Last Post, May 11

Who was the spoilsport who decided years ago that governments should reveal a lot of the budget before budget night? The great element of surprise has been damaged. I look back longingly to the good old days, but even nostalgia isn’t what it used to be.

David Morrison, Springwood, NSW

If there’s a bonus for us all once this budget is handed down, it’ll hopefully be that we won’t have to see any more photos of Josh Frydenberg in his running gear.

Matt Petersen, Randwick, NSW

When Ash Barty was beaten in the final of the Madrid Open she came to the net with both a smile and a chuckle. It was not contrived, absolutely spontaneous. She’s such a good sport and, dare I say, a sponsor’s dream. Tomic and Kyrgios, take note.

Peter Scruby, New Farm, Qld

What a splendid day as our own Sam Kerr steers quadruple-chasing Chelsea to the English WSL championship and, for good measure, wins the Golden Boot.

John Dorman, Toowoomba Qld

Is Ita Buttrose’s opposition to advertising on her ABC (The Diary, 10/5) because advertisers might be unwilling to part with good money to reach such a small and predominantly anti-business audience, thereby confirming just how far the ABC now is from the mainstream?

Andrew Lake, Edwardstown, SA

So Ian Silk wants to take politics out of the superannuation debate. Sounds a bit like a footballer starting a melee and then running around the pack pulling the participants apart.

Peter Hawks, Invermay, Vic

I couldn’t agree more with Russell Graham (Letters, 10/5), “Andrews itching to get back” is indeed a horrifying thought.

Antony Blakeley, Winchelsea, Vic

Congratulations to Amanda Stoker for speaking up for the smallest, most defenceless of all human beings — the unborn — and for those women who feel they have no choice when confronted with an unwanted pregnancy.

Margaret O’Hagan, Applecross, WA

Poor King Canute, forever destined to be used as an example of human hubris in “trying to change the course of nature” (Letters, 10/5). What he was actually demonstrating to his obsequious courtiers and fawning sycophants, was that he was not godlike in his rule and power, as they claimed, but a mere mortal — and could no more stop the incoming tide than any other human being.

Deborah Morrison, Malvern East, Vic