Letters
Letters to
the editor
Liberal lightweights
“Who is the new vanguard of Liberal Party women?” (Karen Barlow, November 15-21) only revealed a new cohort of Liberal lightweights. Their failure to see that the teals stand for a lot more beyond climate action also speaks volumes. If Mary Aldred thinks the teals are the parliamentary wing of the renewable energy industry, then the Liberals and the Nationals have shown very clearly the Coalition is the parliamentary wing of the fossil fuel industry, hell-bent on sacrificing the future interests of all Australians and of our Pacific Island neighbours.
– Carolyn Pettigrew, Pymble, NSW
Wrong mentor
It is apparent from reading the article by Karen Barlow about the “new vanguard of Liberal Party women” that they are even further from attaining power than the pundits are predicting. One of them, Senator Jessica Collins, was photographed holding Tony Abbott’s book of his version of Australian history. As we know, after two years in the top job, Abbott was rejected by his own party and later lost his own seat with a swing against him of nearly 13 per cent. Senator Collins would be better advised to follow the words of someone in the party whose views are more in line with the electorate. Unfortunately, I cannot think of one.
– Peter Nash, Fairlight, NSW
New conservatives
When reading John Hewson’s article (“What is a conservative?”, November 15-21) I couldn’t help but wonder if part of the reason that conservatives are struggling electorally is that Labor has taken their place. Hewson defined conservative values as “free enterprise, private ownership and socially traditional values” and conservative government as characterised by “moderate change and reform”. Tamed by successive electoral defeats at the federal level, I struggle to think of anything Anthony Albanese has done that wouldn’t fit within those descriptions. Perhaps, in all but name, Labor is the new conservative party of Australia.
– Luke Vanni, Nundah, Qld
Green roots
John Hewson reminds us that conservatism depends on the particular time period of a nation. The original conservatives in England wanted to conserve the forests for hunting, not release land for the poor people. In a sense, they were the first Greens. If you don’t know where you came from, you might not know where you’re going.
– Jonathan Silberberg, Cow Bay, Qld
Good lesson
True self-knowledge cannot come from sitting still and contemplating the universe; it can only come from action. That Elizabeth Farrelly’s journey (“From the manor torn”, November 15-21) was via a small acreage appears to have been a good one, though likely an expensive one. Although Farrelly has decided that the in many ways simpler city life gives her a better balance between engagement and control, I suspect she has left her little corner of the bush better off for her presence and the next generation will build on what appears to be a sound beginning.
– Greg Baker, Fitzroy Falls, NSW
Sports fan
If anyone was ever going to be a worthy stand-in for the brilliant Martin McKenzie-Murray, then Catherine McGregor is it (“A timeless innings”, November 15-21). I never miss reading the Sport page. The special tilt the stories take are, invariably, insightful and kind to our human disposition. And then there’s Stan Grant, who despite my general nonchalance towards religious musings, always speaks to my better self.
– Ann Moir, Korumburra, Vic
Letters are welcome: [email protected]
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Letters may be edited for length and content, and may be published in print and online. Letters should not exceed 150 words.
This article was first published in the print edition of The Saturday Paper on November 22, 2025.
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