Last Post: Tariff hurdle ahead for aluminium

Thank goodness the US President only has to worry about plastic straws. There can’t be much wrong in the world.

Claire Brittain, Claremont, WA

America buys Australian steel and aluminium, and Australia buys Boeing aeroplanes – quite simple really (“‘Very fine man’ has one month to turn Trump anger around”, 12/2).

Sydney Edwards, Christies Beach, SA

Apparently we have allowed our aluminium exports to “surge” into the US, and Donald Trump considers them to be a threat. What would he think of a tsunami of aluminium if our producers had cheap reliable base power, no Safeguard Mechanism and a fairer work environment unhindered by unrealistic industrial regulations?

Ross McDonald, Gordon, NSW

For Albo to win my vote, he could announce a 25 per cent tariff on US-made aircraft. Alternatively, reopen negotiations with the French for nuclear submarines. Maybe they have the capacity to deliver in our AUKUS time frame – the Americans certainly don’t.

Ross Smith, South Melbourne, Vic

“A fine man” and “a handsome boy”. It’s comforting to know that our little Aussie battler of a Prime Minister rates so highly with the leaders of the world’s two most powerful nations.

Chris Lloyd-Bostock, Connellys Marsh, Tas

Someone should tell Donald Trump that we need no help in destroying our aluminium industry. Labor’s energy policy has that objective well in hand already.

David Rose, Nedlands, WA

A notable absentee from the teal soiree given at The Lodge by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was their wealthy backer, Simon Holmes a Court (“Lodge cocktail hour for teals”, 12/2). Wonder if the negligible impact of their first term was reviewed?

Alan Chipp, Hawthorn East, Vic

One could be forgiven for interpreting the PM’s hosting of the teals as seeking support for his much-predicted minority government. Is it too much, then, to hope that this is the precursor to an announcement that Labor will preference the Greens last in all seats?

Don McGregor, Baulkham Hills, NSW

Having been acquitted, I wonder if Sam Kerr will now have the temerity to ask her adoring fans if she could please have her halo back.

Crispin Walters, Chapel Hill, Qld

All Kerr and no responsibility? No problem.

Geoff O’Brien, Eltham, Vic