Last Post, January 1

Peter Dutton should be prepared for a leak that shows him in an unflattering light.

I see Malcolm Turnbull didn’t respond to Peter Dutton (“Dutton ‘selfish and arrogant’ for attacking Turnbull”, 31/12). But I suspect it is only a matter of time before some unattributed comments from confidential cabinet minutes are leaked to the media showing Dutton in a poor light.

Riley Brown, Bondi Beach, NSW

Well said, Peter Dutton, on what we already knew about Malcolm Turnbull. It will stop the left-leaning media pushing false information that is hurting Scott Morrison’s effort at gaining some clear air.

Jim Wood, Fremantle, WA

Peter Dutton accurately assesses the shortcomings in Malcolm Turnbull’s prime ministership. And admonishes Julia Banks for the absence of evidence in her bullying allegations. In so doing, Dutton is filling Morrison’s leadership void.

Mandy Macmillan, Singleton, NSW

In 20 years, when Australia is owned by China, will it be advantageous for children to have an indigenous dialect or a language spoken by more than a billion people? Surely Aboriginal elders would want their children to integrate and be useful, contributing citizens in the modern world. An ancient language will not enhance their opportunities.

G. Cooper, Brisbane, Qld

With Victoria Police unlikely to deliver, it is no wonder that it will be up to far-right groups to reclaim St Kilda beach for the locals to whom it belongs, and for Vietnamese to resort to vigilantism to protect their livelihood.

Peter Laznicka, West Lakes, SA

Reading the comments by Elizabeth Proust (“Probe fallout ‘will dilute board talent’ ”, 3/12), I’m afraid I could not stop laughing. If the chairs, directors, CEOs and executives who fronted the Hayne royal commission were the first XI in talent, then heaven help us.

Anthony Ludington, Ashmore, Qld

In his inspiring article (“A short life that speaks to the possibility of peace”, 31/12), Akram Amro makes it clear that a huge amount of help for Palestinians is given in the Israeli health system. This is free. There is also a huge number of patients from Syria being given free treatment in Israel. It is obvious that people of goodwill, without the hate mandated by the Palestinian Authority, can make the world a better place.

Robyn Manoy, Darling Point, NSW

Amid the sea of lamentations about the lack of talent in the Australian Test XI, the obvious answers are being overlooked — Joe Burns, Glenn Maxwell and Matthew Wade (as a batsman, not a replacement for keeper Tim Paine). The selectors are every bit as responsible as the players for the team woes.

Scott Cassidy, O’Connor, ACT