Last Post: Option to ditch net-zero goal gaining in energy

David Pearl does a fine job of comparing the Coalition’s energy plan with the government’s (“The cost of nuclear: a guide to the perplexed”, 27/12). But the “pearler” comes at the end: ditch net zero.

Kim Keogh, Claremont, WA

Australia has two kinds of leaders: John Howard visiting Banda Aceh in 2005, on the ground among the damage, with an Akubra and no tie. Our faux alternative has a coat and tie on dry land in clear sight of the people.

John Meyers, North Turramurra, NSW

Red and green are the colours of Christmas and my favourite rugby league team, the mighty Rabbitohs, as it is for our Prime Minister. However, politically, I change to blue, whereas the Prime Minister aptly sticks with the red and green colours as he fervently pursues the socialist and far-left agenda of the Labor Party and the Greens. I am sure watermelons were the favourite fruit at Kirribilli this year.

Gerard Abrams, Cherrybrook, NSW

Your editorial (“Newspoll reflects an electorate that is awake to what is going on”, 27/12) tells us the Coalition leads Labor in the polls by 62 to 38 among the over-65s. Even when I was young I never doubted the wisdom of age.

David Morrison, Springwood, NSW

Gold medal to Nova Peris for her attack on Labor’s inaction over anti-Semitism (“Indigenous lore shares common cause with Israel’s struggle”, 27/12).

Alex Cleave, North Fremantle, WA

On leaving a long-term friend battling cancer in 2006, his final words to me were: “Mac, if I were an animal, I would have been put down.” Tears welled in my eyes as I exited the hospital. Reading about Lex Marinos’ calm and relaxed end to his wonderful life, it was extremely comforting to know that voluntary assisted dying as an option is now available (“Why our Lex chose to die at home”, 21-22/12).

Ian Macgowan, Ceduna, SA

It was a cultural affair at the MCG Boxing Day cricket Test that gave us world-class entertainment by young debutant Sam Konstas playing against India. Bollywood meets Zorba the Greek, with a baptism of fire.

Susan McLochlan, Caboolture South, Qld

Come on, Virat Kohli, you’re in Australia now. What sort of shoulder charge was that? Surely if a job’s worth doing it’s worth doing well?

Crispin Walters, Chapel Hill, Qld