Last Post: Budget must show fiscal fortitude and restraint

We need fiscal fortitude in the budget, but instead we will get fiscal fantasy, garnished with heaps of spin.

Geoff Bowden, Tewantin, Qld

Isn’t there room somewhere in our political system for someone to actually stand up and say in a loud voice: “We simply cannot continue on this current spendathon without mortgaging the futures of our children”?

John Capel, Black Rock, Vic

Economists are correct in urging the incoming Australian government to tackle debt. Our households must control debt, so why not our government?

Ken Moore, Chapel Hill, Qld

The last nine budgets of Robert Menzies were all deficit budgets. So what’s the problem?

Robert Walker, Newstead, Qld

If the Treasurer gets rid of a huge number of consultants in his budget, does this mean ministers will have to make some decisions themselves?

Peter Shergold, Kewarra Beach, Qld

Anthony Albanese’s repeat serve of power bill rebates is essentially giving us some of our own (taxation) money back, and that will make everything seem OK and apparently make us all want to vote for Labor at the next federal election. How cynical.

Bill Pannell, Dalkeith, WA

Here is an idea on alleviating the housing crisis. Why not require universities to provide accommodation for whatever percentage of their intake seems reasonable? They ought to be able to somehow work out how and where.

Sheila Knight, Malvern, Vic

Reading about the dictates at our law schools, I can’t help but reflect on how far we “progressives” have changed since the late 1970s when we sang along to Another Brick in the Wall: “We don’t need no thought control … Teacher, leave them kids alone” (“Compulsory radicalism a law course unto itself”, 24/3).

Max Spry, Sherwood, Qld

Apparently some universities seem to have introduced a new course for students: racial grovelling #101.

Helen Dyer, Ferndale, WA

I can’t speak for others but when shopping I always prioritise my purchases: West Australian first, other states second, and rarely reach for Peruvian asparagus, grapes from the US, oranges from Israel or seafood from Asia. Anyway, why would you? Let’s stand behind Australian farmers, fishers and other food producers. Remember, no farmers, no food.

Roy Stall, Mount Claremont, WA