Last Post, January 2, 2019

The fireworks were better in Melbourne.

I watched parts of the Sydney and Melbourne NYE fireworks on TV and thought Melbourne's was better. However, I am getting tired of seeing Sydney Harbour Bridge on fire every year. Melbourne, by contrast, highlighted the varied building and river infrastructure in a city from many vantage points. Well done, Melbourne City Council.

Adrian Jackson, Middle Park, Vic

It is sad to see New Year festivities going down the gurgler. Screaming, noisy music accompany the fireworks and the ABC-TV coverage is just nonsense.

Hans Sander, Gordon, ACT

Australian politicians are constantly announcing how smart the public are, how they will work you out and so on, speaking in platitudes to the electorate. Winston Churchill said it best, as he often did: “The best argument against democracy is a five-minute conversation with the average voter.”

Ross Dillon, Forest Hill, Vic

Peter Dutton has tipped the proverbial bucket on Malcolm Turnbull and infuriated his whole party as a result. Didn't I read somewhere that Peter Dutton accused Malcolm Turnbull of knowing nothing about politics?

Brian Sanaghan, West Preston, Vic

In a case of caveat emptor, why don’t those purchasing pills ahead of music festivals and concerts test at the point of purchase before finalising the deal (“No to pill tests after festival fatality”, 31/12)? Why should the onus be on government and police to essentially mollycoddle, aid and abet and legitimise what is illegal in the first place. I’m sorry, but sympathy factor in this is zero.

Jim Ball, Narrabeen, NSW

Congratulations to Candice Warner (“Special delivery for Warners”, 1/1). After the vile abuse she received from the South African cricketers and her subsequent miscarriage, I’m sure all Australians wish her a safe and happy pregnancy.

Iain Rae, River Heads, Qld

New Year's Day, and our letter boxes will shortly be groaning under the weight of glossy electioneering pamphlets, which most of us will immediately bin without a cursory glance at the contents. Ask not what your politicians can do for you, as they are hopeless in all respects. Don't encourage them.

David Hall, Coombabah, Qld

Knowing his attachment to the British Honours system, I was surprised that Tony Abbott wasn’t recognised in the New Year’s honours list. After all, no one has done more to advance the prospects of an ALP victory in the coming federal election than the Member for Warringah.

John James, Claremont, WA