Having met Tony Abbott when he visited the Bondi memorial after the Hanukkah terrorist event last December, I had no idea that this would be the catalyst to return him to the forefront of Australian politics (“Bondi inspired Abbott’s return”, ST, 14/6). His abrupt departure from the Prime Ministership had always been a point of contention for conservatives, who have since abandoned the Turnbull-lite Liberal-in-name-only papier-mache party in the shadows of Menzies original creation. While Abbott might well have addressed issues of immigrant integration while PM, avoiding doing so when it was a pressing issue during the Lindt Cafe crisis, much can be said for a rethink. His experience should now allow a no-nonsense approach that ensures balancing social cohesion, the strengths of multiculturalism, the rule of law and zero tolerance for religious radicalism. Rewriting a new liberalism, Abbott might yet imitate the great French President Charles de Gaulle, who returned to power at 68 (Abbott’s age), rewrote a failed constitution and ruled for ten glorious years. Alan Sexton, North Parramatta 21June2026
