Time to show some real leadership, PM

Thank you, Peter Hartcher, for your analysis of the situation facing the PM regarding the historical allegations of the rape of a woman by an as yet unidentified person who is now a federal minister (‘‘PM can’t hope rape claim will vanish’’, 1/3). As you point out, the matter can never be the subject of a criminal prosecution under NSW state law, because the complainant is dead. And any investigation by the federal police cannot address the rape allegation, because rape is a crime under state law. Your solution to this apparent dilemma is therefore the sensible way out of this mess. The accused man should identify himself and stand aside, without necessarily conceding any guilt. Morrison should initiate an independent investigation to examine all available material and to make a recommendation on the one issue to be examined, namely: is this person a fit and proper person to be a minister of the Crown? Now we wait to see if Morrison can surprise us all and show some real leadership for a change. I’m not holding my breath. Judith Taylor, Clematis

Non-partisan women’s movement needed

The patriarchy is in crisis. Women are speaking out. Domestic violence soars. Dispossessed men stirred up by malevolent influencers march in the street with QAnon delusions.

Who can forget the abuse and vitriol hurled at Julia Gillard? But there were women in Parliament who watched and did nothing. Anyone can dob in a politician whose alleged crimes are then dissected and judged in the media while police and the law play catch-up. Such trial by media is a huge threat combined with the total lack of leadership. The government holds itself not responsible for anything while the opposition struggles to put a coherent sentence together. Labor had policies before the last election, but Murdoch and Palmer waved their fright sticks, so now policies are anathema to Labor as well.

Men are ducking for cover, older Liberal women are playing politics – it’s about time for a more formal non-partisan women’s movement to leverage the current nascent revolution into some real and lasting change. John Laurie, Newport

Step up when you see racism, sexism or oppression

It has been said that you teach people how to treat you. This places great responsibility on the abused to address the actions of the abuser. It puts the onus on the woman who has been sexually abused, harassed or sidelined for work or promotion, to educate her oppressor. It places the onus on the person who is on the receiving end of racial abuse to educate the racist. Not only is this exhausting for the victim, it places them in a vulnerable position as they are trying to reason with someone who has power over them. People deny another’s human rights because they have the capacity to do so. Why, therefore, should the powerless be the ones who have to stand up to the oppressor? If you are in a position of privilege and power, step up when you see racism, sexism and any other form of oppression. Thank you to Sean Kelly (‘‘Power shamed by agents of change’’, 1/3) for highlighting this. Donna Jansz, Beaumaris

Lift the cloud of suspicion

Each time a male federal cabinet minister appears on television or is referred to in an article in the newspaper, I wonder whether they are the alleged rapist. That man must stand aside if for no other reason than to lift the cloud of suspicion from his colleagues.

Pauline Ashton, Maribyrnong

Presumption of innocence argument disingenuous

In an attempt to have the ministerial rape allegation go away, Treasurer Josh Frydenberg has used the presumption of innocence argument. If that concept was truly observed we would have no remanded-in-custody provision in the legal code or the need for bail. And perhaps the Treasurer would care to explain how the government has applied the presumption of innocence argument to the people abandoned in offshore detention. Stephen Williams,

Wandin North