Wild conspiracies are not good for democracy

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Neil Mitchell is right, (“ Four things Carroll and Wilson must do to combat One Nation ”, 13/9) the major parties have not been listening to the concerns of voters for years. The Liberal and National parties have been engaged in redundant culture wars – climate, gender, Australian history – the latest being the Ben Roberts-Smith brouhaha. Labor has largely been in the grip of vested interests – the gambling, fossil-fuel and development industries just to name a few. The problem I have with this article is “this party gives … voters hope”. Based on what? Conspiracy theories – the 15-minute city is about bureaucratic control, climate change is a United Nations plot, three-word slogans double as policies reflecting largely their billionaire backers’ interests, Nazi infiltration into membership, contradictory statements … I could go on. The problem is when some in One Nation peddle what are fringe, debunked theories and ideas, they give them legitimacy. Attracting voters based on misinformation and wild conspiracies is not good for democracy. Craig Horne, Fitzroy North

Independents good for democracy, too While I have never been a fan of Neil Mitchell, his analysis of the current state of politics is on the mark. However, Mitchell and other commentators make an omission, namely the role of community independents in providing answers to our state and country’s woes. Driven by the scarce commodity of political integrity and real-life experiences beyond a political party, their current presence in Canberra has offered many solutions to problems the major parties have failed to address: gambling, education, health, AI, climate, the economy and challenges from overseas. The Liberals still need a viable leader, clarity in values and invigorating policies. The Labor Party has squandered its opportunity for ″⁣great″⁣ reform. The Greens fail to capitalise on their unique opportunities to effect change through intransigence. None of these parties truly listens to us Australians. Mitchell indicates that One Nation is stepping into the breach. However, One Nation leader Pauline Hanson, with her simplistic populist views, is offering a range of ill-considered and dangerously divisive policies. The large number of community independents on the crossbench in Canberra were elected because they listen and formulate their policies based on the direct input of their constituents and actual evidence. Their debate is civil and positive. Real democracy at work. It is about time the media spent more time examining the real contributions and differences community independents can make to our country. Jennifer Quigley, Balwyn

Giving disengaged voters hope Neil Mitchell’s thoughtful views on how One Nation’s rise in voter support is having a beneficial effect on Victorian politics is timely.