Letters to the Editor
A better fix for CGT
February 26, 2026
Realised capital gains should be taxed at similar rates to wages, with the CGT discount abolished. Modern digital record-keeping makes this feasible. For individuals, the government could declare an annual inflation rate (using CPI or AWE) to calculate the real gain. The tax payable would then be based on the taxpayer’s average tax rate over the previous five years – a figure easily recorded on annual assessments. Companies and discretionary trusts should pay the company rate, which should not be cut. Negative gearing on residential property should be abolished. Where expenses, including interest, exceed income, these losses...
John Curr from MANLY
In response to: How Australia should fix capital gains tax
How to fix CGT
February 26, 2026
Bob McMullan’s fix for capital gains means for example an investor who makes say $100,000 capital gain over some period of time (lets say 2-3 years) may pay up to 49 per cent in tax less a 25 per cent discount= $35,000 in tax. And if real inflation (higher than the unrealistic narrow basket of goods in the inflation index) runs around say 5 per cent, that leaves capital at perhaps real value of $0000 when sold less $35000 equals $55000. Perhaps one million dollars was used to buy the property which could have earned 10 per cent plus elsewhere...
Alan Pinsker from Rochedale South, Logan 4123
In response to: How to fix cgt
The Australian community is more mature than politicians think
February 26, 2026
Dr Jamal Rifi is one of the few talking sense in the debate about the return of women and children from the Syrian camps. Politicians are running in all directions hiding from their fears of a community backlash but it seems the Australian community is more mature than politicians think it is. It is obvious that Australia will be safer if these women and children are returned. Leaving the children there to breed up as future terrorists is insane. We have already had at least two cohorts return to Australia and there is no evidence that any of them have...
Jennifer Haines from Glossodia
In response to: AUSTRALIAS MORAL FAILURE OVER WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN SYRIA
Continued puerility!
February 19, 2026
One cannot help but continue to wish that the Coalition's ongoing yearning for a return to the glory of Nineteenth Century Australia where there was a place for everyone and everyone knew their place, does not change. That will guarantee their continued occupation of the Opposition benches for the foreseeable future. Then the only problem will be how to neuter the attractiveness of the imbecility of Pauline to the diminishing band of older Australians whose most in-depth of thoughts centres around the feudal monarchy, empty nationalism and unrestrained racism!
Les Macdonald from Balmain NSW 2041
In response to: Scapegoating migrants is as old as history itself
Vastly expensive but a failure in reality
February 19, 2026
A great article by Warwick that sets out the gigantic resources devoted to the most unproductive economic activities imaginable. Given that vast expenditure one would normally expect a military covered in glory. But what do we see? Stalemate in Korea, defeat in Vietnam, defeat in Afghanistan, defeat in Iraq, defeat in Ukraine. Major triumphs for that military – Panama with a population of a few hundred thousand, Granada with a population of a few hundred thousand, Haiti with a population of a few million. The only major win was the first gulf war. The wins were against...
Les Macdonald from Balmain NSW 2041
In response to: How the United States built the world’s biggest military machine
History is not conditional
February 18, 2026
Conditional history. What a fearful prospect. Amplified by media control of the narrative, the possibility of digging down into the issues underlying the conflicts currently raging across our world now hinges on conditions. These are often imposed by one or more of the main actors in any given conflict making it difficult if not impossible to rationally discuss just how we got into such a pickle. Why did Russia feel it necessary to attack Ukraine? Why does China bristle at the mention of an independent Taiwan? Why does Iran feel it necessary to arm itself with a fearsome array of missiles? Why did...
Hal Duell from Alice Springs
In response to: Whose rights and liberties I respect
Is it the regime or the west that must change?
February 18, 2026
Mehmet Ozalp's article helps inform readers who know little about the history of Western interference in Iran's affairs, but he leaves out some key information, which leads his article to be biased toward the west, favouring as it does 'regime change', but not being clear how that will come about. If a bigger picture were told, we might favour a 'regime change' in the west, too. Being cognisant of more of the relevant details would help. These would include: - the west supplying Iraq with chemical weapons to use against Iranian forces in the 80s - the 1996...
Susan Dirgham from Viewbank
In response to: How Iran’s current unrest can be traced back to the 1979 revolution
Do not go gentle into that good night
February 18, 2026
The late Dylan Thomas liked a cold beer or two on a hot day and once described an alcoholic as someone you don't like that drinks more than you do.
Bernard Corden from Spring Hill QLD 4000
In response to: Sobriety, friendship and the quiet power of Alcoholics Anonymous
Robert Reich keeps me sane
February 18, 2026
About a year ago, I ran into a friend who asked how I was. Donald Trump is driving me insane I replied. You should read Robert Reich, she said. And ever since then I have read Reich's daily blogs on Substack about the sheer awfulness of the Trump Administration. This article about the appalling Kristi Noem and her Department of Homeland Security was particularly therapeutic because the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti at the hands of ICE still make me weep. It's not just their deaths but the unconstitutional manner in which they act. As Reich writes:...
Jenny Goldie from Cooma NSW
In response to: ‘It’s my government’: Robert Reich's short note to Kristi NoemAngus Taylor looks
Fairer tax for a fairer society
February 18, 2026
Cutting taxes is an easy road to popularity; increasing taxes requires a convincing presentation framework to demonstrate taxpayer value. Labor must promote taxation reform as a program for social benefit: reducing the income tax burden for those who need support (eg wage-earners, particularly the younger taxpayers and the lower paid who struggle with cost of living pressures) while adding or increasing contributions from those who currently receive favourable treatment. These reforms would not be introduced simply to raise more funds, but to create greater tax equity and thus strengthen social cohesion. Possibilities include reducing those concessions seen as overly-generous, such...
Chris Young from Surrey Hills, Vic
In response to: When both sides chant 'lower tax', the country pays in division
Doyle’s warning: Japan’s defensive shift
February 18, 2026
The recent analysis regarding Japan’s departure from its pacifist equilibrium raises vital concerns about regional stability. At first glance, the critique of Tokyo’s Five-Year Plan – aiming to elevate defence spending to 2 per cent of GDP by 2027 – might seem alarmist. Doubling a budget that traditionally hovered around 1 per cent represents a seismic shift in Japan’s post-war identity. However, while the transition is jarring, the author’s underlying apprehension regarding the risk of entrapment is ultimately justified when viewed through the lens of sonritsu kiki jitai. This philosophy of survival-threatening situations allows Japan to exercise collective self-defence...
Ravin Nair from Canberra, ACT
In response to: Will Japan’s remilitarisation drag us into a war?
Applying Capital Gains Tax to our homes won't change things much
February 16, 2026
In discussions I too have often proposed that giving home buyers the same tax settings as property investors would negate the leveraging advantage investors have that lets them bid higher. Except with Capital Gains Tax (CGT). Extending that idea to taxing Capital Gains on the sale of one’s private residence, as suggested by the authors here, ignores one very important cause of the current market failure in providing housing. That factor is the lack of new housing. The ALP proposal during their 2019 election campaign was to limit CGT tax discounts to new builds. That was the most...
Terry Constanti from Sydney
In response to: Capital gains tax reform could reshape Australia’s housing market
Navigating the complexity of contemporary democracy
February 16, 2026
The observation regarding the current administration’s strategic approach to shifting political currents invites a deeper analysis of the multifaceted challenges facing modern governance. Rather than viewing the perceived gap between rhetoric and policy as a systemic failure, it is perhaps more instructive to consider it as a reflection of the inherent complexities involved in maintaining social cohesion within a pluralistic society. As global political landscapes undergo rapid transformations, the task of crafting a unified response becomes increasingly intricate, requiring a delicate balance between immediate legislative action and long-term ideological stability. The difficulties mentioned are not unique to any single...
Ravin Nair from Canberra, ACT
In response to: Best of 2025 - Australia’s fragile multicultural consensus under threat
Thoughtful article with important insights
February 16, 2026
I wanted to share my thoughts on this article. The author presents a compelling analysis of recent events. The contrast between Melbourne and Sydney responses is particularly insightful. This piece shows that the perfect combo can make pixels feel alive. The nuanced discussion about democratic rights and peaceful protest really resonates with readers who value civil discourse. Thank you for publishing such thoughtful content on these important matters.
gamehome.biz biz from wuhan
In response to: When peaceful protest is allowed to work, democracy works
Social coersion
February 16, 2026
The term 'social cohesion' is a misnomer. It has been written the USA believes in human rights but limits who it recognises as human. In the same way social cohesion has become a definition to recognise who is Australian. If you agree with the government, you are Australian (with various qualifiers and hierarchy). Cohesion is an attempt to force conformity or to deny identity. In effect the political mob are asking the right to vote for who they represent. It is an admission of failure of government, of media, of the economic structures and a denial of responsibilities. Australia's...
M Bulluss from UnAustralian
In response to: Do we really need a Minister for Social Cohesion?
Defining antisemitism
February 16, 2026
In referring to the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion, Peter Hooton points out that “Defining what, for the purposes of the inquiry, constitutes antisemitism, will be a crucial first step.” Agreed! My critique of the IHRA working definition and its so-called ‘examples’ has been published by Independent Australia. The following alternative definition, the Jerusalem Declaration on Antisemitism, is concise, less open to ambiguity and misuse than the IHRA definition, and likely to be more effective in identifying genuine antisemitism: “Antisemitism is discrimination, prejudice, hostility or violence against Jews as Jews (or Jewish institutions as Jewish)”.
Mark Diesendorf from BEROWRA HEIGHTS
In response to: The Herzog visit and the Israelisation of antisemitism
Restraint on excess
February 16, 2026
Stuart displays admirable restraint in his response to the fascist thuggery displayed by Police at the Anti-Israel protest that accompanied the shameful visit of the Israeli President, at Australia's invitation. It is difficult to accept the supine satrapy and moral vacuity of the Australian and NSW governments, in blithely ignoring the vast genocide and grotesque criminality of the Israeli government's actions in Gaza. The clear racism involved in the actions of both governments will come back to haunt therm and hopefully soon. As the Australian government has cravenly refused to obey international law just to please the tangerine Daddy...
Les Macdonald from Balmain NSW 2041
In response to: Cowardice dressed up as authority on Sydney’s streets
Civilised but strong and direct
February 16, 2026
It is really difficult to summarise in a few words the outstanding contribution of John to public life in Australia. Not the least of those achievements has been the creation of Pearls and Irritations as the most respected Geo-political journal in Australia. For someone who has learned so much from P&I over the years I say thank you John, and look forward to many more years of your thoughtful and penetrating insights into this area of vital interest to the future of humanity.
Les Macdonald from Balmain NSW 2041
In response to: Message from the Editor-in-Chief
Extending Stuart Rees assessment
February 16, 2026
In agreeing completely with Stuart Rees’ assessment, it is also worth mentioning Tasmanian senator Nick McKim’s suggestion that inviting Herzog to Australia was “deliberately inflammatory”. While it is now beyond doubt that Albanese’s slogan of “social cohesion” is a euphemism to close down all opposition to genocide in Gaza, the means has now escalated beyond criminalisation of non-violent civil disobedience to violent state action against young and old Australian citizens. It is also significant that Herzog’s presence in Australia coincides with Netanyahu’s presence in Washington at a time where Netanyahu is applying maximum pressure on Washington to destroy...
Peter Henning from Melbourne
In response to: Cowardice dressed up as authority on Sydney’s streets
Congratulations
February 16, 2026
It is with great pleasure that I note the appointment of Mr David Armstrong, a distinguished media personality with a stronghold in Asia, as the new editor-in-chief of Pearls and Irritations, the only newsletter that still keeps me sane. Many thanks to Mr John Menadue, a pioneer in reactionary and independent journalism, whose career and achievements in serving the national interest I have admired for years. Your journey in public policy has been incredible. We will continue to wait eagerly for the end-of-the week pearls of wisdom (and occasional irritation, which is the pearl's Raison d'être) to come from...
Eveline Goy from TEWANTIN
In response to: New editor
Reason against chaos
February 15, 2026
As always with Jeffrey and Sybil this article is a paean to common sense, intelligence, non-aggression and compassion for humanity. Their unflinching and coruscating layout of the US criminality and abuse of international law bears the hallmark of a truth that the western MSM buried decades ago. Increasingly the world is coming together around these views and in the process isolating the tiny but violent and aggressive proportion of humanity that is the dying Western empire. As so often with dying empires near their end the empire begins to strike out destructively and in all directions in a last...
Les Macdonald from Balmain NSW 2041
In response to: Iran’s comprehensive peace proposal to the United States
A guaranteed consignment to irrelevance
February 15, 2026
If the Libs select Taylor it will be the last important thing they do before the descent into utter irrelevance. His views are Neo-liberal and globalist when both have been proven to be utter failures as the part of the world that has adopted them as holy writ, itself descends into economic, Geo-political and social irrelevance. I say bring it on!!!
Les Macdonald from Balmain NSW 2041
In response to: Angus Taylor looks like a leader on paper – but the job is bigger than that
Albanese needs courage on climate
February 15, 2026
As Noel Turnbull reports, the numbers show climate denial in Australia is a loud minority, not a majority view. Research from the Monash Climate Change Communication Research Hub and Ipsos confirms most Australians accept climate change is real and support stronger action. Yet public debate often feels skewed. That distortion is not accidental. Fossil fuel lobby groups such as the Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association (now Australian Energy Producers) and the Minerals Council of Australia have long campaigned against stronger emissions policies. The Grattan Institute and the Centre for Public Integrity have documented how opaque political donation laws...
Ray Peck from Hawthorn
In response to: Climate sceptics dominate the noise, not the numbers
A proud Australian no longer
February 15, 2026
Australia's position to the south of pretty much everywhere that's populated should give the country a certain objectivity with respect to world affairs, but once again the country's elected representatives seem eager to position Australia somewhere to the right of everywhere else. Why? I hope that Albanese and others are taking the opportunity in private to explore with Herzog and his retinue how Israel might survive because right now they are sowing generational fear and hatred that will make it very difficult for Israel to survive long-term.
Dave Gardner from Sligo, Ireland
In response to: Genocide is the Story, not antisemitism
Taylor's approach to climate disastrous
February 15, 2026
Angus Taylor's weathervane approach to climate is potentially disastrous. In his first speech as Opposition leader, he reasserted the party's no net zero policy. Yet, almost to the day, a scientific paper by top climate scientists, including William Ripple, Johan Rockström and Hans Joachim Schellnhuber, warned that we are close to crossing critical temperature thresholds that will make global warming even worse. They said precaution was essential. Crossing these temperature thresholds could commit the planet to “a hothouse trajectory with long-lasting and potentially irreversible consequences”. Not having a net zero policy gives a green light to the fossil fuel...
Jenny Goldie from Cooma NSW
In response to: Angus Taylor looks like a leader on paper – but the job is bigger than that
Supporting Palestinians – here and there
February 15, 2026
No honest person could disagree with what John Menadue has written in the wake of Isaac Herzog's visit to Australia. However, I think we should stop using the word 'war'. Usually it is used as war 'in' Gaza or war 'between' Israel and Palestine. In contrast, Palestinian Lutheran Pastor Munther Isaac in his book Christ in the Rubble refers to the war 'on' Gaza, pointing out just how unequal this fighting is. So maybe only ever genocide or, if that's a step to far for some (it shouldn't be), ethnic cleansing? My thoughts during this time have increasingly turned...
Margaret Callinan from Hawthorn VIC 3122
In response to: Genocide is the story, not antisemitism
Prepare for a nuclear re-run
February 15, 2026
Peter Sainsbury’s piece on nuclear is timely. Wealthy players on the right are no doubt ready to ramp up opposition to our transition to renewables. Angus Taylor’s official page states he was “the Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction in the former Coalition Government…played a key role in reducing energy prices…lowering Australia’s emissions to record lows”. Will nuclear be the debate we have to have, again? It is likely the Coalition’s past ‘energy policies’ will be recycled, no matter how many times Taylor now says he will move “forward”. We will be told that nuclear is essential, especially given...
Fiona Colin from Melbourne
In response to: Environment: The energy is underway - nuclear is not part of it.
What's in a name?
February 15, 2026
I should paraphrase Bill Shakespeare; What's in a phrase? Greg Barns' 13 February timely article should be a wake-up call to those of us in the sunny state of Queensland as two phrases are about to be banned by the LNP led government. The publishing or public utterance of these could see one landed in jail for two years. It is incomprehensible to me that from the river to the sea for example is deemed by seemingly naive politicians to be hate speech – a phrase by the way that has peppered the Israeli prime minister's own political party. It...
John Devaney from Townsville
In response to: Grace Tame Free Speech by Greg Barns
Don't mention the root causes
February 11, 2026
The deadly explosion from Gaza of Palestinians was the predictable blowing of a pressure cooker. For years the roughly two million Palestinians in Gaza had been living under a full air, land and sea blockade imposed by Israel. Israel also had its hand on the taps controlling water, fuel, medicine, food and movement. Occasionally they would dial a tap down a bit. They called it cutting the grass. To preface the litany of Israeli atrocities in Gaza with a reference to the events of October 7 as the monstrous Hamas-led attack is an attempt to seize and shade the narrative....
Hal Duell from Alice Springs
In response to: Don't mention the war
Increase taxes
February 11, 2026
In 2026 we will be faced with both state and federal elections. Here in SA the theme among some of the parties is that they will cut taxation; a theme that will no doubt frame much of the narrative for most opposition parties. It is time that we called this out. The real debate should centre on who pays the taxes and what do we use those tax dollars for. The aim should be to shift the tax burden on those most able to pay - the top 10 per cent of society be they individuals or corporations...
John tons from adelaide
In response to: Why higher taxes make more sense than higher interest rates
AUKUS vs India: a strategy and cost critique
February 11, 2026
John Queripel's critique of AUKUS offers a powerful fiscal warning, but his comparison to India’s Project 75(I) deal rests on a false equivalence. Comparing a $10 billion conventional fleet to a $368 billion nuclear one ignores the immutable geographic realities Australia faces. India’s German-designed diesel-electric boats are excellent littoral assets for regional two-front threats. However, they lack the endurance required for Australia’s vast maritime approaches. As ASPI notes, nuclear propulsion (SSN) provides the persistent, high-speed range that conventional boats – limited by battery and fuel – cannot match. For Australia, a conventional fleet would be exhausted before even...
Ravin Nair from Canberra, ACT
In response to: India’s submarine deal shows what due diligence looks like
Menadue understands power of lobbyists
February 11, 2026
John Menadue understands better than most the power of foreign lobbyists on Australian governments. From the alleged cover up by Prime Minister Whitlam of the Balibo 5, to Australian government's refusal to recognise the Armenian genocide, or the way they seemingly won't prevent a powerful trading ally from spying on activists in Australia, this country has long been captive to foreign pressures. Why Israel is seen as different to Indonesia, Turkey, China, India or US, or held to a different standard, isn't surprising in the current environment.
Simon Tatz from Melbourne
In response to: The Zionist lobby, antisemitism and Herzog
It’s supply of affordable housing that is key
February 11, 2026
Surely Michael Keating you meant that the key to raising living standards is the supply of affordable housing, where people want to live, with accessible, efficient infrastructure, including pubic transport and public green spaces. Living standards and quality of life will increase with an increased supply of housing that creates and sustains socio-economically diverse, livable cities. Supply of housing without discussion about type, where and how, sounds like trickle-down economics, which we know works for only a few (and not the poorest). And surely Michael you would take issue with state governments that are preparing to sell off public land,...
Leah Nichles from Brisbane
In response to: Why higher taxes make more sense than higher interest rates
Chandran Nair and global silent voices
February 11, 2026
I’ve heard Chandran Nair on radio, in person and have started reading his work. He wrote a brilliant piece describing Davos as a true mirror of world order and global white privilege. It’s a beautiful piece of writing, and the type of thing that I would ask students to read in a social science course to understand – silenced voices, alternative perspectives. So pleased to come upon his article in Pearls and Irritations. Thank you.
Michele Davis from Launceston
In response to: Davos and the myth of a global conversationFebruary 5, 2026
Cheers for Chandran Nair
February 9, 2026
Chandran Nair writes of the hegemony of western bloc agendas in the priorities and presentations at the most recent Davos meeting of the World Economic Forum; he also cites the potential of alliances like the BRICS coalition to more effectively represent the needs and priorities of the rest of the world’s population. Health systems are in dire need of such approach, with new models targeting individual and collective good, developed and operated free of vested interests such as Pharma and Vaccine developers, and independent of control by external bodies like the WHO, in which they have little representation or...
Wendy Hoy from Brisbane, Queensland
In response to: Davos and the myth of a global conversation r
Herzog visit a monstrous misjudgement of policy
February 9, 2026
When you were first elected PM, Mr Albanese, you declared that 'people have always underestimated me'. Quite wrong: we overestimated you, thinking that you would step up to the crease and go into bat to correct the entrenched poisoning of a decent society that has taken place over years of LNP government. You have done no such thing; you have passed on to the keeper every hardball launched by 'interest groups' from mining, gambling, environmental, the military/industrial complex, the USA, and now, the genocidal extremist Zionist Israeli /IDF /Settler triumvirate that is trampling every aspect of human decency...
Richard Llewellyn from Colo Vale
In response to: Why is the Australian government hosting the President of Israel?
A National Day to unite, not divide
February 9, 2026
What or who in our history would have Australians up on their feet cheering. I offer Matthew Flinders and his circumnavigation of Australia as that event and that man. He was the first man to circumnavigate Australia, with a special, separate circumnavigation of Tasmania, together with his colleague George Bass, thrown in for good measure. He was the first to refer to the continent, previously known as Terra Australis, as Australia, and to lobby vigorously with the British Admiralty for its formal adoption as the name of this continent. Importantly he had two indigenous men, Bungaree and Nanbaree,...
Mary Edwards from KILSYTH
In response to: If we’re choosing a national day, there are better options
Tactical voting by Labor voters
February 9, 2026
John Small writes that he voted Teal 1, Albo 2, not because I wanted the Teal candidate to be elected but because I support stronger environmental and conservation policies than those of the government. Surely that objective would be best served by voting Green? Maybe that's what Mr Small did, and voted for Hannah Thomas, unless he was of the view that David Bradbury counted as a teal. The only other candidates were Liberal, One Nation and Trumpet of Patriots.
Gilbert Elliott from Canterbury NSW
In response to: Tactical voting by Labor voters
Do Australians reject White Australia?
February 9, 2026
Dennis Altman deludes himself if he thinks that, except for a few far right activists, Australians reject the idea of a White Australia. No one should doubt that if, instead of the current 4 per cent, First Nations people numbered 50 per cent of our population, roughly the percentage of Palestinians in Palestine/Israel, they would demand the return of their homeland as vigorously as Palestinian do theirs. In that event, we white settler Australians would show ourselves to be every bit as brutal as Israelis are. We’ve done it before and we’d do it again if we thought that...
Paul Vellacott from Ipswich, Qld.
In response to: What Australia’s past might teach Israel about its future
The western hall of mirrors again!
February 9, 2026
An excellent article displaying the far greater subtlety of the Chinese culture than the obtuse and aggressive one inherited from the warring tribes or Europe. It highlights the propensity of the West both to view its governance model as the end of history and its similarly self centred view that all of humanity will be the same as them: devious, exploitative and power hungry. They treat the extraordinarily different historical, political, economic and cultural development of other civilisations as being of lesser value than ours as the pinnacle of human achievement. A brief and even cursory look at our blood-soaked...
Les Macdonald from Balmain NSW 2041
In response to: Confucianism, not coercion – China’s long export of a governance philosophy
West v east – lies v lies
February 9, 2026
“Arguing that an emphasis on moral leadership could become an excuse for weak legal institutions and, in turn, corruption” All this while this while as we speak the loss of freedoms we once had in Australia are being challenged in the courts on behalf of migrants who fled oppression to a country once known for its freedom and fair play. Then there is the USA proving to have the most corrupt courts system in the western world openly discussing is lifetime appointments of justices by biased Presidents tolerated until a exceptionally bad President comes along.
Bob Pearce from Adelaide SA
In response to: confucianism-not-coercion-chinas-long-expor
The propaganda of American might
February 2, 2026
Americans' belief in their exceptionalism is deeply grounded in their culture. As a boy I loved American movies where the main character overcame great odds to win. This theme continued being depicted in western movies and action movies whether decimating foreigners, terrorist or aliens from space. I have not watched these for years turned off by the constant propaganda that might is right, regardless of laws. What triggered my dislike is the constant presence of the American flag in scene after scene. The flag appears on mastheads, on walls, on desks, on shoulder flashes, on badges - every one impressing...
Ian Bowrey from Hamilton South
In response to: The United States is a lawless and dangerous ally. What is Australi's Plan B?
Tactical voting by Labor voters
February 2, 2026
David Solomon's article doesn't mention the possibility of a different kind of tactical voting by Labor voters. I'm a lifelong ALP supporter living in Grayndler, the PM's ultra-safe electorate, and I voted Teal 1, Albo 2, not because I wanted the Teal candidate to be elected but because I support stronger environmental and conservation policies than those of the government.
John Small from Marrickville, NSW
In response to: What Labor’s review reveals about tactical voting and the Teals
But what about Pine Gap?
February 2, 2026
A good article. We certainly need to pay attention to what other Middle Power nations are saying and doing. We could all do with watching Mark Carney's speech more than once and letting its truths sink in. But what about Australia's elephant in the room? Pine Gap and other military establishments under the control of a foreign power? Canada apparently has no US military bases and very few military personnel stationed there. How many active military personnel are based in Australia? Non-alignment will always be impossible while foreign powers control strategic infrastructure or operate out of our country.
Penny Lee from Western Australia
In response to: A declining empire – and how Australia should adapt
Translation problems
February 2, 2026
I note with approval Ramzy Baroud’s article. It seems we have serious truth or translation problems. Take the Hebrew phrase describing events over the weekend “Yisral harga od 31 bani adam be'eza.” An Israeli government translation would be “Israel continues to maintain the ceasefire in Gaza.” But the translation outside Israel (unless maybe it was being processed by Trump’s White House) would be “Israel kills another 31 people in Gaza.”
Geoff Taylor from Borlu (Perth)
In response to: A war without headlines
A passive electorate may revolt
January 27, 2026
Anthony Albanese is a 20 year survivor in politics. He has learned to alter his opinions to suit the political environment. He gained the chalice cup as PM and wants to retain it. He covers his actions in secret cabinet meetings and controls what is disclosed to the public. He is afraid of voter opposition. He must diffuse critics. He wants the voters to be passive recipients of his legislation. So he legislates hate speech laws to give him the power to disrupt free speech that might cause him upset. (Rather Trumpian?) So if I stand on the roadside...
Ian Bowrey from Hamilton South
In response to: Bad laws are the worst sort of tyranny – and this one ticks every box - Greg Bar
Future industries – a question mark?
January 27, 2026
Back in the 1950s, the wool industry provided wealth for the nation. It employed shearers and stockmen and other farm workers to build shearing shed s and fence lines. And the property owners paid taxes. Then synthetics became in vogue and the wool industry crashed. We built factories and built cars then removed tariffs and they crashed. We discovered iron ore, gas and coal and they provided funds for governments while avoiding to pay taxes. In a generation or two that extraction racket will collapse as countries respond to climate change. What will replace them? Who is making plans...
Ian Bowrey from Hamilton South
In response to: Australia looks like a winner – but we’re losing where it counts by Stewart Swee
The courage to join Canada
January 27, 2026
Australia should sign up to Canada's third way trading block which has 1.5 billion people. At the same time withdraw from AUKUS and never sign up to the Board of Peace. But I doubt Albanese has the courage and leadership skills to do so.
Tony Simons from Balmain NSW
In response to: “Take the sign out of the window” – Carney on power, coercion and middle states
Could you imagine
January 27, 2026
Profound thanks are in order. This is an inspiring article. Simple truth so often is. And the question, Could you imagine the Nakba being taught in our schools? That Jepke Goudsmit’s hauntingly beautiful Lament is not included as a preamble to our new hate speech laws is an opportunity missed. Pearls and Irritations, you are a beacon on our media horizon.
Hal Duell from Alice Springs
In response to: Reflections of an Arab Australian on the new 'hate speech' laws