Murdoch’s pursuit of ‘freedom’ and ‘truth’

We need a different truth, a better version of freedom and above all a different and better economic and social system.

Stewart Sweeney, Adelaide, SA

Chenoweth nails the succession drama

Rupert Murdoch’s retirement and Lachlan’s ascent have occupied many inches of print and many metres of web spaces, but only Neil Chenoweth (“The Murdoch succession saga is far from over”, September 23-24) nails it.

This is just the opening shot of the Murdoch wars that will tear the family apart when Rupert dies and James and Lachlan duel for their dad’s legacy. Until then the real intrigue is: whose side are Prudence and Elisabeth on?

Gabriel Dabscheck, Elsternwick, Vic

Rupert’s editors deprived of his input

With Rupert Murdoch stepping down (how can he go lower ?), who will now do all of his editors’ “thinking” ?

Chris Roylance, Paddington, Qld

Lachlan image shows AI will have to do better

If the AI-generated photo of Lachlan Murdoch is the best it can do (AFR Weekend, September 23-24), I will not be using it until there are significant improvements. Those mangled fingers will keep me awake for the next week.

Neale Meagher, New York

Protection racket for Labor premiers

Phillip Coorey’s pointed and entirely justified piece (“PM’s inch-deep COVID inquiry treats us like idiots”, September 22) invites the obvious question: who exactly is running the country?

It’s the Labor premiers, of course – and right now there are plenty of them.

Not only were Victorians massively affected by the heavy-handed, ill-considered COVID-19 responses of Daniel Andrews but they are also being let down again by an inquiry that will, at most, wave a feather across Labor’s collective face while finding fault with the then Coalition government.

Australia’s political landscape today could scarcely be more desolate and dispiriting, with federal Labor running a protection racket for state Labor. True democracy is the victim.

John Simpson, Melbourne, Vic

It’s not about blame but learning the lessons

Since the decision by the prime minister to hold an inquiry, the voices of concern and dissent have grown louder.

Granted there was no playbook in place that could adequately deal with the ravages wrought by the pandemic, yet the Constitution, written in a different time and place, highlighted the inadequacy of “national emergency” powers vested in the Commonwealth.

That individual states and territories were allowed to invoke the measures they did was a critical issue that needs to be tackled. The lightweight inquiry is inadequate, to say the least, and illustrates the contempt with which this prime minister treats Australians.

A COVID-19 royal commission with properly framed terms of reference is an opportunity not to find blame but to examine every aspect – good, bad or indifferent. Recommendations based on evidence presented will enable a playbook to be crafted and continually reviewed to enable future generations to better manage and govern in a crisis.

Allan Gibson, Cherrybrook, NSW

Inquiry is bound to lack credibility

The most significant social, personal, economic and health impacts of the pandemic occurred as a result of lockdowns and border closures by state governments. Those living in border areas were especially hard hit.

A federal government review of pandemic management that excludes proper consideration of the unilateral actions of state governments will lack credibility and fail to deal with the outcomes of those actions.

Derrin Davis, Lismore, NSW

Qantas points are more or less pointless

My family and I have just returned from Africa on Qantas. As usual, we booked upgrades many months prior. Our group holds more than a million points and includes a Platinum Frequent Flyer. We tried upgrading 10 times from premium and economy, and received one upgrade (Sydney to Melbourne), even though seats were left vacant.

As points become close to worthless, reasons to fly our once esteemed carrier are steadily diminishing. We will be searching competing airlines before our next trip.

It’s worth noting too that (based on eight internal and international flights) South African Airways is well ahead of Qantas and Kenya Airways at least on par. All flights were on time except for one. No prizes for guessing which airline.

Alan Joyce has left quite a legacy.

Simon Bolles, Heidelberg, Vic

National carrier should carry more toilet paper

While the chairman of Qantas is reported as saying there has been appropriate governance oversight (“Richard Goyder calls off search for Qantas black box”, September 25), it is reasonable to question that claim in light of recent failures of governance.

As a simple example, on a recent business class flight to Los Angeles, the toilet ran out of toilet paper and hand wipes, and passengers resorted to using the paper toilet seat covers.

The episode goes to workflow and monitoring, as well as organisational culture. If Qantas can’t get it right on such a simple matter, it is fair to ask how other systems are performing, and how the board satisfies itself that it has the visibility that risk – be it mechanical safety, hygiene, financial integrity or staff engagement – is being managed.

Joanna Wriedt, Eaglemont, Vic

Green agenda can’t be abandoned

As in Australia, businesses in Britain welcomed the certainty of their government’s climate action policies and are now unhappy with their PM’s back-pedalling (“Business slams UK climate backdown”, September 22).

Rishi Sunak says it would “risk losing the consent of the British people” to continue with the current emissions reduction process. He risks losing his job if he cannot find ways to bring the people along with him in his efforts towards their long-term security.

Governments will increasingly be required to make hard decisions as climate targets are not met. The “green agenda” may be “bumping up against the cost-of-living crisis”. Nations need to reprioritise their budgets to support the green agenda and people’s wellbeing.

Fiona Colin, Malvern East, Vic