Last Post: Premier’s pick, nuclear power debate and Afghanistan

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews’ appointment of a committed republican to the position of governor makes me once again question the process by which such an appointment is made (“Andrews picks republican professor for next governor”, 6/6).

John George, Terrigal, NSW

How can our King make an informed decision as to who should be his representative in Victoria without our Premier revealing that his nomination for the position is a republican?

Lynda West, Albert Park, Vic

Afghanistan has been aptly described as the “graveyard of empires”. Sadly, war hero Ben Roberts-Smith’s reputation looks likely to be yet another notch on the belt of this global charnel house.

Dennis Walker, North Melbourne, Vic

And I thought the aim of the #MeToo movement was to stop the exploitation of women by those with the power to do so. I wonder if it will redeem itself by giving Senator Linda Reynolds a platform and by outing (including from within their own ranks) those responsible for her brutalisation?

Andrew Lake, Edwardstown, SA

One good thing to come out of this whole renewables business is that Australia is finally looking at nuclear power as a perfectly viable option.

Brian D. Lee, Cairns, Qld

Brilliant cartoon, John Spooner (“The renewable high ground”, 6/6). So far there has been little discussion of the national security implications of surface-based renewable energy assets and networks that can be easily disrupted by drones or missiles in a time of conflict (as in Ukraine). Regionally dispersed and buried modular nuclear reactors need to be included as part of basic planning for our future security.

Peter J Barrett, Peregian Springs, Qld

What is it with federal aged-care ministers? The minute they’re within cooee of the portfolio – and I well recall Coalition minister Richard Colbeck – they seem out of their depth; witness Labor’s Anika Wells being quizzed by David Speers on Monday’s Q&A on ABC-TV. She must have wished the ground would swallow her up. Even I was digging for her.

Rosemary O’Brien, Ashfield, NSW

The Higgins-Lehrmann story has been a sad and sorry tale. Reputations have been irretrievably damaged and careers ruined, and there are no winners. It should be a lesson to lawyers, politicians and journalists on the crucial importance of impartiality and fairness, and in justice being seen to be done.

Randal Williams, Burnside, SA