Last Post, February 1

Has Chris Bowen’s just damaged Labor’s election chances?

This time next year, with a Coalition government still holding the reins, I wonder if we’ll see Chris Bowen’s arrogant dismissal of the significance of the seniors’ vote as the day that Labor lost the unlosable election.

John McHarg, Maylands, WA

Every election journalists find a staunch Liberal or Labor voter who will never again vote for the party because it’s on the nose. So I wonder how many staunch Labor voters watching the story on franking credits are asking where to from here? If it’s a ploy to make Labor the underdog then it’s working very well.

John Bain, South Bunbury, WA

Memo to Chris Bowen: We much appreciate your advice to retirees (and those approaching retirement and those thinking about retiring), that we all vote for the Coalition. Your heads-up is welcomed.

Mark Awerbuch, Crafers, SA

Chris Bowen is attacking Australians who have paid their taxes, many sacrificing things to purchase their home and plan for their retirement. Importantly, they do not receive the age pension. One trusts the Labor opposition has the same resolve to reclaim payments from those who rort the welfare system.

Peter Haggarty, Cranebrook, NSW

Kristian Jenkins noted the perceived influence of Marxist theorists who have attempted to insinuate their agenda (“Gramsci was right and we are failing our students”, 30/1). Yet students do not have to accept received wisdom from either side of the political spectrum. They should retain a capacity to think for themselves.

Mike Fogarty, Weston, ACT

Heaven forbid that the University of Melbourne’s publishing house should go back to the ranks of the best universities of the world and publish only enlightened, academic quality (“Battle of the books: MUP loses its spine”, 31/1).

John Dobinson, Herston, Qld

Julia Banks says climate change is a significant issue motivating her challenge to Greg Hunt in Flinders. Banks should recall that as environment minister, Hunt was named “best in the world” in 2016. Along with his MA thesis advocating a carbon tax in 1990, Hunt should have no problem convincing voters he knows far more about the issue than his new opponent.

Rod Wise, Surrey Hills, Vic

Independents will ruin our political system. They have huge egos and work for their own selfish agendas. Some have axes to grind and many have little political experience. Australians should be aware that only two strong political parties are needed to make a strong democracy. We do not need these mostly ineffective independents.

Jennifer Austin, Seaforth, NSW