Last Post, February 15

A debate all at sea is unedifying for spectators

What an unedifying example Australians have witnessed this week in parliament. Surely we couldn’t have sunk so low that the leading election issue is human beings seeking asylum in the “lucky” country.

D.J.Fraser, Currumbin, Qld

Scott Morrison could rightly say, “Après nous, le déluge!”

Roslyn Phillips, Tea Tree Gully, SA

All is not lost with the medivac legislation. By the time Scott Morrison retains government at the next election Nauru and Manus islands will be emptied, the bleeding hearts will be silenced and there will be no further need for the legislation.

Keith Mouatt, Robina, Qld

Bill Shorten may not have lost the upcoming election over the medivac issue but he has certainly saved the Libs a lot of furniture.

Roy Kington, Castle Hill, NSW

Nikki Savva’s criticism is wrong (“Why Scott Morrison should have called a snap poll”, 14/2). The more time Australian’s have to absorb the horror of Labor’s proposed policies, the more they’ll appreciate what he’s trying to achieve.

Christina Faulk, Swinger Hill, ACT

The member for Wentworth will no doubt be busy in coming weeks arranging accommodation in Vaucluse, Rose Bay and Bellevue Hill for an influx of asylum seekers.

Greg Kater, Sanctuary Cove, Qld

If anyone’s to be blamed for the passing of the medivac bill it should be Peter Dutton, for destabilising his government by throwing out Malcolm Turnbull, which resulted in Kerryn Phelps taking Wentworth.

Henry Herzog, St Kilda East, Vic

Chip Le Grand has outlined sweeping changes to policing of sport in Australia (“ICAC powers for new sport cops”, 12/4). He states that athletes accused of doping will lose the right to silence. At a stroke, therefore, athletes will lose the right every other Australian has when accused by the police or any other law enforcement body. Talk about a two-tier justice system.

Allan Hird, Eatons Hill, Qld

If the medivac legislation turns out to be Bill Shorten’s “Fightback!” it should be called “Invite back”.

Tim Watkins, Brisbane, Qld

I’m not sure waiving the HECS debts of teachers who work in remote indigenous communities (“HECS relief: PM’s bid to close education gap”, 14/2) is a good idea. Offering newly graduated teachers an incentive to teach in educationally challenging situations would be unwise. Teachers should have at least three years’ experience and complete a cultural-awareness program before taking up their posts.

Norm Neill, Darlinghurst, NSW