Last Post: Defence a question mark with AUKUS eluding us

Don’t worry, Prime Minister, we got through WWII without any submarines of our own, so maybe we can rely on other people’s next time as well.

Michael Houldsworth, Townsville, Qld

The political leaders of the three countries that form AUKUS were recently in the same place at the same time. Two of the leaders held a meeting to discuss AUKUS. The third member was left out despite having put up an entry deposit. Extraordinary.

Bill Roy, York, WA

Has Trump considered the possibility that Russia or China could supply Iran with atomic bombs plus the aircraft to deliver them if Iran’s nuclear facility is destroyed? After all, Iran has supplied Russia with drones in its war against Ukraine.

Adrian Hibberd, Newcastle, NSW

What an impressive article by Andrew Roberts (“The hour has come; will Trump make it his finest?”, 18/6), demonstrating just how important historical knowledge is in making crucial decisions about current crises in the world. Sadly, and worryingly, studying history in our schools today seems to be given a low priority.

Judy Kellaway, Urangan, Qld

The capacity of Israel to target individuals in the Iranian military and scientific community by monitoring electronic communications items such as phones and pagers is extraordinary. It must be time to return to the days of secret code circulated on typewritten paper, Morse code sent by flashlights, missives flown by carrier pigeons and sealed orders delivered by runners.

David McNeice, Balwyn North, Vic

When will at least one of our world leaders stand on the rooftops and shout, “Release the hostages”. Their silence is deafening.

Mike Cuming, Carlingford, NSW

Someone should tell the Treasurer that having a “‘mandate”’ to implement really bad policy does not make that policy any better (“The budget is not sustainable”, 18/6).

Wendy Edgeley, Denmark, WA

My heart bleeds for the “poor” CEOs who missed out on their lucrative bonuses (“Bonus fever rules boards as CEOs can’t miss”, 19/6). Perhaps they could spare a thought for us pensioners who barely stay alive on the state pension?

John McBratney, Lancefield, Vic

The Liberal Party dished out $1.5m to keep John Pesutto in parliament? The money would be better spent to get him out of the place.

Peter Barnes, Menai, NSW