I was a university student in the late 1960s when student activism was starting to play an increasing role. One day, when a group of us were watching television, one of the activists came into the room and asked if we would switch channels. There was a demonstration taking place somewhere, television crews were there (as were some of his mates), and he wanted to see them on television. If you accept that one reason for the terrorist actions is to get publicity, surely it is playing into their hands to provide them with this. I accept that the media should inform us to what has happened. However, newspapers devoting 2-3 pages day after day, and television stations devoting hours of coverage (much of which is repetitive) is an overkill and counterproductive.
Martin Roche, Colac
![Illustration: Andrew Dyson](http://web.archive.org./web/20170611140645im_/https://www.fairfaxstatic.com.au/content/dam/images/g/w/m/m/x/v/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.gwlzom.png/1496845677932.jpg)
Call them what they are: despicable cowards
Islamic State glory? Considering the huge incentive for terrorists to become "famous" and "heroes", with worldwide headlines and photographs, would it be prudent for police, the media and the courts not to identify them, and therefore deny them the notoriety they crave? Instead, label them as despicable cowards. This would also serve not to vilify and ostracise the often innocent members of their families, especially children, whose lives are shattered by the associated guilt and shame.
Lisa Liow, Melbourne
Our first priority is to make our streets safe
A common theme with many of the recent attacks is that the offenders were known to police, on bail, on parole or had been the subject of complaints to hotlines. The police and intelligence organisations have lists of hundreds or thousands of such people who have incited, committed or are likely to commit such offences, or who have received terrorist-related training and are still on the streets. We are waging a war against terrorism. One of the first acts in any war is to round up people who could pose a threat and imprison them in secure internment camps. If they are not local nationals, they should be returned to their country of citizenship. Let our first priority be to get these people off the streets, without bail or parole or court orders; all of that can all take place later.
David Hogg, Warrandyte
The protection of the laws to everyone
Our political leaders are very vocal about terrorism and the parole system. Isn't hindsight a marvellous gift? One of the things that identifies the "free world" is its legal system. We subscribe to following the law. People who choose to break the law, by definition, are not bound by it and so can do what they like. But, for better or worse, in our "free" country, they still have the protection of our laws. It is not fair, but I think it is part of what makes our country great.
Robert Russell, Darley
A plea for a mature discussion, not blame
Thank you, Michael Bachelard (The Age, 7/6) for some sane commentary on the alleged Brighton "terrorist". Unlike the fear mongering and ranting of our Prime Minister, you articulate the complexity of displaced, disconnected and depressed youth with troubled backgrounds. A complicated and very difficult subject that requires mature discussion, rather than the blame game.
Cynthia Humphreys, Toorak
Australia, the dream country for terrorists
We live in a wonderful country. We let people come here and reap welfare benefits. When they commit crimes, we allow them go free so they can then slaughter our citizens in the name of Allah.
Judy Hosfal, Glen Iris
Hindsight is so easy
The political opportunism of Malcolm Turnbull and Matthew Guy is cynical and loathsome. That any blame should be directed to Daniel Andrews because the killer was paroled is inconceivable. Since the murder of Jill Meagher and the Callinan review, Victoria has made the granting of parole far more difficult. It is said it has the toughest parole process in the country.
Clearly, the "Brighton terrorist" hoodwinked the Parole Board as to his reformation. Its decision to grant him parole would doubtless have had regard to the views of people considered expert in their assessment of a parolee's likely recidivism. In the face of it, the decision to grant parole would have seemed right and fair.Shame on Mr Turnbull for his populist trashing of the doctrine of the separation of powers.
Geoffrey Steward, barrister, Brighton East
A violent man set free
Rather than Matthew Guy telling Daniel Andrews to resign, he should be demanding the resignation of magistrates, judges and parole boards who let serious offenders off lightly. Yacqub Khayre "... was charged with armed robbery, after stabbing a man twice in the leg when he refused to hand over a wallet and mobile phone" (The Age, 7/6). He received a fully suspended sentence. With such a violent history, one might ask what the judge was thinking.
Paul Collins, Clifton Hill
The forgotten victim
Let us not forget about Kai Hao, who was shot dead by Yacqub Khayre in the Brighton siege. The receptionist at the hotel, he was the innocent victim. A great deal of publicity has been given to the murderer and his "cause", but less about Mr Hao. I hope that his family, friends and colleagues can somehow come to terms with this senseless event.
Stuart Hanham, Maribyrnong
A passage back home
Moving to a new country provides challenges and some individuals and even groups find these challenges to be significant. This is despite the enormous opportunities that Australia provides, not to mention outstanding social welfare, health services and the like. Australia has a wonderful history of treating those who are less fortunate with enormous regard.
However, perhaps it is time to evaluate our strategy and offer new migrants and refugees, even ones who have obtained citizenship, the opportunity to return to their homelands at taxpayers' expense. This would involve the removal of citizenship and possibly future tourist visas. Yes, it would be expensive but, similar to gun and taxation amnesties, there would be short-term pain for long-term gain.
Peter O'Malley, North Carlton
The anti-IS campaign
Every time these barbaric killers are referred to as representatives of Islamic State, there is a subliminal validation that they represent Islam. They are a blight on humanity, and especially against all peace-loving Muslims who do not support their brutal campaigns. Perhaps global media outlets should refer to them more correctly as anti-Islamic State. This might make those people who want to join think more deeply about who or what they represent.
Susan Brown, Frankston
It's simple: deport them
It is time that refugees who turn out to be serious criminals were deported. The various tribunals, non-government organisations, activists and lawyers who have prevented such deportations should be held to account for the danger in which they have placed the public.
Kev Kelly, Morwell
A step too late
How often have our political leaders and law enforcement agencies trotted out the lines, "we will learn from this" or "we will examine our current procedures"? Why does it take tragedies such for them to realise our policies are inadequate in the current environment? Yes, as Mark Kenny says, a new prime minister is emerging (The Age, 7/6), but where has he been over the past 18months, while these sores have been festering?
Bruce MacKenzie, Kingsville
Who are you to judge?
John Quinn, how dare you pass judgment on "panicked, terrified" Londoners (Letters, 7/6)? It is a well constructed myth that unswerving bravery and fortitude was universal during World War II. I grew up in wartime, in south London. I was machine gunned on the way home from school. People were unnerved, especially by the V2 rockets. They pushed and shoved to get into the underground stations for safety. My stalwart grandmother, who ran a canteen for post-office workers throughout the war, screamed when a V2 landed very near our house and the windows rattled, threatening to break. Those poor people at London Bridge were human. Walk a mile in the other person's shoes before judging them.
Olive Lyon, Warragul
Preventing attacks
Why are people radicalised? The reality is "multifactorial". Consider the role of the West Iraq, Syria and Yemen. We invaded Iraq and an estimated 1million Iraqis died. The Coalition disbanded the Iraqi army and police force, which then contributed to Islamic State ranks. Currently Australia is selling arms to the Saudis who, by blockading Yemen, are driving 19million Yemenis to the brink of famine. Our military actions and arms sales cause huge damage. War should be the last resort, and current cuts to diplomatic spending and foreign aid are shortsighted.
Margaret Beavis, Medical Association for Prevention of War, Carlton
THE FORUM
Such devoted care
What a powerfully written testimony to the devotion and brilliance of our medical professionals (Comment 7/6). Registered nurse Lacey-Jade Christie evocatively describes, moment by moment, the meticulous care given to a patient, from operating theatre to a tragic end necessitating a family's decision to turn off life support. Thank you, for your emotive personal reflection, and for prompting me to encourage family and friends to become organ donors.
Judy Nichol, Ringwood East
The greatest gift of all
Lacey-Jade Christie's heartfelt piece should give immense comfort to the loved ones of those who have donated their organs upon death to save or enhance another's life. My elderly parents left their bodies to the University of Melbourne, and it was lovely to attend a commemorative service and meet some of the grateful medical students who benefit from such gifts. Knowing that these final acts of generosity are undertaken with such respectfulness is a great consolation to grieving families.
Vikki O'Neill, Ashburton
A double standard
Do I smell a massive contradiction? At a conference in Singapore, our prime minister ever so bravely protests China's militarisation of the South China Sea. Back home, we happily encourage the bargain basement sale of "the farm" (for short-term financial gain) to China while at the same time welcoming huge, Chinese-linked donations to our political parties. If it were not so deadly serious, it would be the stuff of a satirical novel.
Graham Williams, Glen Waverley
Charity begins at home
Chinese billionaires and their Australian clients should be aware of the following figures. GDP per capita in China in 2015 was $US6498 while in Australia it was $US56,328. So in order to reduce inequality between the people of these two countries, Chinese largesse should be spent in China, not Australia.
Robin Rothfield, Alphington
Dream on, battlers
The online headings said it all: "Liberal Andrew Robb took $880,000 China job as soon as he left Parliament", and then, "Fair Work Commission rules minimum wage to rise by $22 a week" (The Age, 6/6). It is enough to make you sick.
Alan Williams, Port Melbourne
Glossy, heavy waste
While investigating the Age's plastic wrap (7/6), could someone also look into other excesses? One recent weekend, I received two heavy, glossy real estate magazines and an equally large and shiny Mother's Day ad magazine. Total weight: 600grams. Where can I opt out of receiving these inclusions?
Heather Glassford, Maidstone
Coal, a limited life
Matt Canavan thinks the Adani mine will run for at least 50years. On what fantasy land is he living, when the world must be at zero emissions in 25 to 30years? Adani coal makes no economic, let alone environmental, sense.
Mark Ruseler, Geelong
A serious social issue
Your headline about the Montague Street bridge, "I didn't ask to be hit, again" (3/6), sounds like it is mocking domestic violence victims. Domestic violence is not a joke, but this makes it sounds like the Age thinks it is.
Bindi Borg, Red Hill, Qld
The winter snouts
Another winter recess, another flood of Aussie pollies descending on Europe (funded by us) for dubious "study tours". And soon it will be Wimbledon fortnight. What are the chances?
Doug Clark, Hampton
AND ANOTHER THING
![Tandberg](http://web.archive.org./web/20170611140645im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/w/m/9/z/8/image.imgtype.articleLeadwide.620x0.png/1496816654142.jpg)
Adani
Annastacia, if the mine eventuates, I won't holiday in Queensland again. This mine will cost jobs.
Ralph Frank, Malvern East
Those jumping on board the Adani train will look silly when it doesn't leave the station.
Michael Brinkman, Cowes
Why is the Adani mine like a house by the beach? They will both become stranded assets.
Peter Fleming, Berwick
Terrorism
Don't call him a terrorist (7/6). He was a drug-addicted criminal and murderer.
Mary Walker, Richmond
Why wasn't the criminal deported to his country of origin after a litany of crimes?
Terence Beath, Melbourne
Generally the media doesn't cover suicide due to copycats. Yet for terrorism, it's open slather. Is this wise?
Greg Feben, Black Rock
Shame, Leunig. Britain has not created military terror in foreign lands. Where is your comment on the warped Islamist ideology?
Hamish Walker, Mount Eliza
Leunig, you've done it again. A gold star for hitting the nail on the head.
Rosemary Taylor, Castlemaine
"Warren Terra" bullet-proof vests will soon be available in supermarkets.
Doug Shapiro, Doncaster East
Political donations
Donations in the millions reek of bribery. Allowing the non-elected to buy power and influence corrupts the democratic process.
Emma Borghesi, Mount Eliza
Ban all donations, including from property developers, banks, businesses and trade unions. Personal donations should be made public.
John McNally, Kew
Presumably Turnbull's inquiry will include the influence bought by local, non-Chinese businesses.
Julian Lloyd, Clifton Hill