Last Post: Nation in the grip of economic woes

Victoria’s new Treasurer, Jaclyn Symes, and the relatively new Premier, Jacinta Allan, have got the easiest jobs in the world. All they have to do at any given moment is ask themselves: “What would my predecessors have done?” – then do the opposite.

Russ Graham, Highton, Vic

Tens of millions more for the ABC, but the threat of large cuts to the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (“ ‘Kill ASPI’ review triggers backlash”, 20/12). Should we draw any inferences? Nah. Move on, nothing to see here.

Andrew Lake, Edwardstown, SA

No matter how hard the Treasurer blows the snake charmer’s pipe, the economic serpent is biting us all.

John Harding, Eastwood, NSW

If the Albanese government were the average Australian family, a social worker would be sitting in its kitchen cutting up its credit cards.

Trevor Farrant, Hackney, SA

Jim, was collapsing our dollar also part of your brilliant plan for our economy?

Geoff Farnell, Buderim, Qld

Where is there even a glimmer of even-handedness when Penny Wong visits Ukraine to see the devastation of war inflicted by the Russians but didn’t think it was appropriate on her visit to Israel earlier this year to look at the devastation wrought by Hamas?

Renee Dabscheck, Caulfield North, Vic

Good article, Rebecca Clough (“Christmas tradition no cause for shame”, 20/12). I will continue to wish everyone a happy Christmas as a reminder that is why we have a holiday at this time.

Sheila Duke, Bulimba, Qld

It’s a relief to know I’m not alone in lamenting the retreat of Christmas from the public square, apparently because its presence may possibly offend a small minority of citizens. I also suspect that I am not alone in being offended by the woke greeting “Happy holidays”. Should we all make a formal complaint to the Equal Opportunity Commissioner?

Lindsay Dent, Campbelltown, SA

Let’s see your renewables costings, Chris Bowen, or do we have to wait until two days before the 2025 election (“ ‘Conscious mistruths’ on nuclear costings”, 20/12)?

Riley Brown, Bondi Beach, NSW

With the Victorian Liberal Party split right down the middle over Moira Deeming’s readmission, Dan Andrews must reckon the blow he landed on John Pesutto back then was one of the best of his career.

Peter Winzar, Palm Beach, Qld