Last Post: Unavoidable spending argument is unconvincing

Jim Chalmers’ “unavoidable and automatic” spending is not working (“ ‘Automatic’ excuse to justify Labor spending”, 17/12).

Ross McDonald, Gordon, NSW

I read with interest Jim Chalmers’ long list of slogans and catchphrases. He’s good but I think he still underachieves. No Labor treasurer’s word salad is complete without “changing the face of today to build a better tomorrow”.

Peter Lynch, Hamilton, Qld

Another Jim Chalmers catchphrase, “when we came to office”, is always a prelude to foisting the blame on the Morrison government rather than taking responsibility for bad economic numbers.

George Fishman, Vaucluse, NSW

You are right, Jim, Australians are under the pump but many of us, myself included, would not agree you’ve got the budget in better nick. In fact, I find this mantra quite offensive.

Nick Palethorpe, Turramurra, NSW

Jim Chalmers and Finance Minister Katy Gallagher keep talking about the “unavoidable” budget spending of borrowed money, leading to enormous deficits, which will make them avoidable for the voters.

Paul Haege, Darling Point, NSW

Kylie Moore-Gilbert said the remaining five of the Bali Nine have had disproportionate assistance from the federal government. Ah, yes, but she and others like herself weren’t convicted criminals.

Maris Dabars, Murray Bridge, SA

Troy Bramston unwittingly reveals why our politicians rarely get the vital things done. They’re too busy reading. Time to put down the Hemingway book and pick up a work file.(“Summer holidays a time to get a good read on our pollies”, 17/12).

Rosemary O’Brien, Ashfield, NSW

It’s no surprise that Victoria’s long-serving treasurer Tim Pallas is retiring. He has presented 10 budgets and there’s no way voters will endorse a weary Jacinta Allan government after 12 years of Labor governments.

Kev Burke, Sandringham, Vic

During a visit to Victoria I had a good laugh when I read the description on the Victorian number plates: Victoria The Education State. Obviously, bookkeeping and accounting were not on the syllabus.

Mark Sproat, Lyons, ACT

On whether to support nuclear power, I am going to take Peter Dutton’s advice regarding last year’s voice referendum: If you don’t know, vote No.

Brian Cavanagh, Tarragindi, Qld