Libs deputy’s failures Ley it on the line

Sussan Ley says it all (“‘People were fed up’:Sussan Ley on her punk past,feminism and why the Liberals lost,” June 12). She won her seat because there was no teal against her. She can’t admit to her party’s failures,and her opinion of Scott Morrison is at odds with her own party and a dwindling number of supporters. She has perhaps sealed her own fate at the next election,as a strong teal independent now has three years to appear and take her seat.Peter Kamenyitzky,Castle Hill

President select

Stephen Brook identifies how the method of election of an Australian president has complicated the move towards an Australian republic (“Shot in the arm or false dawn? Albanese’s each-way bet on a republic”,June 12). But surely there are more important questions to be asked first. Does an Australian republic have to have a president? If so,why? What role and what duties will our president undertake? Before we decide on a method of election it would be handy if we could get a look at a statement of duties so that we can see what sort of person we need to do the job.Col Nicholson,Hawks Nest

If one of the reasons most Australians don’t want a republic is the fear the top job will be given to a politician (“Albanese’s each-way bet on a republic”,June 12),simply make it illegal for anyone to be president within five years of leaving office. Any pollie who has kept friends for that long would be pretty special and worthy of being our constitutional head.Allan Kreuiter,Roseville

I agree with your editorial (“Republic push can afford no mistakes″⁣,June 12),especially with regard to avoiding a rush,and your suggestion of “a series of non-binding plebiscites” before a referendum. Australians seem unusually conservative about changing the Constitution. They will be even more cautious about a radical change of the way federal government functions. We need to move slowly and cautiously to avoid frightening off a number of people sufficient to torpedo a republic referendum.Douglas Mackenzie,Deakin (ACT)

Solution to sprawl

Once again the serious problem of urban sprawl in Sydney is highlighted (“No jobs,no trees:how urban sprawl is changing Sydney′ ’,June 12). Once again bad planning is blamed. Once again there is no mention of the root cause – unsustainable population growth. If the huge increase in pre-COVID immigration was wound back to pre-2000 levels,the pressure for sprawl would largely disappear.

Why is the issue of population growth quarantined from rational discussion and policy with the goals of human wellbeing and ecological sustainability as priorities? Perhaps the political influence of pro-growth big business plays a role. In a democracy,it would be better if the wishes of the people prevailed. Politicians should be aware that wellbeing as measured by genuine progress indicators has declined since about 1972 when the population was 15 million,and that about 70 per cent of Aussies believe we do not need more people.Alan Jones,Narraweena

Scrubbed subs savings

Kind words from the French defence minister,and perhaps some relief that Scott Morrison is no longer Australia’s PM,have played their part in the much lower than expected cost of the cancelled French submarine deal (“Albanese draws line on broken sub deal.” June 12). Since a number of new or used submarines will be essential to fill the gap before the expected arrival of nuclear subs in the 2040s,surely it would be possible to arrange a short-term purchasing deal with France. This would further improve relations. Furthermore,if the stopgap subs were to have lifetime beyond the 2040s,a considerable and welcome saving could be made by ordering only six nuclear subs rather than eight.Geoff Harding,Chatswood

Recognising carers

As a full-time unpaid carer for the last 25 years of my 37-year-old son’s life – he was a pedestrian hit by a car – and as a proactive carer who has sat on many NSW government and NGO boards,I am dismayed and take umbrage when I hear parents constantly described as carers (“Extra leave for NSW parents who split care”,June 12). According to Carers Australia:“Carers are people who provide unpaid care and support to family members and friends who have a disability,mental illness,chronic condition,terminal illness,an alcohol or other drug issue or who are frail aged. Carers are an integral part of Australia’s health system and are the foundation of our aged,disability,palliative and community care systems.” The carers of Australia have enough difficulty being heard and identified by government and society without constantly throwing parents into the equation. Parents are parents. Carers are carers.Cheryl Koenig,Menai