We already have a defence plan for how to spend 3pc of GDP

I am sure a great many Australians, especially veterans, would share my continued amazement at the shallowness of our Defence Minister, Richard Marles (“Defence spending about national interest, not ‘a number’: Marles”, 9/6).

I don’t think anyone would suggest we commit to billions of dollars of spending without a defined plan for how to spend it. We already have that plan as spelt out in the Defence Strategic Review in 2023. No one is talking about giving the Defence Department a blank cheque.

If Marles were to look carefully at the DSR and talk with defence planners, he would see that to achieve what it lays out would require more than 3 per cent of GDP.

Instead of playing games Marles needs to get on and do what he gets paid to do: provide a credible defence capability. If he doesn’t know how to do this, then step aside and let someone else have a go … now there’s a challenge for Anthony Albanese.

John George, Terrigal, NSW

The forthcoming meeting between our Prime Minister and the US President is emerging as potentially our most significant national security moment since World War II. The future of our defence alliance is at risk for two reasons: our reluctance to make a much stronger defence commitment, and the strong isolationist instincts and preferences of Donald Trump (MAGA comes first). Our PM made a disastrous start following the Shangri-La Dialogue. When we factor in the sharply contrasting backgrounds and political ideologies of the two leaders, all we can hope for is that the spirit and intent of the alliance will survive the next two weeks. It is essential that Anthony Albanese signals a genuine change in attitude and commitment before leaving for Canada to avoid the possible collapse of the crucial ANZUS Treaty.

David Burt, Quindalup WA

Like some thundering Bible prophet, Greg Sheridan continues to warn us of our woeful defence preparedness (“Trump right to scold our pussyfooting PM on defence”, 8/6).

From lack of drones, to absence of missiles, to ageing fleets, to pathetic government underfunding, the holes are as obvious as the denial. So, too, is the repeated slow-walking of would-be defence acquisitions by requiring them first to be “redesigned” for our “allegedly unique conditions”, rather than being bought off the shelf.

How long can the informed analysis of Sheridan, an internationally respected foreign affairs journalist, go on being ignored by the nation’s leaders?

May God awaken us, to both the physical deficit and its spiritual cause, before it is too late.

Brenton Minge, Springfield Lakes, Qld

John Lee argues the need for Australia to raise defence expenditure and advance our involvement with AUKUS is not about appeasing Donald Trump, but about the US not seeing us as a “flagger” with less right to be protected (“PM must explain why AUKUS pact advances US power”, 9/6).

He further argues Australia must be assured, and China must also be led to believe, that the US will follow through with providing extended nuclear deterrence if we are attacked with a weapon of mass destruction.

But by making the level of US support so heavily contingent upon the level of our defence expenditure, Lee’s argument amounts to something far more than a simple quid pro quo. It wrongly suggests that our major ally is willing to subject the lives of 27 million innocent Australians to blackmail.

Dr Vincent Zankin, Rivett, ACT

We will obviously struggle to recruit defence personnel as an increasingly ominous global scene unfolds. Conscription won’t be accepted. Why don’t we start with a more motivating incentive scheme for basic training? Basic training appears to be just 10 weeks, a school term. Those who complete it could get a further 10 per cent off their HECS bill. And participants should be paid while they are in training. Surely it could be marketed positively as part of a gap year or deferment of higher education for a break and rethink: a broadbased term of education that includes fitness, leadership, communications, confidence-building, ninja skills for reality TV shows and so on.

It could be a factor in improving our higher education’s completion statistics.

Y. Bursle, Sherwood, Qld