I agree with the comment previously printed that it was a family company. It was led by two people who believed in loyalty and support of its staff members. I can remember members of staff who had worked 20 and 30-plus years, not just one member but several.

 I also worked in the company and was proud to do so. There was not just staff loyalty but loyalty with other companies, and this is what Dad and Pat Thomas were proud of.

 It is a shame that Southern Engineering Services has folded and in such a manner. I feel for all the staff left out of work and hope that they find jobs very soon. 

Helen Stenton (Parry), Mt St Thomas

Tax repeal a bad deal

With the repealing of the mining tax goes the last vestige of an attempt to obtain for the nation a more reasonable return for its non-renewable mineral resources.

 That the mining tax failed to function as was first envisaged can be sheeted home to both major political parties; plus the obvious influence the mining billionaires have over public policy-setting of both Labor and the LNP.

 For example, a proposed tax on the super profits of consortiums exploiting Australia’s precious non-renewable mineral resources, whilst absolutely justifiable, was drastically watered down due to the Labor government’s obvious concern of retribution coming  from the big three mining consortiums.

 The Abbott-led LNP, whose sole commitment is to the cause of capitalism – even if it comes at the cost of the national interest – is  celebrating, along with the Colossus of Clive and the Senate crossbenchers, the deal which has repealed the mining tax.

 Perhaps time alone will show if that celebratory spirit will extend to those millions of Australian people about to suffer as a consequence of that deal.

Barry Swan, Balgownie

The poor are mocked

The whole idea of a government supplement to low-wage superannuation contributors was to avoid a retirement relying on handouts from welfare and charity groups just to survive in one’s declining years.

The Abbott treatment of poorer Australians is calculated very differently from the over-generous superannuation treatment that is lavished freely on all politicians.

On one hand, Hockey wants old-age pensions done away with, whilst, on the other hand, taxation minimisation schemes and family trusts are made available open slather and en-masse to his rich mates.

Women workers are still way behind men in pay rates and there is no chance of equal pay for all those struggling on the most basic wage.

Working women face a far worse retirement than men.

The entire Abbott government mocks all poorer Australians and is sending many into a world of poverty.

Dave Cox, Tarrawanna

Poor timing for cut

How can Tony Abbott justify slashing the Australian War Memorial’s touring exhibitions in regional Australia? In this year of all years – the start of commemorations of the centenary of World War I? Obviously the soldiers and their families over the last 100 years just aren’t part of Abbott’s Team Australia. 

Kerrie Anne Christian, Thirroul