Last Post: Vale Jim Molan and hats off to Greg Craven

At the 2019 federal election, Jim Molan recorded the highest first-preference vote for a single politician in Australian history. But he was unable to sit in the parliament because the NSW Libs had put him in an unwinnable fourth spot on their ticket. That Molan later safely landed in the Senate only because Arthur Sinodinos was parachuted into the plum Washington post says there is much swamp-draining still to be done within the NSW Libs. Greg Sheridan nailed it last year when he noted, “the constant shunning of Molan in preselections for faceless politicians of no profile or consequence bespeaks a party of apparatchiks scared of big figures”. Vale, Jim Molan. A big life of honourable service.

Mandy Macmillan, Singleton, NSW

While the condolences roll in at the passing of soldier-senator Jim Molan, his urgent messages to government regarding the security of our nation should not go unheeded. Shelving his vision would be to our peril, given our defence challenges.

Mike Flanigan, Wellington Pt, Qld

I wish I had Greg Craven’s confidence (“Modern, multicultural church Pell’s revenge’’ 17/1) that a century hence, the Pell case will be cited in law schools as a miscarriage of justice. On present indications, in rather less than a century, we will be proceeding in such cases directly from accusation to sentencing.

Terry Birchley, Bundaberg, Qld

As a “slightly bored non-Catholic” I thank Greg Craven for his explanation of what “synodality” means.

David Hutchison, Campbelltown, SA

Once again, Greg Craven has nailed it.

Sheila Duke, Balmoral, Qld

An impressive front page, a warts-and-all but fair editorial about George Pell, and Greg Craven and Chris Merritt revealing what truth-averse media outlets chose to keep hidden about the man. The Australian of Thursday, January 12, 2023 is a keeper.

Philip Temple, Larrakeyah, NT

Low blow, Henry Herzog (Last Post, 17/1). If “no” voters aren’t racist they are voting with racists? Really? When “yes” voters stop hiding their intent and playing political games with Aboriginal lives, Australia might achieve real change for our most disadvantaged.

Iain Rae, Palmwoods, Qld

How is it voice proponents like Henry Herzog can’t recognise this is a racist proposal that grants privileges to a small number of Australians based on their racial origin?

Case Smit, Noosaville, Qld