Crikey readers were quick to add their voices to our note on the Liberals’ continued refusal to give real power to women in their party. Meanwhile, readers weighed in on the questions posed by Scott Morrison’s job history, and the recent electoral and scandal woes faced by the Greens.

On the Liberals’ women problem

Lois Harris writes: The only way the Liberal Party is going to be relevant to all people in Australia is for old, fundamentalist, right wing male Liberals to leave the party. Their power far outweighs their ability, relevance or any kind of vision for the future needs of this country. Not recognising and using the talents and strengths of half of the population — i.e. women — is one of the Liberal Party’s greatest failings.

Royalie Walters writes: At least with a female candidate the risk of sex scandals will be drastically reduced. Andrew Broad will be replaced by the woman who stood for preselection against him last time. What was his merit over her last time? I bet the selectors regret that one. The only quota I have experienced was giving males a 20% advantage in gaining a primary school teaching scholarship in QLD in 1972. No one was yelling and screaming about merit and fairness when males were benefiting from discrimination. 

On Scott Morrison’s CV

Bryan Pickard writes: It was interesting to note Morrison’s academic qualification. When he was federal treasurer my quick look on the internet came up with a bachelor of commerce from UNSW. I was flabbergasted when I saw this. I couldn’t believe that such an economic dunce had done the same course as me some years later. I thought they must have dropped the requirement to complete economics subjects. I am much relieved to find out his degree was science with a major in economic geography. Pass me my coloured pencils. 

Barnes Graham writes: ScoMo is living proof of the old adage: them as can, do; them as can’t, teach; if neither, consult; if that doesn’t work, become a piano player in a brothel; if that fails, become a Liberal politician.

On the troubles facing the Greens

Geoff Ash writes: There has been some disunity in Greens NSW and some loss of members; almost 13% as of November 2018 according to a recent Sydney Morning Herald article.  The same article however, revealed that following the departure of Jeremy Buckingham in December and new members joining, the loss of membership compared to the previous year was reducing. The Greens NSW vote could decline a bit and the party may lose some seats, but a wipe out is a bold prediction.

Send your comments, corrections, clarifications and cock-ups to boss@crikey.com.au. We reserve the right to edit comments for length and clarity. Please include your full name if you would like to be considered for publication.