Turnbull V Garrett Offers Hope For An Incisive Debate

Sydney Morning Herald

Thursday January 25, 2007

Irrespective of your political bent, the appointment of Malcolm Turnbull to the Environment and Water Resources portfolio should be greeted with enthusiasm, as should the fact that he will be opposed by Peter Garrett ("PM unleashes firepower", January 24). I take comfort that two of the most incisive minds in Parliament will shape the immediate debate about what we will do in response to critically challenging circumstances.

My genuine hope is that neither will succumb to cheap political point scoring but rather engage in vigorous debate, the outcome of which will benefit our nation.

Steve Collins West Pennant Hills

Reading the Herald online in London, we note that Kevin Andrews will be the new Minister for Immigration. He is an avowed Christian who does not hesitate to intervene in state legislation to meet his principles. Can we be confident that he will now be guided by these principles and show some compassion and fairness to those who are made refugees by war and famine, instead of locking them up for years behind barbed wire? We will see.

Ann and Adrian Lindsay Fulham (England)

Succeed, success, successor. Turnbull has arrived. Move over, Peter.

Barrie Smillie Duffy (ACT)

Firepower? Tell him he's dreamin'.

Geoffrey McSkimming Normanhurst

What on earth does Philip Ruddock have on John Howard that he remains a minister?

Fran Kirby Castle Hill

Joe Hockey looks so chuffed with his promotion. I hope no one spoils his happiness by telling him that the cat he has been asked to sell has been dead for months.

Enda Bonar Sanctuary Point

Amanda Vanstone's emotional display at her press conference after losing her job was in stark contrast to her ironclad lack of humanity concerning the mandatory detention of asylum seekers. Just about sums this Government up, really.

David Jordan Dee Why

Another minister, Amanda Vanstone, is moved from Immigration. Like Philip Ruddock, she simply followed John Howard's hard line on immigration in the style of Hansonism. All they do is become the fall guys for that policy.

Jim Ruxton Pymble

You've got to give it to Amanda Vanstone. The moment the door shuts in her face she comes up with the best statement of Aussie values yet, so relevant for the Department of Immigration and Citizenship: "My life deserves fair consideration."

Let's hope we see this guiding principle emblazoned over the doors of the facilities at Baxter, Christmas Island, Villawood and Port Hedland in the future.

Megan Brock Summer Hill

Poor Amanda Vanstone, she's been thrown overboard.

Carolyn Wills Cremorne

So Malcolm and Joe are in, and Amanda is out. John Howard's game of musical chairs with the rest of his front bench is all a bit too much for me in sweaty January. But could someone explain the difference between an assistant minister and a parliamentary secretary, and just who makes the tea?

Joe Dwyer Rose Bay

© 2007 Sydney Morning Herald

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