I have been a Christian since I was 16 years old and I have never seen a better example of what Paul Keating called “the punishers and the straighteners” than the members of the Liberal Party hard right, now hauled before ICAC (“The godly mission to control the NSW Liberals that drew ICAC’s attention”, July 7). I would like to know exactly what Christian values they think they are defending. All they seem to be doing is ensuring that people who would otherwise find strength through their faith in these difficult days will turn away from such blatant religious hypocrisy in disgust. Well done, guys. Chris McGregor, Breakfast Point
Your article about the role of Christian values in the Liberal Party is a reminder of the Plymouth Brethren’s intrusion in the last election, when hundreds from this non-voting organisation, who accept government money for their schools, harassed voters in an attempt to influence their votes. Let’s hope that some sensible Liberals can remind former Catholic Schools NSW boss Dallas McInerney and his party mates that the separation of church and state is a fundamental principle of our democracy. John Getting, Merimbula
Given that the so-called Liberal Party is an ungodly mess at both national and state levels, I am not surprised that this party of patriarchal poseurs has called on a mythical male friend in the sky to help them on Earth. Clearly, even with divine intervention, they have no earthly chance. Chris McKimm, Karangi
No cash for compassion
As a woman brought up in a loving and dedicated Catholic family in the ’60s and ’70s, I was drilled in the Catholic ethos of justice and compassion. Both my parents lived by and modelled these beliefs. I participated for many years in a church that continued to show two faces, one of compassion and justice, and one of self-protection and refusal to accept the harm it caused. Now absent from the pews myself, I am disillusioned by a church lacking the backbone to take responsibility for failures that have had traumatic effects on the lives of so many. Bravo, Father Kevin Dillon, for pointing out this inconsistency (“As a priest, I wonder what Jesus would say about the Christian Brothers crying poor”, July 7). Stephanie Harrison, Lane Cove North
Disrespect or joke?
It would be difficult to totally disagree with Jacqueline Maley in relation to Mr Albanese’s Kylie Minogue gaffe (“It’s possible for the PM to be casual and jocular – and also respect women”, July 6). Yet doesn’t the entire incident reflect more on our own love for our bogan-style media than on the PM himself? Don’t we spoil rotten the most outrageous shock jocks in Australia, drowning them in obscene amounts of money and celebrating their crude, tasteless and offensive comments? After respectfully declining the Kylie Minogue question in the first place and then having the “tits-up” comment thrown at him by the moderator, he just fobbed her off, the only way you can fob off a skilful comedian without being branded a nerd. Give him a break, guys. Greg Jargiello, Glenmore Park
How about an apology from that silly woman who thought it appropriate to press and press the prime minister about her question, which was just as demeaning to women as the PM’s answer, if not more so. Julia Smart, Camperdown
First it was Pauline and her mob of whingers, now it’s the lynch mob of wowsers who have been grievously offended by Albo’s bland answer to a tabloid question on a podcast that hardly anybody knows about. What the hell is going on in Oz? Have we all gone mad? John Campbell, South Golden Beach
I don’t see why the PM should have to apologise for saying he likes Kylie Minogue. She’s a most popular figure in his community. You could even say she’s an icon. James Cottee, Petersham
Rethink China relations
The Chinese government has been “blasted” for testing a missile in the Pacific, while the Australian government has been stitching up agreements with small Pacific nations that are obviously meant to challenge Chinese presence in the region (“Australia blasts China for launching nuclear-capable weapon in Pacific”, July 7). Australia continues to send patrols to the South China Sea and take part in military exercises with the US. In June, China published a document called “More Just and Equitable Global Governance: China’s Principles, Proposals and Actions”. In this document, China outlines its policies and proposals for a better world. The document invites all countries to reconsider attitudes that work against this. Australia ignores these gestures from China, which is extending a hand for better relations, and responds with aggression and bad faith. It is time to reconsider our attitude in a multipolar world that is not dominated by the US. Denis Doherty, Glebe
No bliss in climate ignorance
As Peter Hartcher notes, the past three years have been the hottest on record (“Scorched earth? It’s here already”, July 7). According to Pauline Hanson, “Australia is in decline because its leaders have refused to face reality”, when in fact it is she who has her head in the sand. Nearly 200 countries have ratified the Paris Agreement and even Hanson’s inspiration for fiscal policy, Elon Musk, recognises that global warming is happening due to the increasing volume of greenhouse gases. The world is moving to renewable energy, yet One Nation and the Nationals refuse to recognise the damage that our changing climate is doing, and that the use of fossil fuels is more expensive. Hanson’s denialism is not a strategy for coping with reality. Peter Nash, Fairlight
Peter Hartcher’s apposite article on climate change should focus our attention on further reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. He draws attention to the likelihood of irreversible changes to marine circulatory patterns, which would have catastrophic consequences for much of the globe. These are driven by increasing ocean and atmospheric temperatures. Consequential sea level rise is due to both the expansion of the warmer water and the contribution of melting glaciers. While the seemingly diminutive current rise averages less than five millimetres per annum, the alarming fact is that this has more than doubled in the past 30 years. Furthermore, should some glaciers pass their tipping points for stability, this rise would accelerate substantially. Accordingly, in addition to increasing weather extremes, this threat to ecosystems, human livelihood and infrastructure due to coastal erosion and salinisation necessitates the need to drive the global imperative to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Roger Epps, Armidale
While generally agreeing with Peter Hartcher’s article on climate change, I must contest one point. Hydration breaks in the World Cup are not because of extreme heat, but to allow several extra minutes of advertising. Steve Bright, North Avoca
Not the warrior we need
George Brandis writes that the traditional Liberal base seeks a leader who is a warrior (“Taylor must take the fight to One Nation – or look weak”, July 6). I think real Liberals, particularly women, are fed up with warriors and the aggressive uber-male style of politicians such as Tony Abbott, who titled his own political manifesto Battlelines. You can’t get much more “warrior” than that, but where did it take Abbott and his party? It’s the teals who made the greatest inroads into the Liberal heartland, not One Nation. But the party has apparently learnt nothing, as evidenced by Abbott’s appointment as president. Peter Campbell, Potts Point
What are the implications for the 2028 Olympics in LA of the farcical interference of Donald Trump (aided by Gianni Infantino) in the Football World Cup (“FIFA lifts ban on USA star striker after Trump calls Infantino”, July 6)? As someone involved in the Olympic movement for more than 30 years, and recognising and admiring its importance in world sport, I am now seriously worried he might feel entitled to ring IOC President Kirsty Coventry and demand that a decision adversely affecting an American team or individual – in football, or boxing, or any other Olympic sport – be overturned. I’m confident he would get a very different reaction from her (a highly principled, ethical person) but it would nevertheless create a tumultuous, troublesome situation for the Games and the movement. Simon Balderstone, Berrima
Just you wait Jan Naughton and others (Letters, July 7). Trump’s presidency is currently scheduled past the 2028 Summer Olympics to be held in the USA. I think the IOC should learn from FIFA’s actions (or lack thereof) and start their rebuttal training tactics now. Gold to them if they do. Wilfred Gay, Middle Cove
How wonderful to see Belgium go to the quarter-finals of the World Cup with a decisive win over the USA. No matter how much meddling, money or influence is applied, you can’t trump great talent. Peter Cooper-Southam, Frenchs Forest
World Cup highlight – Belgium thumps USA 4-1. Another interfering Trump deal becomes a beautiful loss. He’ll probably declare it to be fake news. Even so, it’s a definite red card for him and a win for all true football fans. Tony Denzel, Bonny Hills
Being no sports person and even less of a good sport, Donald Trump just discovered that the football gods will have their way. His blatant interfering and attempts to rig the game have only managed to distract the in-form US team and see them bundled out of the World Cup. Maybe he’ll appeal to the Supreme Court. Phil Bradshaw, Naremburn
Since the interference of Trump in the running of the World Cup puts the results into doubt, maybe we should just ask AI who the winner will be, have a big party to celebrate the winner and then get back to the rugby league – the only game that really matters. Mark Anderson, Coogee
Helmets no panacea
Fay Jenkins’ call for football helmets to be made mandatory suggests that she doesn’t understand the character of head injuries in contact sports (Letters, July 7). A helmet does not protect against contre-coup damage to the brain (injury on the opposite side of the brain from the point of impact). In fact, it might increase the risk by introducing a false sense of security, much as do boxing gloves, to participants. If we support the idea of contact sports at all, we have to accept some level of risk to those who play them, but strict medical monitoring should be part of any contact-sport regime. Bruce Hyland, Woy Woy
West is best
Sarah Malik captures Western Sydney in one line: “There is a warmth here that supersedes politics” (“In my suburb, night coffee, culinary gems and the thrum of traffic are all part of the joyful vibe”, July 7). These suburbs are thriving, the economy is booming and you can find some of the best food in the world at prices ordinary people can actually afford. No one is threatened, no one feels intimidated, despite what the media or shock jocks tell you every day. For younger people, these suburbs offer a realistic chance to get a foot in the door of homeownership, or at least affordable rental. The myth of being “trendy” in the city centre often strips away the simple pleasures of life – sharing brilliant food, walking into a café at 9 pm, living in a neighbourhood that feels human. Real humans live in Western Sydney. Mukul Desai, Hunters Hill
Charging ahead
Like many drivers, I am worried about the range and life expectancy of EV batteries, so I have not yet made the switch (The biggest myth about EVs is dying and sales are surging, July 7). To get around this, a company in France hires portable batteries that are towed on a small trailer for long trips, thus eliminating range restrictions. It’s a great idea, but I am unaware of any such system available here. Why not go a step further? Imagine towing a caravan on long trips around Australia with a spare battery built into the caravan to extend the EV’s range? Bliss. When stored at home, the caravan could then be used to supplement the home battery. Win win. David Sayers, Gwandalan
Hoons on notice
Thank you, David Barwell, for your article on hoon noise around Barangaroo (“Supercars, viral clout and the Sydney suburbs left sleepless”, July 7). At last, some action from city residents over antisocial behaviour. I have put up with this noise for a number of years and thankfully now there are enough city residents to create some noise of their own. And thanks to MP Alex Greenwich for taking the initiative to convene a parliamentary forum to examine vehicle noise pollution. Perhaps we can now start on getting parking for hire bikes to improve pedestrian safety on footpaths. Michael Canning, The Rocks
Precious prince
Prince Harry of Los Angeles obviously hasn’t heard of Airbnb (“King takes charge of battle tank after embarrassing mix-up over Harry’s palace lodgings”’, July 7). He simply had to use the search filter “must be a royal castle in the centre of London” and under transport facilities “have access to a gilded coach with four white steeds”. Talk about living in la la land. But then, all the Windsors do, don’t they? Patrick McGrathm, Potts Point
How long would it take Charles or Camilla to change the sheets on a bed and put a towel there while making sure the bathroom is clean? We have a son and four grandsons turning up for a week on Sunday, and will do everything that’s necessary that morning. John Brown, Kianga
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