent that must put shivers up the spines of every other party. Albo, despite his weaknesses, outdoes any opposing politician by a country mile, with many others in his party capable of stepping up into the role of PM in a heartbeat – Katy Gallagher, Richard Marles, Jim Chalmers, Clare O’Neil, Tony Burke, Chris Bowen or Tanya Plibersek. Bye bye, Liberals, the next election will most likely be your last. Victor Marshall, Meander (Tas)
Keep enemies closer
Correspondent Raj Kamath tells us “Hanson’s voters want cheaper groceries, a home they can afford and a future worth working towards” (Letters, June 8). How does he know? Maybe they want others to stop telling them what’s good for them and to actually be listened to? Telling people what they want, and that One Nation won’t supply it, is likely to simply drive them further into her clutches as an escape from “experts” and snobs looking down on them. If we want to understand what’s driving the scary rise of Hanson, how about we actually ask the people supporting her and try meeting their concerns? Richard Abram, Bexley
Perhaps our new One Nation member for Farrer, David Farley, can educate Pauline Hanson on facts and history. She said that she wants the Strait of Hormuz open to all ships, as it was before Trump’s war on Iran. Doesn’t she realise that it was Trump who cancelled Barack Obama’s deal with Iran during his first term? In return for lifting sanctions, Iran allowed inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency to check that its nuclear program was for peaceful purposes only. She is also wrong to support his “protection” of women. When he owned a modelling agency, Trump would boast about the fact that he would routinely “inspect” the change rooms, often when teenage models were naked. And I won’t even mention his friend Epstein or his sexual assault and misconduct charges. He also picks on female journalists, calling things like stupid, ugly and piggy. Jan Strong, Sandigo
I note Pauline Hanson is quoted as saying it’s wrong that Ben Roberts-Smith was charged with a crime “17 years after the fact” (“Hanson hosts BBQ for Roberts-Smith supporters”, June 8). If delay is a black-and-white issue for her, does she also object to charges being laid in historical child sexual assault cases, or rape and murder cases? Judith Fleming, Sawtell
Thank you, Professor Andrew Western, for providing some truth to counter One Nation’s misinformation about environmental water allocations (Letters, June 8). Sadly, the rise of MAGA and Pauline Hanson/One Nation signal a profound erosion of truth in politics. Reality and facts have given way to weaponised popularism, emotional grievances, conspiracy theories and scepticism. Echo chambers increase the volume and reinforce the falsehoods that abound about everything from vaccines to renewable energy. Like many before them, MAGA and PHON [Pauline Hanson’s One Nation] rely on destabilising democratic discourse and undermining the institutions that support rational debate. Not so much a right-wing megaphone as a MAGAPHON. John Bailey, Canterbury
There are so many reasons Hanson is popular at the moment. And a trip to the supermarket is the first place to explain why people are fed up. It is there that it’s obvious there is a cost-of-living crisis. And it’s hurting. However, One Nation can’t and won’t do much to bring prices down, but voting for her party will make people feel as if they’ve done something to register their frustration. The long game for the government is simply to wait her out, comment on the policy debacles and infighting, ignore the culture wars and keep asking her for her policies to govern Australia. Point out the scapegoating and lack of attendance in the Senate. Then do it on repeat, and give the rest of us some quiet time from hearing her name. Wendy Atkins, Cooks Hill
Moving account
Sean Kelly’s poignant story will be increasingly shared by tenants forced to move from established homes to newer flats and townhouses by Labor’s increased property taxes (“We move house and shift old selves”, June 8). If I were to sell the house that’s been home to my tenant neighbours for more than 20 years, few investors could now afford to buy it and my neighbours and their children would be evicted. Most established homes will gradually be bought by well-off owner occupiers, forcing tenants into newer units and townhouses, where increased investor demand will have pushed up prices and rents. Labor will be denying tenants the simple pleasure of renting an established home with a decent yard, to build the kind of idyllic memories Sean Kelly so nostalgically describes. William Lloyd, Denistone
AI never sleeps
I am awake at 3.49 am. My mind is turning over the Herald’s letters debating the utility of AI – the professors proclaiming its great benefits and the readers asking questions. I wonder if AI ever sleeps or dreams. Is it seeking perfection, and in the shortest possible time? However, human reflectiveness, learning and creativity are not just about perfection or crushing time. Our learning is an error-strewn path, errors that strengthen our capacity to think and empathise with others, exemplified in my writing letters to the Herald. An idea comes to mind. I play with it. I draft and draft, read and reread, send it off, only then to see a glaring error. How dumb. Does AI ever feel stupid? Does it ever feel anything? “Aye, there’s the rub”. And “to err is human, to forgive, divine”. Alexander Pope, I think. I will check in the morning. Further, my letter may not be perfect, but it is mine. To surrender totally to AI, and I stress totally, is to surrender our uniqueness. It is now 4.32 am. I put down my biro, close my eyes, and, reinterpreting Hamlet, hope “to sleep, perchance to dream”. Paul Casey, Callala Bay
I had the privilege of being supervised by Professor Guy Curtis while completing my postgraduate studies in 2003. He was an exemplary teacher: knowledgeable, patient, inspiring and caring. Correspondents Chris Roylance and Marea Reed (Letters, June 6) take pot shots at his defence of fellow academic Cath Ellis (Letters, June 5) over her use of assistive AI in writing an opinion piece for this paper. I doubt the irony of this is “lost on him”. Rather, Curtis recognises the distinction between assistive and generative AI. Most of us have used spelling and grammar checkers for years. These assistive AI tools do not generate original content. Admittedly, large language models blur that distinction and challenge academics to devise valid assessments. I am pleased Curtis is at the forefront of research into academic integrity and student cheating. These issues are complex and require nuanced analysis. It is glib of Mr Roylance to dismiss Dr Curtis’ argument as “nonsense”. Salvatore Sorbello, Campsie
Data overload
How convenient that assistant minister for the digital economy Andrew Charlton didn’t consult with communities like ours in Lane Cove West, before granting developers the social licence to build data centres (“Surge in data centres is eclipsing the mining boom”, June 8). Unfortunately, discussions with companies whose only motive is profit do not serve as a strong foundation. Nor do non-binding guidelines that promote a “conversation”. The social cost of these data centres is huge in noise, pollution and on the surrounding people and environment, especially when built in urban areas. Australia will find that much is being sacrificed in the community to maintain this GDP statistic. We can be sure of one thing: they will not be built anywhere near the communities of the decision makers. These huge developments are not for their backyards. This will ensure that there will be no real conversation about what social licence really means. Elizabeth Darton, Lane Cove West
Divisive message
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has little to say about his own country’s gun crime, social ills and warfaring government, nevertheless, he’s quick to criticise migrants (“Hegseth invokes D-Day to rail against migrants”, June 8). Does he forget that the Nazi occupation of Western Europe was driven by a homegrown ideology? I am glad British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has taken a strong position against US Vice President JD Vance for trying to stoke division in Britain by blaming migration for the tragic murder of Henry Nowak by a British-born Sikh man. Vance should have learnt from the courage and grace of Nowak’s father, who said the crime should be used to bring solidarity, not animosity. As usual, it is the ordinary people who suffer that often have what it takes to hold society together – when those in high office preach division. Manbir Singh Kohli, Pemulwuy
It beggars belief that George Zoley, executive chairman of America’s largest-for-profit jailer of immigrants, GEO Group, and ICE’s biggest contractor, is himself a migrant who at the age of three arrived at Ellis Island with his family from Greece in 1953. Despite his own background, Zoley’s for-profit detention centre in New Jersey is under scrutiny over allegations of inhumane conditions and appalling treatment of illegal immigrants. Eric Palm, Gympie (Qld)
Few recruits
With all the talk about having eight nuclear submarines, it is worth remembering that with the need for maintenance and training, Australia will never have eight available for combat. Two or three is closer to the mark. These would, more than likely, be part of a US squadron sitting off China, our largest trading partner. It should also be pointed out that each of these subs will have a crew of more than a 100. The RAN has struggled to staff its six Collins Class boats, which only have a crew of about 50. Living in a steel tube for weeks, and possibly months at a time, is not for everyone – even if submariners are paid a premium. John Jones, Armidale
Shining light
Richard Scolyer was an inspiration to the Australian community (“Former Australian of the Year Professor Richard Scolyer dies”, June 8). With warmth, courage and a gift for communication, he selflessly allowed us into his life, sharing generously from his own experience in order to encourage others. His ground-breaking research has saved thousands of lives already and will doubtless benefit generations to come. Australia will remember one of its most renowned citizens with fond gratitude.
Meredith Williams, Baulkham Hills
Sadly, it’s taken the passing of a truly compassionate person in Richard Scolyer to divert coverage away from the circus of Australian politics. Cut and run was not in his DNA. Post-diagnoses he steadfastly continued his research, which will benefit many in the future. If parliament was filled with more Richard Scolyers the country would be in a better place. RIP. Mike Kenneally, Manly
Vale Richard Scolyer, a shining light in a dark world. Vicky Marquis, North Sydney
Terms of endearment
Well said, Sophie York (Letters, June 8). Yes, doctors young or old deserve our respect, but older patients like myself use the terms “mate, love, darling” etc when speaking to those we don’t know, or whose name tags we can’t read. We mean no disrespect, and we certainly appreciate the care and attention we receive. Denis Suttling, Newport Beach
My fiancee is in hospital recovering from a 10-hour operation. The procedure went well, thanks to our fine medical system and staff. For those who rail against taxes every time one is mentioned, they would do well to remember what pays for these systems, especially if they or their loved ones need treatment. Mark Johnston, Ruse
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