Last Post: Time has taken its toll on Paul Keating

Time has taken its toll on Paul Keating and his illustrious days in parliament when he’d hit his opponents over the head with a wet lettuce. He now has reduced himself to using a baseball bat to all those who question him and those with opposing views of the world.

John Kostanic, Applecross, WA

Why do we have to comply and apply fawning to our actors as if they are the oracles of the Yes23 campaign? They read someone else’s script, are directed how to say it, where to stand, where to go and how to do the scene. Then they apply faux humbling when they win some underwhelming trophy.

Michael Pratt, Torrens Park, SA

I hope German Chancellor Olaf Scholz explains to Anthony Albanese that nuclear power is allowed in the Climate Club.

Shane Hughes, Shenton Park, WA

I’m not sure how the Labor government’s overall anti-gas policies will fit in with Germany’s energy strategies, from Australia joining the G7’s Climate Club (“Aussie eyes in the sky join the fight for Ukraine”, 11/7). In its strategy to diversify away from Russian gas, Germany has secured long-term liquefied natural gas contracts from the US and Qatar and plans to have 70 million tons of LNG import capacity by 2030, which will make it the fourth largest LNG import capacity holder in the world, and locking in gas as a vital component of its energy mix.

Ron Hobba, Camberwell, Vic

Having read historian Geoffrey Blainey’s article (“Before we vote, let’s get all our facts in order”, 1-2/7) and emeritus professor of politics Judith Brett’s rejoinder (“Yes case can’t be silenced by ‘selective history’ ”, 10/7), I am wondering whether any professor employed full time by one of our elite universities would be able to publish an article opposing the voice and still retain their job?

E. Moore, Stepney, SA

David Wallingford (Last Post, 10/7) referred to Donald Horne’s statement that “Australia is a lucky country run mainly by second-rate people who share its luck”. I would happily settle for second rate at this point in time.

Stephen Friedmann, St Kilda, Vic

I will miss Reserve Bank of Australia governor Philip Lowe. His calm and reassuring manner ensured he didn’t, at least not with malice, excessively frighten the horses. The government may think Lowe’s exit removes one obstacle from its path, but who will they slot in as the new patsy?

Rosemary O’Brien, Ashfield, NSW