Last Post: Defence spending, unrealised CGT, Ukrainian cards

With the US demanding Australia increase its defence spending by $40bn, this should be a great opportunity for the PM to turn ANZUS from a maybe treaty to an absolute commitment by its participants to come to one another’s aid if attacked by a third party. If the PM turns the opportunity away he will not figure well when history is written.

Paul Everingham, Hamilton, Qld

Maybe it is time for the PM to remind Donald Trump of our balance of trade being wildly in America’s favour. Think of the recent $800m deposit on submarines. Hugely expensive airliners from Boeing as well as military aircraft including the F-35s and Super Hornets, among others. Puts our minuscule exports of steel, aluminium, beef and pharmaceuticals into perspective.

Mike Cuming, Carlingford, NSW

Anthony Albanese can’t meet the defence spending request from the Trump administration? Simple answer: just can the zero-emissions nonsense and he’ll be rolling in it.

Maris Dabars, Murray Bridge, SA

Why hasn’t any finance commentator called out the proposed unrealised

capital gains tax for what it actually is – the politics of envy?

Paul E. Bowler, Chapman, ACT

The brilliance and resilience of the Ukrainian resistance is writ large with its surprise drone attack taking out more than 40 Russian bombers that were being used on mainly civilian targets. A complex and lengthy operation successfully executed is a massive morale boost and a credit to all involved, especially President Volodymyr Zelensky, who has said all along he needs ammo, not a ride. And who can blame the Ukrainians for a little schadenfreude, with the Business Ukraine journal tweeting: “It turns out Ukraine does have some cards after all. Today Zelensky played the King of Drones.”

Mandy Macmillan, Singleton, NSW

Laura Tingle surely gets this year’s “most hypocritical comment” award with her gibe at the Libs – “because we as taxpayers are paying for them” (“Parting shot at Coalition”, 30/5). Tingle has obviously misplaced both her mirror and any remaining semblance of responsibility to her employer – ultimately, us.

John Mullavey, Howrah, Tas

Perhaps the “workers” on Snowy 2.0 could do us all a favour and stay on strike permanently.

David Hill, Victoria Point, Qld

Great picture, thank you (“Krill-powered show-offs living it up in the city”, 2/6).

Penni Seignior, Mudgeeraba, Qld