Welcome, Sir Humphrey Appleby

Was Chris Bowen a script writer for Yes Minister in a past life? I ask only because he appears to be channelling Sir Humphrey Appleby in blaming the current power crisis in NSW on a lack of coal, a commodity he’s been keen to rid the world of. I would laugh, but I think he’s serious.

Caroline Thomson, Kew, Vic

For quite some time now I have been pondering for a suitable description of the loose cannon Bowen. Lo and behold, Simon Benson’s description of him nailed it: “a condescending obscurantist”.

Mike Flanigan, Wellington, Qld

I await the announcement that Chris Bowen has disconnected his private residence from the electricity grid and is fully dependent on the sun and wind.

LM Silbert, West Leederville, WA

I salute The Australian’s efforts in trying to educate Chris Bowen on the parlous state of our electricity grid. But it reminds me of the wisdom of the old saying: “One of life’s toughest tasks is to convince a fool of his or her foolishness!”

L. O’Donoghue, Richmond, Vic

Requiring people to switch of appliances because of mild heat indicates Third World status.

Michael Cunningham, West End, Qld

Is Chris Bowen truly the complete buffoon he presents as, and does he really think the Australian public is as stupid as he would like to believe? I welcome any evidence to the contrary.

Peter Griffiths, Scarborough, Qld

The Castle’s Darryl Kerrigan would say to Chris Bowen “Tell him he’s dreaming”. Simon Benson’s “stunning irony” must qualify for understatement of the year.

Brian Hearn, Narrabri, NSW

Suspending independent senator Lidia Thorpe is akin to suspending of a rowdy school kid; and runs the risk of her wearing the suspension as a badge of honour.

Steve Ngeow, Chatswood, NSW

The use of tasers by police must now be considered unlawful across the nation as anyone being tasered could fall and hit their head and become victims of manslaughter.

Ian Hailes, Willetton, WA

In its feckless pursuit of undergraduate ideologies – pro-Palestine, anti-nuclear, forgiveness of HECS debt – the Albanese government is just Young Labor with wrinkles.

Trevor Farrant, Hackney, SA

Woolworths’ profits are beyond the pale – $1.7bn last financial year – while staff, customers and farmers wear the cost. We deserve better.

Mirinda Boaz-Cole, Bondi, NSW