Last Post: Our defence alliance hanging by a single thread

Our Albo will puff out his chest proclaiming yet again we’re the best. But with defence spending so low, the rest of us know he is failing the ultimate test.

LJ O’Donoghue, Richmond, Vic

If Anthony Albanese were to repair our relationship with the US, as he must, he could begin by recalling ambassador Kevin Rudd and replacing him with a person a little less offensive to Donald Trump.

Joe O’Halloran, Nedlands, WA

His achievements are belittled and deliberately downplayed, but in 20 years it will be Trump who may be remembered, not the journalists who despise him.

Michael Houldsworth, Townsville, Qld

If it weren’t for the vital global importance of the Joint Defence Facility at Pine Gap, the longstanding bilateral Australia-US alliance, along with our national security, would be long gone.

Jim Taylor, Brisbane

The revelations about the CFMEU are consistent with Labor’s way of doing things (“Strike it rich: CFMEU assets hoard revealed”, 27/6). There is “no central source of truth” in Labor. Looking back at Labor’s statements during the election campaign, one could be forgiven for thinking “nothing to be seen here”.

John Bicknell, Bargo, NSW

With those sorts of cash assets, the CFMEU members can expect a productivity bonus.

Terry Walmsley, Benowa, Qld

With debt for all levels of government forecast to total $1.2 trillion next year, perhaps it is time for all government treasurers, premiers and the PM to have their pay directly linked to how much they reduce their deficit each year, instead of rewarding unsustainable spendathons by those who are fiscally innumerate.

Geoff Farnell, Buderim, Qld

Politics has become a whole lot more difficult. Apart from counting votes and using words with multiple meanings, it must include how to keep sweet with your protector before reserving rights to independence.

Gordon Thurlow, Mooloolah Valley, Qld

Angus Taylor says he does not support gender quotas for women in Liberal Party. That is one compelling reason why he should never lead the party.

Jenny Morison, Forrest, ACT

The great problem with the government productivity roundtable is that the private sector is always trying to do more with less while the government is trying to do less with more.

Alexander Haege, Tamarama, NSW