Last Post: Kev didn’t cop an invite, then?

I could hear Kevin Rudd grinding his teeth from here when I saw the photo of ScoMo and his lovely wife being besties with the Donald and his lovely wife at Mar-a-Lago, celebrating NYE together.

Robyn Manoy, Darling Point, NSW

Scott Morrison gets the VIP treatment at Mar-a-lago, Kevin Rudd nowhere in sight. A smart PM – control your mirth – would appoint Morrison as US ambassador.

Trevor Farrant, Hackney, SA

Mar-a-Lago is replacing Disneyland and Gracelands on the tourist trail. Bye bye, Kevin. Hello, ScoMo.

Anne Lindsay, Stanthorpe, Qld

With an imminent federal election, the early signs are not good for Labor – growing national debt, poor productivity growth and declining living standards. Many will feel that it is time for a change.

Ken Moore, Chapel Hill, Qld

The encouraging article on the delightful Dame Quentin Bryce shows you can age with panache and fulfilment (“Why former governor-general needs the love of neighbours”, 2/1). What a beautiful, dignified role model she is, as a member of the “Silent Generation”. Successive generations could do well to emulate her example.

Roy Stall, Mt Claremont, WA

Beware of red balls in sport, as once they have gone, you’re snookered. The same applies to cricket.

MF Horton, Sunshine Coast, Qld

If the Whitlam government rating was zero out of 10 for economic competence what rating applies to the Albanese government?

Geoff Farnell, Buderim, Qld

Bill Shorten is a good man to call out Victorian Labor’s social media meme attacking the Dutton family. In a similar view, had he been prime minister in place of Albanese he would have stopped anti-Semitism dead in its tracks.

George Fishman, Vaucluse, NSW

I’m torn between wanting to read more of Will Swanton’s colourful cricketing stories, and feeling unable to wait for one of his literary gems from the Australian Open tennis. Life can be so difficult.

Rosemary O’Brien, Ashfield, NSW

Roseanne Schneider observes that despite Joe Biden continuing to be the President, it feels as though Donald Trump is already in power and his inauguration this month seems superfluous (Letters, 2/1). How true! The ineffectual Biden and the inexorable return of Trump recalls the axiom: “Nature abhors a vacuum!”

Andrew Shaw, New Farm, Qld