MARCH 29

We need to put the most disadvantaged first

Readers discuss whether Yarra Council was correct to block a proposed expansion of Sambell Lodge, run by the Brotherhood of St Laurence. While some say the design was 'unsafe and unworkable', others say those opposed to it are putting their own amenity and convenience ahead of the needs of vulnerable people.

MARCH 28

Religion: A role to play for the greater good of society

Separation of church and state rightly protects a nation from becoming a theocracy, but it does not mean church and state cannot co-operate for the greater good of society.

MARCH 27

Federal politics: Paterson, Wilson wins push Libs further to right

A reader is concerned that a right-wing think tank has too big an influence on the Liberal Party.

MARCH 26

Look to the root causes of psychopathology

Readers discuss criminality, terrorism and lessons from the past after the bombings in Brussels.

MARCH 25

Easter: Where is the depth of our understanding?

Another year of chocolate bunnies and Easter egg hunts for children and church leaders cleaning their teeth in readiness for their annual fiery sermons, and why?

MARCH 24

Brussels: Bridging the religious divide will bring change

The horror of Brussels, the suffering of the people, the way they care for each other – but still the cry of "why?" rises up as we wonder why people become terrorists.

MARCH 23

The election is about political self-interest

Readers discuss the possibility that the Prime Minister will call a double-dissolution election.

MARCH 22

Anti-bullying initiatives must cover all students

Readers discuss the Safe Schools program and whether it is beneficial or dangerous to students.

Learning Chinese: Put off by fear of being unable to compete

There definitely needs to be a proper separation of non-background students and those who have had exposure.

MARCH 17

Federal politics: Voters need to get the people they voted for

Voters should be able to vote in the knowledge that their attitudes are reflected by the representatives they elect to the Upper House.

MARCH 16

No excuses for gang violence: the rioters deserve to be punished

Readers hold mixed views on the violence on Saturday night.

MARCH 15

The simple solution: parliament should vote

Readers discuss the planned plebiscite on same-sex marriage.

MARCH 14

Science: An endeavour that comes into its own

What use is research into gravity waves and the discoveries of the Large Hadron Collider? Nobody really knows – yet.

MARCH 13

Political class finds way to protect itself yet again

Senate voting 'reforms' branded undemocratic, and likely to allow a cosy political duopoly to be maintained.

MARCH 12

Desperately seeking treatment for my child

Readers discuss a range of health issues, including the lack of treatment for people with a mental illness, private health insurance and bullying in hospitals.

MARCH 11

Sky rail: Why can't we build the extra lines right now?

Projects such as sky rail are essential if Melbourne is not to be choked to death.

MARCH 10

Sport: We must stop putting players on pedestals

We somewhat hysterically seem driven to create heroes and celebrities of winners upon whom we lavish extravagant worship.

MARCH 09

Unethical business behaviour: what's new?

Readers discuss CommInsure, the Commonwealth Bank's insurance arm, and the way it prevented payments to seriously ill customers.

MARCH 8

Call to stand up and fight for what is fair

On International Women's Day, readers discuss different issues relating to women.

MARCH 7

Abuse inquiry: It's never too late for leaders to make amends

Paying for spin doctors rather than funding victims' recoveries is a shocking abuse of Catholic assets. Who will show Christian leadership now?

MARCH 6

Victoria: Stop legal action and let ombudsman do her job

State politics in focus as readers debate infrastructure financing and misconduct in public office.

MARCH 05

The exploitation of our dedicated apprentices

Readers discuss discrimination faced by both older and younger workers.

MARCH 4

George Pell: A deficient but willing and honest response

The irony in the blowtorch being turned on Cardinal George Pell is that he is the one Catholic prelate who at least tried to confront the issue of child sexual abuse.

MARCH 3

George Pell: Humanity's failing - turning the other way

Cardinal Pell is an unsympathetic figure; but to effectively judge him now in the context of the mid-20th century, as if he were a then powerful Vatican "prince of the church", appears as scapegoating.

March 2

Cardinal Pell: No act of contrition will gain him any respect

George Pell has been around a long time, and compassionate wouldn't be a word I'd use to describe his public persona.

MARCH 1

Education: The lack of respect for teachers erodes morale

Readers discuss state education; ask why taxpayers should subsidise investors through negative gearing policies; and argue that cyclists are doing society a favour due to their healthy lifestyle.

FEBRUARY 29

Cycling: Hit drivers where it hurts - the hip-pocket

Readers share their views on bike paths, negative gearing, bushfire proof houses and kangaroos.

JANUARY 28

Negative gearing: Nice to finally know what PM Turnbull stands for

Readers await promised 'open and constructive conversation' about tax reform.

FEBRUARY 27

Why aren't we looking at nuclear submarines?

Readers have mixed views on the Defence White Paper, with some questioning if the money wouldn't be better used in other areas. Others raise doubts about the purchase of new submarines.