What crime did these children commit?
Let the family return to their home in Biloela I understand that our prime minister is some kind of Christian. If so, I am surprised he has not taken into account that well known reference in the gospel according to Mark, Suffer the little children to come unto me and forbid them not. Enough is enough. Show some compassion. Bring this family back to their home in Biloela. John Maxwell, Newport The two opposing sides of being Australian The enduring response of the Biloela community in support of the Sri Lankan family following three years of detention and limbo on Christmas Island highlights the best elements of being Australian. Sadly, our governments response highlights the worst. We must hold our leaders to account for the harm they are causing to countless lives because of their intransigent, callous and inhumane policies. This can not continue. Mandy Bridges, Barwon Heads A security guard for each little girl. I watched the report on Christmas Island (ABC TV, 8/6) and was appalled that it took four security guards to escort the family everywhere. I wonder if Scott Morrison and his family ever sing Jesus Loves The Little Children at his Hillsong Church, or even know it. Kerry McInerney, Mornington THE FORUM  An act of desperation Dan Andrews had a break with his family on the Mornington Peninsula. He slipped and fell on wet stairs which resulted in fracturing at least five ribs and sustaining an acute compression fracture of the T7 vertebra. He is on sick leave with the usual entitlements of sick leave because he is demonstrably injured. (The Age, 7/6). It seems like an act of desperation by an ineffectual opposition. Instead of peddling conspiracy theories and playing the man, it should concentrate on sharpening up its own policies, political tactics and behaviour. Jane Robins, Moonee Ponds A lack of leadership Michael OBrien suggests that Daniel Andrews should only be paid as a backbencher while he is absent on sick leave as he is not carrying out his duties as premier. Perhaps Mr OBrien should apply the same logic to himself and accept a backbenchers pay because he is definitely not carrying out his duties as opposition leader. Ken Finley, Mount Martha  Voters want information Our politicians are the employees of the voters. If any one of us were (heaven forbid) injured or ill and unable to work, we would be paid sick leave (or, in some cases, WorkCover) but only for a limited time. Our recovery progress would be continually reviewed by our employers, together with encouragement to return early to work to light duties. Gerard van de Ven, Mount Martha Misplaced priorities Lets face it, the Liberals, Michael OBrien and QAnon followers will not be happy until Dan Andrews was found to have been injured after tripping on his feather boa on the way out of a karaoke bar with Elvis. I would have thought there were bigger things to worry about, chaps. Wendy Hinson, Wantirna Repaying our debts  I was so glad to hear that the federal government will fast track humanitarian visa arrangements for Afghan interpreters who assisted Australian defence forces. It is an urgent and morally right decision. And it probably needs to be extended to security guards and other workers there as well. David Fry, Moonee Ponds Of course we trust you The Acting Premier has announced an easing of restrictions from 11.59pm on Thursday. I am sure that with Melburnians being able to travel up to 25 kilometres, none of them will be clogging Peninsula Link on their way to Sorrento and Portsea. I mean, that is more than 35 kilometres. And they certainly will not be slipping out on Thursday night to beat the rush. I am looking forward to a quiet long weekend down here. David Baxter, Mornington Surely a valid exception My husband is 98 and one of few remaining World War II veterans. He wishes to have the Pfizer vaccination as he fears the complications caused by the AstraZeneca vaccine. As advised by the COVID-19 hotline, we saw our GP for referral to a specialist clinic. Because my husband did not meet the criteria set down, he was refused. Unfortunately, when I complained to the GP (who is an excellent doctor), he told me that he was forbidden to criticise the system and he wished us good luck. Our son in Queensland was offered both Pfizer or AstraZeneca. He chose Pfizer. Anne Collins, Malvern  The power of music Many children are anxious in these difficult times. Music is a great way for some children to reduce that anxiety. Yet the state governments Business Cost Assistance Program, round 2 excludes private music teaching. Yet another sour note for a sector that has been hit hard by the pandemic. David Niven, Ormond Look to world models I am a Victorian who is now living in Italy. During this pandemic year, the Italian government made a commitment to keep children in schools, avoiding the blanket lockdowns of 2020. While the situation varied according to the virus zoning system, and high schoolers suffered more online schooling due to difficulties providing enough public transport and guaranteeing social distancing, most elementary and middle schoolers completed most of the year in the classroom. The system was simple: reorganised classroom spaces, surgical grade masks worn all day, teachers in the first group of workers to be vaccinated, class closures only in the case of suspected and confirmed COVID-19, distance learning only when classes were in quarantine, and a return to classes after group testing was carried out. This resulted in two weeks of online schooling for my daughter and three weeks for my son. It was not a normal year where they could sing, play contact sports and go on camps, but a year at school with their teachers and peers. Young people desperately need Victorias leaders to rise to this challenge. Alice Adams Carosi, Rome An unfair load on some Because restrictions are being eased on Friday, the federal government is cutting off the already meagre support package offered to workers who have been unable to earn an income. For my partner, a fitness instructor on a temporary partner visa, that means that instead of the close to $3000 she would have earned over the past two weeks and coming seven days as gyms remain closed, she will potentially get a payment of $500. That is about $23 a day. We both understand and respect the need for social controls, but workers like my partner cannot and should not be expected to shoulder such a heavy economic burden for next to nothing in return. James OKeefe, East Melbourne Ensuring a wage for all  The pandemic and lockdowns illustrate the need for a universal basic income which could be increased during disruptive crises such as pandemics, natural disasters, wars, etc. And surely there is a difference between rigorous questioning and aggressive questioning. Marsha Merory, Ivanhoe East Please, were so tired Another hotel quarantine outbreak (this time from Adelaide), another lockdown. And yet we are told to keep on fighting. Victorians are battle weary: exhausted, depressed and many are financially struggling or broke. Victorians, particularly Melburnians, have been amazingly compliant over four very arduous lockdowns and we have had enough. We have kept our end of the bargain. It is time our government kept its. Louise Ryan, Richmond  Buckley, the Pies hero Nathan Buckley has stood down as Collingwood coach (The Age, 9/6). It is doubtful there has ever been a more dedicated coach, and talented player, for Collingwood than Nathan. Thank you from this Magpie supporter for your brilliance on the field and outstanding tenure as coach. To be able to walk away from an AFL club with your head held high and on your own terms is a rarity. Darren Grindrod, Glenroy Remembering loved ones I write to support the exquisite words from haematologist Ian Kerridge (Opinion, 8/6). We are fortunate in Australia to be able to seek medical help in times of illness, yet seem to abandon the value of that shared journey when a loved one dies instead of having a success and recovery. It is so pertinent to learn of Professor Kerridges feelings from attending his patients funeral, and how he discovered so much more about the person other than his medical symptoms. Funerals provide a rite of passage and assist us in closure for the day-to-day love we have shared with those who meant something special to our lives. They are often a source of memorable tales, previously unknown. The article gave me a beautiful insight into the times we are facing, as well as in better times. Thank you for sharing your enriching story, Professor. Gilly Swinnerton, Kew  Scaring off the snakes I was interested to read the comments from Elaine Hopper (Letters, 8/9) regarding the way to protect ourselves from the venomous snake population. During the 1950s, when our family lived in a forested area near Buxton, my brothers and I were taught to create some noise with our feet as we walked through the bushland, the thought being that snakes were just as nervous as we humans were and they were quite willing to get out of our way. I do remember seeing an occasional reptile slithering off into the scrub. None of us kids ever had a problem. Ken Prato, Ballarat Such blatant hypocrisy Ross Gittins outlines the main issues relating to Mathias Cormann and his change of heart on climate change (Opinion, 9/6). Democracy is supposedly in trouble in the world. I am not left wondering why. Peter Berenyi, Howes Creek The flaw in the logic  Scott Morrisons call for allies to unite and defend freedom against autocracy (The Age, 9/8) reminds me of the Crusades. The other side must believe what we believe. We are right, you are wrong. We have raised the standard of living of our peoples and you... Hang on, you have done better than us. Beng Lee, Blackburn AND ANOTHER THING Credit:Illustration: Matt Golding Biloela family Suffer the little children to be shuffled off to the US or NZ  an updated Christian principle. Jane Russell, Bonbeach Morrison calls for global allies to defend freedom over autocracy (9/6). Im sure little Tharnicaa and her parents are so glad. Vaughan Greenberg, Chewton We know Morrison doesnt hold a hose, sandbag or syringe. But it seems he cant even hold a little girls hand. Pia Brous, Prahran Cant compassion and sanity prevail and Australia welcome the familys return here to become Australian citizens. To fail to do so would be disgraceful. Steve Wilson, Yackandandah  Premiers accident Tehan says the opposition has the right to ask questions. Its certainly Staleys right to appear foolish. Matt Bennett, Wodonga God help us if the opposition wins government. It seems its opposed to injured workers accessing sick leave. Linelle Gibson, Williamstown The opposition should bin its 12 petty questions and instead reveal its vision for Victoria. Youve got to be kidding, Louise Staley. Diane Maddison, Parkdale