Premier Dominic Perrottet at his extraordinary press conference during which he admitted wearing a Nazi costume to his 21st birthday party.Rhett Wyman
Immaturity and the impetuosity of youth no excuse
Premier,I understand that you and your wife have seven children (“”,January 13). Your children have the security of knowing who their parents are. I assume they are fed,warm,safe and loved. Perhaps one of them is between the ages of three and six.
My mother was three years old when she was sent to a concentration camp. At the age of five,she was found wandering alone at the Bergen-Belsen camp when it was liberated on April 15,1945. Her mother and all her extended family because they were Jewish,were murdered,gassed or starved to death by the Nazis. My mother was hungry,cold,sick,unsafe and alone.
She is now 82 and lives in Sydney. Together with her husband she has raised a family of three children and nine grandchildren. Her eldest grandchild is 21 years old. Her family has been raised in an environment of respect and tolerance for all people.
There is no acceptable excuse nor apology nor explanation for your behaviour at the age of 21. None whatsoever.Naomi Daykin,Killarney Heights
Tens of thousands of Australians who fought against the fascists did not live to celebrate their 21st birthdays in a comfortable Sydney suburb. Dominic Perrottet’s complacent inhumanity is an insult to all those murdered by the Nazis,but also to all whose lives were sacrificed or damaged by opposing them,including,but not restricted to,Jewish people,so-called “gypsies”,the mentally ill and gay people. Twenty-one-year-olds who joke about the Nazis are not naughty or cheeky children,but adults mature and educated enough to be teachers,nurses,and even members of state parliament.Philip Bell,Bronte
NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet has apologised after revealing he wore a Nazi costume on his 21st birthday.
Sorry,premier,but the apology didn’t cut it. You would have studied at the time a compulsory component of history which would have at some point covered the Hitler story. Shame on you,your behaviour was unforgivable. Definitely not fit to be leading the state. The “dress up” belies belief from a still young man. I’m stunned.Janice Hull,Hat Head
I am all for forgiving people for their youthful transgressions. But it is worth noting that at the time of Perrottet’s party,he was already deeply active in student politics and became president of NSW Young Liberals only two years after. It calls into serious question his judgment and ideology.Han Yang,North Turramurra
I,for one,do not believe that immaturity and the impetuosity of youth excuses such behaviour. The time for a confession was when the NSW Parliament recently moved to outlaw public displays of Nazi symbols and insignia. If the premier felt it was not necessary to fess up then,we are entitled to ask why not – and why now.Chris Ryan,Kirrawee
Perrottet’s party was perhaps the first of his hallmark awkward stage presence. That can’t conceal the main motive for his embarrassing,scripted outpouring of shame:an upcoming election. Yet more evidence that politics is primarily concerned with winning and retaining power over public representation,of which Perrottet ought to be “ashamed”.Robyn Dalziell,Kellyville
The premier at aged 21 – three years an adult wearing a Nazi uniform,four years into the 21st century. He may be deeply ashamed,but there is no excuse. He should have known at the time that it was wrong;inappropriate at best and downright disgusting at worst.
It shows us the premier in his true light. Not the caring,understanding persona he publicly displays,but the hard-nosed,right-wing,ideologically driven politician that he is;an elitist at heart.Chris Hinkley,Glebe
Illustration:Cathy Wilcox
Perrottet only fessed up before he was outed,and this deserves a black mark. He’s been outed because he threatened the powerful and corrupt poker machine industry – and the reactionary,anti-women cabal in his own party. For these initiatives,he deserves a big tick. Moreover,it’s simply wrong for the Jewish lobby to provide absolution for wearing a Nazi uniform because they were just one of many victims of German fascism,including my Dad (who survived) and his generation who fought them. Isn’t it time for a liberal Liberal to step up into leadership,or is the rot so deep-seated they’d rather cannibalise themselves?David Perkins, Reid (ACT)
It’s time for change. Your article suggests times have changed,but memories certainly haven’t (“”,January 13). Politicians need to be above reproach in this digital age. A range of people would have come up with that photo at some time. Twenty-plus years of not addressing his mistake suggests a “voter beware” warning for me.Cecily Chittick,Wyong
I am Jewish but also a supporter of all struggles for justice. The Jewish Board of Deputies cannot forgive Perrottet because the apology does not cover the disabled,homosexuals,or travellers who were killed and destroyed in concentration camps.
If at 21 Perrottet had no understanding of history he is not fit to rule and should resign.Melanie Lazarow,Brunswick (Vic)
Of concern is the apparent tolerance at the 21st party of guests and older people to focus celebratory attention on a person dressed as a Nazi. It would be expected that those with any authority would have told Perrottet his dress was offensive and to change. It is alarming that guests apparently stayed at the party without expressing their discomfort. The premier says it’s about him,about something he did. It is wider than that and involves anyone present.Jenny Shaw,Coogee
The premier is not in trouble for something he did 20 years ago;he’s in trouble for trying to keep it quiet for 20 years,and only coming clean when it became clear that if he didn’t,somebody else would do it for him. As we’ve known at least since Watergate:it’s not the act,it’s the attempt to cover up the act that always blows up in the politician’s face.Richard Mason,Newtown
Forget the Nazi outfit. What has Perrottet done lately?
I’m no fan of Dominic Perrottet and would like him gone,but hysteria about a poor costume choice 20 years ago is a beat up (“”,January 13). We have all learned from mistakes made at a young age:it’s called maturing. The focus should be on how the 40-year-old is managing the state,not the actions of a 21-year-old uni student.Martyn Frappell,Bulli
Next time we get a premier,male or female,please ensure that they are perfect,have never cheated at marbles,been rude to the preschool teacher,hit their brother,or worn a Superman costume to show that they are better than the other kids. Then,those who are less than perfect will have someone to look up to. In the meantime,just let Perrottet get on with the job.
Nora Hinchen,St Leonards
As a lifetime failed stirrer,having seen so many,many of my attempted jokes,fall flat,I can commiserate with the premier. It was a failed stir,to be written off to experience and forgotten. If we are not to do that,then we are obliged to look at his political history,the causes he has embraced,the organisations he has belonged to,the speeches he has made,the policies he has adopted. Is there the slightest indication anywhere,of racism,fascism,or anti-semitism? Certainly not.
I appeal to let this thing in the distant past vanish as a failed stir and assess the man and his policies,and qualities of leadership,to see where he is suitable to lead us for another term.
Malcolm Brown,Ermington
I am a rusted-on Labor supporter and have Ashkenazi Jewish heritage. However,I take no joy in Perrottet’s discomfort and I don’t think he needs to resign. His obviously genuine shame and guilt about this gross transgression is punishment enough for him.Toni Lorentzen,Fennell Bay
It’s not Perrottet’s offensive and stupid decision to wear a Nazi uniform to his 21st birthday party that should derail the government. If anything,it’s the fact that the government has within its senior ranks the type of people who are willing to use information they have about an event two decades ago to attempt to either destroy their leader or neutralise his campaign to reduce gambling harm.
Are we seriously hoping that we can be governed by people who have never done anything appalling,insensitive or inappropriate in their youth or early adulthood? Or that they should catalogue for us each of those events when they stand for election? I can’t bear the thought. It’s enough that I can still remember,too clearly,all my own terrible errors of judgment.Prue Nelson,Cremorne Point
Perrottet has done a pretty good job as leader of the Libs in NSW. The fact that he donned a Nazi costume aged 21 doesn’t faze me. People do stupid things aged 21.
His current support for people of all communities has been breathtakingly refreshing. He seems to play “human” rather than politics,and he seems to really feel for people in times of need. I’m from Lismore and appreciate how he was when he visited here in our biggest catastrophe.
I’m not a Liberal voter,and I’m Jewish.Liora Claff,Lismore Heights
NSW voters are not so cruel or stupid to punish a grown man for admittedly stupid behaviour at his 21st. Move on. God help us if we all had to pay a price for youthful stupidity.Anne Cooper,Callala Beach
In 1985,I was holidaying in the UK. A theatre company in Cardiff was running a satirical production ofThe Sound of Music with some audience participation. Upon arrival at the theatre,you were asked “Nun or Nazi?” and were directed to a rack of costumes. I didn’t hesitate to grab the Nazi jacket and would do so again. If we can’t mock them,it means they’ve won.Barrie Anthony,Newtown
Most of us have done something stupid,especially in our youth. It seems Perrottet is no different. But what’s the real offence he’s committed here? He wore a uniform to a “uniform” party. That that uniform is now considered inappropriate is biting his reputation.
But I’d like to ask the following:did he,at any time,advocate for the political philosophy of the Nazi Party or was he just playing dress-ups? Where do we draw the line? Whose costume is off-limits? Is a Stalin moustache OK,but his uniform banned? Can I wear a Pol Pot t-shirt? What about the Bangladeshi genocide of 1971? If I cut my hair and put a fake mole on my chin,can I make fun of Mao Zedong?
Meanwhile,in Melbourne,an actual neo-Nazi who even used the salute when released from court after bashing a “monkey man” walks free on a community corrections order. It’s time we got some perspective.Angus McLeod,Cremorne
Retiring Elliott the Party pooper
Isn’t minister David Elliott having a smashing time just before retiring and leaving his party to fight for retention of government (“”,January 13)? The revelation that he is the snake in the grass who told of Dominic Perrottet’s indiscretion at his 21st party hot on the heels of other criticisms indicates he is a man set on personal revenge in the most damaging way possible.Christine Perrott,Armidale
Perrottet has made a foolish mistake,and he has apologised for his actions. I am more concerned that Elliott is now determined to undermine his party and the premier as childish payback over cashless gaining and factional in fighting. It is pretty clear what Elliott’s agenda is and who he now works for. Don’t do it,minister! Don’t destroy the small legacy you have in politics.Warwick Spencer,West Pymble
Elliott is the one who owes the apology to the Jewish people.Helen Tenisons,Brookvale
The biggest revelation of this sorry affair is how lucky we are to be getting rid of David Elliott. He has proven beyond doubt that he has no moral compass.Peter Newberry,Kingsford
Now we see that 20 years is no barrier in the gambling industry’s dirty tricks campaign to defend pokie profits.Tony Slater,Mosman
NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet.Rhett Wyman
Nazism needs to be mocked
Context is everything. PostHogan’s Heroes,post Mel Brooks,post Peter Sellers’ uncontrolled arm inDoctor Strangelove,wearing Nazi costume was a means to denounce the devil through mockery and give Nazism no intellectual or cultural credibility. Given the fullness of history,an imperial Roman toga and a pirate outfit should equally be acknowledged as sickening reminders of evil.Peter Fleming,Northmead
Premier no prince
Who does the premier think he is,the Duke of Sussex?Peter Fyfe,Enmore
It’s a shame the premier didn’t dress as a woman for his 21st - then at least women might have finally got to see a male Liberal politician apologising to them.Jennifer Giles,Elizabeth Bay
As long as there are politicians,they will live in the hope that their dirt remains hidden. And their opponents will live in the hope that an opportunistic moment arrives when they can threaten to expose it.Johanna White,Woonona
If Dominic Perrottet’s 21st party was attended by friends and family,I’m bewildered that not one appears to have immediately given him the gift of the advice he urgently needed.
Or did they?Ruth Buchanan,Glenbrook
As I read of “Perrottet’s Nazi shame” on,of all days,Friday the 13th,Chris Minns is starting to look like the Steven Bradbury of politics.Bill Young,Killcare Heights
Auf Wiedersehen,P(errott)et.Steve Cornelius,Brookvale
Life is temporary,and to be celebrated
Waleed Aly,in his poignant piece on the dying of a loved one,talks about the value of placing death at the “centre of our lives” and giving it due emphasis for the life we are living (“”,January 13). Most spiritual teachers over the centuries have advised such practice to be the core of a fulfilling present life,but we “modern and progressive” humans remain steadfastly oblivious to this supposed confrontation. Truly conscious humanity on this planet is evolving so slowly,but perhaps we will eventually realise that what we are living now in this human form is just a phase.Judy Finch,Taree
What a relief to read Aly’s beautiful,genuine essay on his mother-in-law’s last few days of life. His words are a welcome wake-up call as we read each day of another gotcha moment in a politician’s life,the wretched memories of a rich family’s “spare” or the TikTok madness of how we “look” - sometimes we forget the simple uncelebrated reasons for life itself.
Waleed’s beautifully conveyed thoughts on so much we take for granted has made me turn off the morning news,and take a long walk in the garden. Positivity in the simple goodness of what life can offer. That’s my “gotcha moment” for the day and l’m loving it.Greg Vale,Kiama
Thank you for putting into words the importance of love as we leave this life. Jan would be proud.Rhyan Andrews,Faulconbridge
Students working hard despite early uni entry offers
As a recent year 12 leaver,I believe school principals are underestimating the positive impact that university early entries have on their HSC students (“”,January 12). The opinion expressed by school principals that early entry causes Year 12 students to not work as hard reveals how principals prioritise their school’s HSC ranking and academic reputation over the mental and physical well-being of their students.
I,alongside many of my peers,continued to work hard as we studied for trial and HSC exams despite receiving early entry offers. While several universities do offer early acceptance,others including the University of New South Wales and the University of Sydney do not. Many students also continue to work hard to achieve a high ATAR regardless of university acceptance,indicating that early entry offers do not always correlate with complacency and reduced motivation.
If the ultimate goal of the HSC exams is for students to gain acceptance into their desired course,the fact that this process can be conducted in a stress-free way prior to exams is perhaps indicative of the increasing redundancy of the HSC exams.Rosie Brennan,Avalon Beach
More public school funding equals more social mobility
Why do we persist with government funding of private schools (“”,January 12)?
Treasury research shows that intergenerational income inequality,i.e.,entrenched advantage,has worsened since the 1970s and 1980s. These decades were the period that saw the greatest shift in government funding from public to private schools.
Experts in income and wealth inequality now recognise that consequently there has been “a big increase in the wealth of private schools”,and this “would be a cause for some concern”.
We have clearly gone too far and whatever justifications may have been used to increase public funding of private schools no longer exist. We must move public money back to public schools.
David McMaster,Mosman
A few dogs - good,too many dogs - a problem
The problem with dogs on urban beaches is - like so much of modern life - too many dogs (,January 13). When there were half a dozen dogs playing on a beach throughout the day,a bit of poo or wee was not noticed. Now there are many dogs,and it only takes a few irresponsible owners - and there are plenty of them - to turn this mob into an infringement on others’ enjoyment.
What to do? Probably confined areas and maybe times is the only fair solution. I remember my dog playing in the surf and chasing a ball into the ponds in Centennial Park. Heaven. But that was then and this is now. Too many dogs.Sue Milliken,Queens Park
On a cold winter’s day a few years ago on a Mornington Peninsula beach,I overheard an elderly man talking loudly on his phone. His part of the conversation was “No,I’m fine. I’m not lonely,you don’t need to come down. I’m at the dog beach. There’s always someone to talk to here.” Says it all,really. If you don’t like dogs,choose another beach,but a nice comment about someone’s dog is all it takes to start a conversation and might even be the beginning of a lifelong friendship.Margaret Stead,Frankston(Vic)
All the complaints about dogs digging and polluting our beaches fade into insignificance when one considers the human impact on our beaches.
The littering,the sewerage overflows and the collection of seashells have a far greater impact on the delicate ecosystem. The use of beach vehicles for pleasure and smoothing of sand contribute to shoreline erosion and destroy the delicate organisms that live in the sand.Elizabeth Maher,Fiddletown
Ocker names for Bonza planes
I note that low-cost airline Bonza has named its first three planes “Shazza”,“Bazza” and “Sheila”. (“”,January 13). I wish the fledgling airline bonza success with its target market of “tradies,teachers,kids and carers”,and,as the airline grows,look forward to the arrival of “Kylie”,“Shane” and “Mick”.John Payne,Kelso
To the end,Pell showed lack of tolerance on women,LGBTQ community
Team man and defender of the finances,George Pell,has reached from beyond the crypt to attack the current pope for inaction over the misdeeds of communist/socialist regimes and for having sympathy with tolerant,encouraging and compassionate responses to LGBTQ,women and the divorced (“”,smh.com.au,January 13).
We have only a little knowledge of where Christ stood on finances,and less still on 21st-century political regimes,gender issues and sexual orientation. I believe his message had more to do with the tolerance,encouragement and compassion side of things. Is it possible that the cardinal was reading his moral compass in too close proximity to a heavy political magnet?Keith Betts,Pennant Hills
Marilyn Hutton bemoans the fact that women are still essentially excluded from the Catholic Church hierarchy,and trusts it might change (“”,January 13). Hate to have to tell your writer,but the chance of that happening any time soon is,well,unlikely. Why not just give the bells and smells away and join up with one of the many Christian churches where women have been included for decades. They all worship the same God,don’t they?Ross MacPherson,Seaforth
I do hope the writer and strong advocate for women’s partition in the Catholic Church is not holding her breath.Ron Kerr,Ballina
Your correspondent shouldn’t try and tell us that we,“error-prone humans”,are unfit to judge Pell (,January 13). That’s the same reasoning Pell used to justify shielding paedophile priests from the consequences of their actions while oppressing and silencing their victims. The thought that such a man might have become pope is honestly sickening.James Short Belmore
I didn’t know much of Cardinal Pell until I read his three prison journals. From the reading I came to respect him,and one thing became clear to me:as the evidence presented to the High Court shows,he could not have committed the crime he was accused of and should never have been found guilty by the Victorian Court in the first place. I believe he was a good man who tried to do what he believed to be right. May he rest in peace.Marion Corrigan,Yamba
Pell survived a conviction for child sexual abuse and accusations of other abusive incidents and emerged unscathed from the church’s appalling treatment of other victims. These must surely be described as miracles. A path to sainthood?John Ziegler,Bellevue Hill
Illustration:Alan Moir
Spare tired
Who is advising young Prince Harry (“‘”,smh.com.au,January 13). Sack ’em.Jennifer Ingall,Leura
Enough already. Time to abolish the British monarchy. It’s past its “use by” date. If the Brits won’t do at least we can.Tony Adams,Avoca Beach
Barking up wrong tree
Your correspondent suggests that the 1600 Mobikes be welded together as a monument to failure (,January 13). A few years ago Lismore council made a Christmas tree from scrapped bicycles. It was a spectacular failure.Rowan Wigmore,Launceston (Tas)
The bikes could be welded together to resemble a monumental pile-up,thus symbolising the pathetic disinterest NSW authorities have in enforcing the mandatory wearing of helmets by cyclists.Col Shephard,Yamba
Mate,what’s your name?
Cobber,you’re not un-Australian calling someone “mate”,as it can be pretty useful,especially when you’ve forgotten their name (“”,January 13).
Bruce Roberts,Mudgee
I’m not sure if it’s un-Australian,I just don’t think it would pass the pub test,mate.Michael Deeth,Como West
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