The prime minister’s rose-tinted reflections on our 125th anniversary ignore a stark constitutional and social reality (“On this 125th birthday, let’s rise to our national character”, January 1). We must remember that the Commonwealth exists merely at the pleasure of the states. It was granted limited powers only because the colonies recognised that defence, immigration, customs and taxation required a level of interdependency. Beyond these administrative basics, what are we actually celebrating? Our history remains marred by endemic racism and discrimination. Today, this is compounded by a bitter “internecine warfare” among the intelligentsia, even as we struggle to process modern tragedies. After 125 years, one would hope for a sense of national maturity. Instead, we are met with sniping politicians and a vacuum where singular leadership should be. Chris Rivers, Port Macquarie

He’s good – he’s very good. What an inspiring address to the nation from the leader, with no sniping at the opposition, no crowing about partisan achievements – simply an all-inclusive pat on the back and encouragement to move forward in harmony, with pride in our nation. How refreshing. Thanks, Albo. Elizabeth Denny, Watsons Bay

We have much to be thankful for as Australians and there is much enshrined in our national character worth celebrating. However, we cannot deny the inherent racism of our original constitution or the structural conflicts of the federal system which, despite referendums and national cabinets, continue to affect the lives of the poor, the elderly and Indigenous people in particular. Australians are losing faith in the efficacy of the democratic system and the ability of governments to represent them. There is a danger that the peace, equality and respect lauded by Anthony Albanese will become as mythic as the bush men and women who embodied our national character in the past. We would do well to heed the call to promote compassion, courage and an instinct for fairness but so would our political leaders. Now, more than ever, we need a coming together to seek the common good, and our parliaments would do well to set the example. Philip Cooney, Wentworth Falls

The mighty platypus, symbol of our nationCredit: Tamielle Brunt

It is interesting that our prime minister, who continues to resist calls from many quarters for a royal commission into the Bondi attack, has chosen to write about the platypus, a creature that swims around foraging with its eyes closed and its head in the sand. Doug Walker, Baulkham Hills

Our prime minister has written a rousing piece to recognise Australia’s birthday – with the hugely important exception of singling out antisemitism as a threat rather than radicalism, bigotry and discrimination as a whole. This is an egregious error. Lewis Kaplan, Birchgrove

Good speech, Prime Minister, but it should have been broadcast as a stand-alone verbal address to the whole nation. Times are such that we are not only in great need of compassionate and wise leadership, but one of fervent strength and courage. Time for you to rise to the “O Captain! My Captain!” of us all, spell out your viewpoint to galvanise and lead us into action to address this odious lack of cohesion and tolerance in our society, exemplified even in our fractured political party discourse. The need for a PM’s loud and visible guidance has never been so critical. Get up on that podium and speak out to us. Judy Finch, Taree

Anthony Albanese says “our task is to confront and defeat the threat of antisemitism together as Australians. To meet this test of our national character by holding true to the best of our national character.” Prime Minister, I say your task is to protect all Australians. You need to rise above self-interest and “hold true to the best of our national character”. Your place in history, your legacy, as national leader is at stake. Riley Brown, Bondi Beach

Following the appalling shootings at Bondi, little has been written about the contrast between Australia and the United States. The nationwide shock and horror at the murder of 15 innocent people will haunt us for years to come. In the US, mass shootings are so frequent that citizens have become immune to the suffering and threats to the nation. Are we a lucky country? Yes, of course we are. Despite the ongoing trauma of Bondi, Australians have shown that they are not willing to countenance anything less than strong gun control and action to root out and destroy hatred that showed at Bondi. Australia has shown us this. I am even prouder to be an Australian now. Terry Charleston, Cootamundra

Address ‘the obvious’

You would think the Bondi tragedy alone would be enough to warrant a thorough investigation (“Bondi inquiry vital to protect nation: Top silk”, January 1). Consider events since October 7, 2023, and a royal commission becomes an imperative. There is hate in sections of our community, on our streets, in places of worship, in our universities, in our institutions. The federal government can’t ignore the bleeding obvious. We need to know why this happened and how to stop it from happening again. Simon Pitts, Riverview

Prime Minister, your extraordinary decision not to hold a royal commission into the Bondi Beach massacre is disturbing and invites so many questions. I am reminded of the time-honoured saying, “those who have nothing to hide have nothing to fear.” Michael Gamble, Belmont (Vic)

Why can’t we do both? Immediate measures in response to the tragic Bondi attack, followed by a royal commission into racism in all its despicable manifestations? Rob Phillips, North Epping

Byelection, Barnaby

Well said to your correspondent (Letters, January 1) – trust in your politician is paramount. Barnaby Joyce, who campaigned as a National to represent the people of New England, has fallen out of love with his own party. The people he purports to represent are less represented as a result. Joyce is at fault with this selfish decision, but it highlights a flaw in our electoral process that any politician can change allegiances midterm and retain the seat. Joyce should resign and go to a byelection, but that would involve integrity and trust. Geoff Nilon, Mascot

Time to go into the hall of mirrors, BarnabyCredit: James Brickwood

As a fellow voter in New England, I concur absolutely with your correspondent. I moved to Kentucky, NSW, in 2012, expecting to be represented by Tony Windsor, an independent, principled man. Instead, since then, I have been (mis-)represented by a bigoted buffoon who has now joined his ilk in Pauline Hanson’s One Nation party, an arguably neo-fascist organisation. As I watch neo-fascism rise across the world, I join other decent Australians in condemning both these divisive nonentities and appeal to all Australians to rid us, politically, of the threat they represent. Ian Usman Lewis, Armidale

Plenty of smokescreens

Scott Morrison and Josh Frydenberg had every responsibility to tax tobacco (“The budget that became a big drag”, January 1). After all, its aim was to stop society from smoking, thereby reducing health-related illnesses and the flow-on of healthcare costs. I’m guessing it worked if less revenue has been raised from tobacco excise (I know someone will argue it’s now a black market). Jenny Greenwood, Hunters Hill

Shane Wright refers to “the reaction of criminals and law-abiding smokers”. If someone buys what they know to be an illicit product from criminals, they are no longer law-abiding. Steve Bright, North Avoca

Stop threatening eSafety chief

Interesting that Jim Jordan, chairman of the US house judiciary committee, is willing to charge Julie Inman Grant with contempt if she doesn’t submit herself to his committee to answer their charges of attempting to design and implement a global censorship regime (“US threatens eSafety chief with contempt charges”, January 1). He and his committee, as well as Secretary of State Marco Rubio, are more interested in (and invested in) the profits of their mega-tech buddies than the online safety of their own nation’s children. It looks as though they are victims themselves of these tech companies who can demand a change to these laws, the whole administration in the US has lost all of its social morals and all of those fundamentalist Christians and their leaders have gone missing again when it comes to confronting big business. “This is the way the world ends, not with a bang but a whimper.” Ian Ferrier, Long Jetty

eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant considers US threatsCredit: Alex Ellinghausen

US Congress threats towards Australia’s eSafety commissioner Julie Inman Grant are themselves beneath contempt. Australia is attempting to build children of consequence, of individual thought and personal social interaction. US Congress attempts to continue to monitor, control and misguide our children through digital interface are indeed contemptuous. The contempt charges should be directed in the other direction. Stand firm, Ms Inman Grant, and full power to your objectives for our children. Janice Creenaune, Austinmer

Rather than banning under-16s from social media, can we please ban them from riding those awful e-bikes? I would rather have the little bastards sitting in their bedrooms scrolling and watching porn than doing wheelies and being hoons on the wrong side of the road or nearly killing my Jack Russell when we are out on our walk. John Campbell, South Golden Beach

Howard’s real legacy

A government working against its people and against professional advice (“Howard overreach on defence, IR ended Lib rule”, January 1): Afghanistan/Iraq – soldiers and their families, Work Choices – mums and dads and their families, climate impacts – all Australians. That’s the legacy. Margaret Wilkie, Peregian Beach (Qld)

This old man … John HowardCredit: Dylan Coker

The current Liberals look to John Howard as their inspiration. This was a prime minister, rejected by the electorate, who pigheadedly sent troops to a protracted war based on a myth and who wanted to implement a cruel IR policy designed to weaken workers rights. The Liberals would be well advised to look elsewhere for direction. John Cotterill, Kingsford

It beggars belief that the conservative side of politics still trots out John Howard as the shiny example of how to win power and govern. The release of the Cabinet papers highlights his ineptitude regarding the war in Afghanistan and industrial relations with WorkChoices. World events and weak opposition leaders delivered him four terms of government. It’s hard to believe his policies and views would gain wide acceptance in 2025, yet the conservatives still lie at his feet seeking wise counsel. Mike Kenneally, Manly

Waterfall missed

Why was the “waterfall” firework not from the road level of the Harbour Bridge? It’s iconic. Gillian Forbes, Congo

But where was the waterfall?Credit: Dominic Lorrimer

There’s nothing I despise more than celebrating New Year’s Eve with fireworks. Can we please, from next year, upgrade to drone light shows? They’re cheaper, cleaner, more environmentally friendly and far more spectacular. Mokhles Sidden, South Strathfield

AI points the finger

Seeking an explanation for cancellation of some buses in Sydney (which I have experienced) (“Driver shortage forces bus service cuts”, January 1), I consulted AI.
AI lays the blame primarily with privatisation, replying that: “Sydney bus cancellations, particularly throughout 2023-2025, are primarily driven by severe driver shortages, ageing fleet reliability issues and contract structures with private operators that financial penalise late running, incentivising cancellations instead. Privatisation of the network has led to poor working conditions and pay issues, hindering driver retention.” Alister Sharp, Hunters Hill

Snail mail even slower

Denmark: Much to recommend it but no more lettersCredit: QAGOMA Imaging / Natasha Harth

It is no shock that a progressive country like Denmark has called a halt to its letter delivery service (“Denmark calls time on its snail mail”, January 1). As I am still waiting for a Christmas card from friends in California sent nearly a month ago, I assume the US has done something similar, or has returned to mail delivery by pony express. I guess it takes a while for a horse to swim across the Pacific. Peter Miniutti, Ashbury

Beef: it’s complicated

It was good to read a Tasmanian company has discovered that feeding a seaweed food supplement to cattle not only reduces methane emissions but also increases weight (“Move over, AI: seaweed is the new wonder product”, January 1). Given that fewer than two million of the nation’s 30 million cattle are grain-fed, the trick is to get the supplements into drinking water. It’s pleasing to know another company is making progress in this. However, pasture expansion is a primary driver of deforestation in Australia, contributing to climate change and habitat loss. There’s more to beef than methane emissions. Ray Peck, Hawthorn (Vic)

Rail for cause

Many people would also be perfectly happy (Letters, January 1), to climb the Opera House steps with their walking aid in one hand and a rail in the other. Though a rail may offend the artistic sensibilities of some, for what purpose and for whom was the Opera House built? For us all, wasn’t it? Jennifer Briggs, Kilaben Bay

Latex swimmers

I wish to thank all correspondents who offered advice for the new year and inform them that I plan to purchase a pair of purple latex biker shorts to wear to my club for my morning six o’clock swim. They should go well with the orange lipstick I have worn for 40 years. PS: I am 94, not 90. Coral Button, North Epping

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