Letters to the editor

Everyone got into the spirit of the event and were helpful and welcoming everywhere we went.

It was great for we oldies who came home to meet up with our primary school mates as if all the years had disappeared and we were again sitting in the school yard (much bigger then) swapping our stories and sharing our beefs about family/school teachers and the world generally.

We had no problem recognising each other after over half a century accompanied by lots of laughter and hugs and at times just a few tears.

If any of you venture south to Tassie I will be very very upset (and for those of you who know me I do upset very very well) if you do not call for a cuppa so we can continue our reminiscences.

Special thanks to my nephew Jess and his lovely Bec and adorable Remi who put us up and fed us like kings - did you know Jess is a No 1 chef?

Val Charles

Tasmania

In the Queensland State election campaign of January 2015, the local Coalition promised to lower water bills by $52 a year, or $1 a week. 

Queensland voters failed to mew with gratitude. 

Instead, they snarled by way of the ballot box and threw the Coalition out.

Nearly three years on, Malcolm Turnbull tells us that, in another three years time, he will put down our power bills by $115 a year, or $2.21 a week. Just imagine -- half a pie for free, every week!

Yet again, only the Coalition could imagine that anyone would be impressed by this, and would also be grateful for it. 

Only wealthy politicians who get everything provided for free could slap voters in the face like this. 

Compared to a free train line for a foreign mining company, Malcolm --- big deal.

The Coalition parties being as rock-headed and smug as they are, they will take that comment literally. 

They will glow as they say that yes, it really is a big deal, isn't it, everybody?   

But there is a way for voters to protest and to return the insult in a way which the Coalition will understand: as soon as you get the chance to vote, take care to allocate all preferences and put the Coalition last.

G.T.W.  AGNEW.

Coopers Plains

Friday’s annual statistical review of Queensland crime rates painted a stark picture of Labor’s abysmal law and order record. Crime rates are soaring, which means the safety of you and your family is at risk under Annastacia Palaszczuk and Labor:

•             Reported crime up 9% 

•             Armed robbery up 24%

•             Robbery up 26%

•             Unlawful entry up 12%

•             Car theft and hooning up 19%

•             Assault up 11%

•             Fraud up 15%

•             Breaches of DV orders up 9%

Is it any wonder that crime rates have risen under Labor?

Tougher laws, particularly for youth offenders and organised crime gangs have been watered down or scrapped altogether.

Important police resources have failed to keep pace with growing demand.

In the last year, only three additional police officers were added across the state.

Compare that to the LNP record of 1100 extra police over four years.

Annastacia Palaszczuk and Labor are soft on crime and Queenslanders are paying the price.

Only the LNP will provide safe and liveable communities and make Queensland a better place to live, work and raise a family.

Tim Mander MP

LNP Shadow Police Minister