Last Post: We may never see the likes of Mathias Cormann again

I congratulate Simon Benson on his outstanding article “‘Where did you find him?’ Cormann leaves a hole that’s impossible to fill” (6/10). Last year I wrote in a Spectator Australia article that when the Prime Minister had to replace Cormann he would need to appoint two ministers, not one, such was his work output. I long ago said I never expected to see the likes again of Labor finance minister Peter Walsh, who restored the federal budget in the late 1980s, but Cormann’s performance in the role has outstripped even Walshie’s. In politics, one should never say never, but I venture to say we shall never see his like again.

John Stone, Treasury secretary, 1979-1984, Lane Cove, NSW

During these shutdown times it was uplifting to read that Mathias Cormann’s contribution in the Senate went beyond his finance role as he and Penny Wong’s sound relationship became “a hallmark of the upper house’s stability”. Wong said, “Mathias Corman is a formidable opponent and trusted counterpart; a parliamentarian of the old school. It says something about this country that two immigrants hold the leadership positions we do. And it says something about our democracy that we can be personal friends.” On that note, how good would it be to see a photo of Mathias and Penny smoke cigars together this week. Apologies to Josh.

Greg Robinson, East Melbourne, Vic

Thank you, Simon Benson, for your thoughtful tribute to the humanity of Mathias Cormann. Were Australians able to hold and appreciate such positive traits in all our politicians we would, indeed, be entitled to think of ourselves as the lucky country.

Peter B. Alexander, South Yarra, Vic

I wonder how many internet hacking scandals there’ll be before people decide that face-to-face meetings were a good idea after all (“Business travel ‘never coming back’ as fly-in meetings die”, 6/10).

Norm Neill, Darlinghurst, NSW

Democracy with proportional voting is being forced to vote for the party one detests the least to keep out the party one detests the most.

Brian Doherty, Beenleigh, Qld

Why do conservatives back Trump? The answer is obvious. The alternative is worse.

Malcolm Wilson, Bentleigh, Vic

The news that home loan rates might have dropped below 2 per cent takes me back to late 1985 when my wife and I were overjoyed to get a loan at the bargain rate of 13 per cent.

Michael D. Kellock, Foster, Vic

I don’t wish to alarm anyone, especially given concerns over climate change, but I’ve noticed over the past few days that the sun is rising and setting about an hour late.

M. F. Horton, Adelaide, SA