Last Post, January 26

Anna Wintour’s virtue signalling may have been because she wasn’t given the facts.

Julie Bishop said Anna Wintour made some “pretty pertinent points” about gay rights (“Fashion faux pas: Bishop backs icon over PM in gay debate”, 25/1) — or was it just virtue-signalling from a visitor who had not been given the facts?

Roseanne Schneider, Toowoomba, Qld

The sad fact emerging from Anna Wintour’s intemperate outburst is that it appears based on false information being fed to her by those who delight in causing harm in pursuit of their determination to destroy religious freedom.

R. T. Hawksley, Benowa, Qld

It was sad to read of Anna Wintour’s suggestion that Margaret Court Arena should not bear the name of this tennis great because she does not share the opinion of many on same-sex marriage. I thought a democracy shone out because of our right to freedom of speech that we are all entitled to — including Court.

Julie Dowd, Ingham, Qld

The nation known as Australia was founded on January 1, 1901. There was no nation before that, whether indigenous or settler. Think of the advantages of celebrating on that day and the symbolism of a new day, a new year and a new century for a new nation. That is the only good reason for changing the date.

Neville Clark, Battery Point, Tas

Matthew Flinders, whose remains have been found in London, mapped the southern, eastern and northern coasts, circumnavigated Tasmania and the mainland, and promoted the name “Australia”. Flinders means more to Australia than he does to England, so I suggest we request that his remains be sent to Sydney and be re-interred there.

Bob Major, Mile End, SA

It’s been a hot week, but the aircon is working a treat — thanks to coal.

Peter Dowling, Brisbane, Qld

Is it just coincidence that the Polly Waffle returns as a federal election looms?

Crispin Walters, Chapel Hill, Qld

Roger Corbett (“Business lashes raid on savings”, 25/1) is right that Labor’s policy to change the rules on franking credits will plunder the savings of Australians who can least afford it. I am one of them. Two people who will not be hurt are Bill Shorten and Chris Bowen.

Bryan Welsh, Tea Gardens, NSW

Chris Bowen distorts the history and original purpose to justify Labor’s dividend imputation policy. When he says it is costing the government $5.9 billion (2014-15), I remind him this is not the government’s money. It is shareholders’ money after corporate tax has been paid. It was introduced to remove the double taxation on dividends. It is an envy tax with no redeeming qualities.

Chris Rawlings, Brisbane, Qld