Readers of The Canberra Times have delivered a sharp rebuke to former Prime Minister John Howard, arguing he is in no position to lecture current leader Anthony Albanese on national security failures. The criticism comes in response to Howard's recent comments accusing the Albanese government of failing its "first responsibility" to protect Australians.
Double standards on security failures highlighted
In a series of published letters, correspondents pointed to what they see as a glaring double standard. Nigel Thompson from Queanbeyan noted that if Prime Minister Albanese has failed a security test, then his Israeli counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu, "has also done so, only on a far greater scale." Thompson referenced the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, which resulted in 1,219 deaths and 250 hostages, asking if Howard was prepared to accuse Netanyahu of failing his own people.
"A failure to do so would suggest to me that Mr Howard and anyone following his lead is simply exploiting a horrific crime for partisan political purposes," Thompson wrote.
Netanyahu's credibility and Australian protests
The trustworthiness of the Israeli Prime Minister was a recurring theme. Penny Costello from Giralang highlighted that Netanyahu is currently on trial in Israel for bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. "This man is not to be trusted," Costello stated, questioning why Australia should care about his opinions regarding events in Bondi.
Costello also criticised Deputy Opposition Leader Sussan Ley's call to stop protests against the Gaza conflict in Australia. "The protests are about calling the world's attention to the devastation, destruction and slaughter of the people of Gaza," she argued, urging the Australian government to take a stronger stance.
Bondi attack sparks grief and debate on causes
The horrific terrorist attack at Bondi Beach during a Hanukkah celebration prompted an outpouring of shock and sadness. Imran Karim-Mirza from North Kellyville, who had attended a Jewish event in Glebe just hours earlier, expressed his deepest sympathies to the victims and the community.
The tragedy also ignited debate about its root causes. Byam Wight from Kingston pointed to religion as the "ultimate reason for the catastrophe," a view not widely echoed in other correspondence. In contrast, Chris Ryan from Kirrawee emphasised the humanity shown by a brave individual who disarmed the attacker, stating "This is about humanity, it is about morality, not religion."
Climate named as greater threat than China
Beyond the political and security debates, a significant letter shifted focus to a long-term existential threat. Harry Davis from Campbell highlighted the surprising perspective of former admiral Chris Barrie in a Defence Review supplement. Barrie contended that "climate disruption - not China is the greatest threat to Australia's future."
Davis noted Barrie's criticism of AUKUS as merely "an attack weapon" for a US-led war against China that "we would lose," and valued diplomacy above military threats. "Is there any chance we could persuade Admiral Barrie to come out of retirement?" Davis asked.
Local issues: Summernats health and Namadgi huts
The letters also tackled Canberra-specific concerns. Jorge Gapella from Kaleen labelled the Summernats car festival an "utter aberration on health grounds," citing the risk of asthma attacks from burning tyres. Meanwhile, Matthew Higgins criticised ACT Minister Tara Cheyne for her handling of the rebuild of bushfire-lost huts in Namadgi National Park, suggesting a missed reconciliation opportunity linked to the historic Cotter family.
Other correspondents addressed US gun laws, the Sofronoff Inquiry findings, and calls for bravery awards. The collective voice of the letters section presents a community deeply engaged with issues of security, international justice, and the character of its political discourse.
