Factional bloodletting is a bad look for Albanese

Election hubris is already biting the Labor Party (“Husic, Dreyfus axed in Labor factional power play,” May 9). Ousting attorney-general Mark Dreyfus and science minister Ed Husic from the front bench are purely factional decisions that Anthony Albanese should have blocked. And who will replace them? Daniel Mulino and Sam Rae may both be talented people, but as someone who follows politics closely, I have never heard of them. They have certainly kept a low profile. I am sure this decision makes sense to the party power brokers, but to ordinary voters, it looks like the spiteful factional nonsense that has cruelled many past Labor governments. Ross Hudson, Mount Martha (Vic)

During his victory speech on election night, Albanese chastised the crowd with, “No, no, in Australia we treat people with respect.” Only yesterday that respect for Dreyfus and Husic, both of whom were doing great work, was thrown away by the Labor right faction in order to promote Richard Marles’ Victorian Labor right figures. If the factions are going to tear apart the Labor Party and cause major distractions from the job ahead, Albanese is going to have major problems throughout this term, unless he unseats Marles, a poor performer, as his deputy. Mark Berg, Caringbah South

The axing of Husic from the cabinet is as disastrous as when Kristina Keneally at the 2022 election was parachuted as a candidate in the then-safe Labor seats of Fowler, lost to an independent. Husic was the only western Sydney Labor MP to get a swing towards him while the others felt the wrath of Muslims voting against them, annoyed at the party’s stand on Gaza. Removing Husic, a Muslim and an effective minister of industry, will only annoy more voters in those areas to turn to independents at the next election. Con Vaitsas, Ashbury

I hate to say it because I detested Peter Dutton for his despicable campaign to convince us Albanese was weak. It was an indication of how desperate and shallow his campaign was. However, allowing the removal of ministers Dreyfus and Husic really is weak. It takes us back to the days of the “faceless men” running Labor. Albanese needs to stand up to these “backroom boys” and protect these two ministers, who are both effective and who represent the diversity of our nation. Jim Richardson, Croydon

There is something terribly wrong with Labor’s factional portioning out of cabinet positions when men of ability and talent such as Husic and Dreyfus are dropped from the ministry. I hope Labor’s extraordinary win in the election does not make its factions cocky and fractious. Genevieve Milton, Dulwich Hill

“Unity, tolerance, kindness and respect” are great values, advocated by Albanese, but what a travesty to have these values totally negated soon after when the far-right faction of the Labor Party dumps two of the most tolerant, kind and respectful members of cabinet, namely Husic and Dreyfus. This was a shameful exhibition of bullying by the Labor right. Shame on them. Genevieve Upcher, Opossum Bay (Tas)

I’m with Christine Shale in advocating four-year terms, preferable with a set, permanent date (Letters, May 9). Three years isn’t long enough for a government to implement its plans before having to start on new election policies. I suspect this would have to go to a referendum, so start planning to include this in our next election rather than a costly solo event. But why do we go to the effort of voting when things come back to factional infighting? Labor should seek some counselling on how to become fully unified. This dates back to Federation in 1901, when the colonies (later states) were fighting for dominance but now it is just annoying, disruptive and irrelevant. The Nationals and the Liberals seem to get on OK, so why can’t Labor do the same? Factions are a hangover from last century. Glenys Quirk, Forster

I agree with your correspondent that now is a good time to introduce a federal four-year term like the state governments. I’ve often maintained that both major parties were in favour of four-year terms but neither wanted more than three years in opposition. Considering the current state of disarray among the opposition and the monumental task of winning back so many seats at the next election, I am sure that whoever the next leader is will appreciate an extra 12 months to get ready. Brian Collins, Cronulla

Price a poor choice

Whoever came up with the idea to recruit Jacinta Nampijinpa Price to run as would-be Liberal leader Angus Taylor’s deputy must have missed the recent Labor election landslide completely (“Jacinta Price defects to Liberals, expected to run as Angus Taylor’s deputy,” May 9). There was the moment when she tried to introduce abortion rights into the debate, only to be immediately shut down by then opposition leader Peter Dutton, who was aware of her controversial views on the topic. Then came the Trumpian MAGA moment, which had Dutton cringing in the background. This is hardly someone who will appeal to the progressive, urban women who have deserted the Liberals in droves and who need to be won back in even bigger droves if the Liberal Party is to survive. What on earth are they thinking? This move should prove a priceless gift to Sussan Ley. Donna Wiemann, Balmain

If Jacinta Price is to sit in the senate as a Liberal, why did she campaign and win a seat as a National only a week ago (“I do feel the Liberal Party is my natural home,” May 9)? This shows her to be disloyal and dishonest to the principles of the Country Liberal Party she claimed to represent. If I were in her electorate, I would feel angry and cheated out of a genuine country “voice” to parliament. Christina Foo, Wahroonga

Jacinta Price’s decision to sit in the Senate as a Liberal might facilitate a Taylor/Price ticket for Tuesday’s Liberal leadership ballot, but it comes at a price. She is seen as a star performer by her supporters in the party and, while she is an intelligent and articulate woman, in the last parliament she took on a negative role opposing the Voice and just about everything else. One of the lessons of this election has been that Australians are no longer listening to politicians whose message divides rather than unites. We need a more positive debate about issues such as cost of living, housing and health. Whether Price can adapt to this sort of political environment is to be seen. If not, it will cost her and her party. Gordon Lambert, Kiama Downs

It doesn’t matter if Sussan Ley or Angus Taylor are elected as Liberal Party leader, neither of them will be there for the next election. By then a team of younger MPs, such as Simon Kennedy and Melissa McIntosh, would be more representative of the cities’ younger voters. The Liberals need to think outside the box and become more attractive to youthful voters. Mukul Desai, Hunters Hill

I read that Price wants to discuss the issue of Liberal values within the party. Obviously, loyalty is not one of them. Graham Fazio, Cootamundra

No pontificating

Congratulations are due to Rob Harris for his detailed and insightful coverage in recent weeks of the death and funeral of the late Pope Francis, the papal election, and finally the announcement of the new pope, Leo XIV (“This spiritual son of Francis could be the bridge a broken world needs,” May 9). The report on the new Pope not only makes us feel as if we were present in St Peter’s Square, but also, importantly, it leads us to reflect on the hopes and challenges he faces, especially being a bridge. Harris has provided an important record of these significant events that affect not only the 1.4 billion members of the world’s largest institution, but the world overall. Paul Casey, Callala Bay

All religions profess to follow noble principles, but history shows us such religious horrors as the Crusades and the tragedies of Catholic v Protestant in the Irish “troubles”. Currently, we have the ongoing religious catastrophe in Gaza, and Hindu India v Muslim Pakistan in yet another Kashmir crisis. In Rome, there is tension between so-called progressive and conservative factions among the 133 old men who have chosen a new pope. Religion seems to have little unifying and peaceful influence on the human condition. The opposite, in fact. One wonders if a new pope can make any difference. Rob Phillips, North Epping

I have just heard that a new pope has been elected – a fourteenth Pope Leo. His election raises so many well-intentioned Forrest Gump-like questions about the man and the direction of his future papacy. I have already heard some American speculation about whether this Chicago-born prelate is a fan of the Chicago Cubs or the White Sox baseball teams, so I have no hesitation in asking, on behalf of a similarly motivated fan community, about whether this iconic figure favours Dr Who over Star Wars, or indeed, if he favours Star Trek, whether he is a Classic, Discovery, Next Gen, Deep Space Nine or even a Voyager oriented Trekkie? Will his new papal vestments reveal all? I just hope an image of Leo XIV as US president does not emerge on Vatican social media any time soon. Garry Dalrymple, Earlwood

There’s no better time for young Catholic boys the world over to aspire to becoming pope. With the Vatican being a DEI-free zone, over half the competition is immediately relegated. With free food and wine aplenty, and smoking still permitted, how good is this? But Catholic girls, don’t despair, a lifetime of servitude is still open to you. Opportunities for unpaid internships have never been better and vacancies for nuns are at record highs. Apply in the first instance to VATICAN Inc. Howard Charles, Glebe

I wonder how long it will take for Donald Trump to claim his influence was the main reason for Pope Leo XIV being elected as the successor to the late Francis. Perhaps before the publication of this letter? I wouldn’t be in the least bit surprised. Rose Lysnar, Orange

Well, Trump got it half right – it is not him but the new pope is indeed an American, for the first time in history. Would it be going too far to hope for some women in the next conclave? Nola Tucker, Kiama

In 1521, Pope Leo X excommunicated an Augustinian friar by the name of Martin Luther, triggering the Protestant Reformation. In 2025, an Augustinian friar by the name of Robert Prevost has become Pope Leo XIV; an exquisite historical irony. Greg Bowyer, Sturt (SA)

You know you’re really old when the Pope is younger than you. Alan Nicholas, Sandringham

Tragedy of baby Layan

Your photograph of baby Layan, who lost her family in an Israeli attack, is heartbreaking (“We can’t give up on Gaza’s children,” May 9). It’s so wrong to steal her childhood like this. The leaders on both sides in the Gaza conflict are responsible for this appalling situation. How can they justify these barbaric hostilities without making genuine attempts at finding a solution? The Biblical quote is “suffer the little children” not “make the little children suffer”. Look at this picture and weep. Kath Maher, Lidcombe

Georgia Tracy cries out for an end to the suffering in Gaza. With United Nations resolutions unable to stop the indiscriminate killing, the only hope for the children may be for US President Donald Trump to end US support for the Israeli military. If Trump wants the Nobel Peace Prize, this could be his big chance. Ian Ferrier, Paddington

Thank you for the deeply moving piece by Georgia Tracy, who provided a poignant perspective from her humanitarian work in Gaza. It shone light on the harrowing experience of the many displaced, starving and traumatised children. The horrific circumstances these children face are beyond imagination. Tracy provided some painful truths about the reality on the ground in Gaza and reminded us not to turn away from it. Her message about the “spirit of compassion” is so important. We need to recognise the humanity that connects us in the face of such suffering. Peace does not just happen: it is something we must all work for and contribute to. Saba Mustafa, Punchbowl

Housing how to

Your correspondent Liz Adams makes an important point by suggesting housing policy has to change (Letters, May 9). It seems political parties are too concerned about losing votes to change the policies of negative gearing and the 50 per cent capital gains discount. Well, how about the government puts a three-year moratorium on both policies, excluding existing owners? Will prices drop? Will first home buyers get a better opportunity to buy that has been denied them for over 25 years? People can still invest in property in that time but without the benefits they get presently. This way, we’re not throwing the baby out with the bathwater but testing a new regime. The existing one is obviously having a particularly negative effect on the younger generation. Phil Kerrigan, Speers Point

Snip and a tip

On the subject of haircuts (Letters, May 9), my barbers Ken and Michael not only give me a decent, modestly priced one for $35, they also throw in a dermatological service. On a recent visit, Michael noticed a lump on my ear and referred me to a GP. The doctor who excised it asked me to congratulate Michael, and said he had a position for him if he wanted to change trades. John Flint, St Leonards

Phone drones

I was stopped at a red light yesterday and watched three schoolchildren waiting to cross with their heads buried in their phones. Half an hour later in an office filled with about 15 people, only one wasn’t goggling their phone. We have become a race whose every idle moment must be filled with dopamine hits of useless information. And we wonder why “students seem to lack the intellectual stamina and attention span required by more demanding subjects” (Letters, May 9). Elizabeth Maher, Gordon

Postscript

“A resounding majority of Australians voted for decency. They defeated hate. Hate in politics. Hate in the media. The hate of those who peddle grievance and division.”

In his post-election letter, Terry Quinn spoke for the many Herald correspondents relieved to see the back of Peter Dutton and his Liberals after their sound thumping last weekend.

It was an acrimonious and divisive campaign, and the sense of relief was strong. “Dutton gone, nuclear gone, culture warring hopefully gone. The electorate has decisively spoken,” wrote Grahame Riethmuller.

“Now for real truth-telling and reconciliation,” added Viv Mackenzie.

A flood of opinions followed about what went wrong for the Liberals and what their future held. “The seeds of their demise were sown more than a decade ago by Tony Abbott and his supporters, including Peter Dutton, with their harsh brand of negative attack politics,” wrote David Wilkins.

“I wonder where the Liberal Party would be today if it had elected Julie Bishop as leader seven years ago?” asked Alastair McKean, prompting Kathie Barnes to add: “She was a world-respected foreign minister, erudite and intelligent. How blind they were. How out of touch they are.”

Gordon Chirgwin had a dire warning: “Unless the Liberals divorce the Nationals and rebuild as a liberal, centrist party, they will be smashed. One day, those sensible teal independents will own the centre. This will lock the Nationals and the Liberals out forever.”

Opposition deputy leader Sussan Ley is a frontrunner to replace Peter Dutton, who lost his seat of Dickson. Bill Young reckoned she was being set up to fail. “My advice? Don’t accept this job offer, Sussan. It’s not a promotion.”

This week’s heavy media focus on the losers frustrated Alison Stewart. “I appeal for fewer stories about what went wrong for the Libs and more about the government’s policies. It’s still all about Dutton. We know what went wrong – they were out of touch. There, fixed it for you,” she wrote.

The last word on the topic went to Roger Cedergreen. “My condolences to those brave keyboard warriors who no longer have Peter Dutton to put the boot into. What are they going to do? What will life be like? I dare say they will find someone else.”

Rather than find someone else, I’m sure our brave and trusty keyboard warriors can find something else to write about. It’s been a long and tiring season of politics.

Ivan Hemens, letters desk

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