I have just read of the Liberal Party's support in Parliament for the foreign-owned, re-named super trawler Geelong Star to continue 24 hour operations.

The rapacious decimation of Australian inshore fish stocks along the eastern seaboard is in no way far sighted, in our national interest, or in the interests of Australians who live along the eastern seaboard.

I am sorry to report that, at least in this instance, our new Prime Minister and his party have failed to live up to my expectations and think in the long term interests of current and future Australians.

Judging by the vote in Parliament they had the support of both the Greens and Labor to stop this foley, yet the Liberal/National Parties voted to allow The Geelong Star to continue its demonstrated environmentally disastrous operations.

Shame, shame, shame Mr Turnbull.

Des O’Brien, Stanwell Tops

The graphic Time Magazine photo of Melbourne’s UFC bout, with Holly Holms foot smacking Ronda Rousey in the neck and face confirms my belief both female and male ultimate fighting championships will give fresh impetus to Melbourne and Sydney’s already violent streets.

Brian Johnson, Gymea

As an Ahmadiyya Muslim, I fully support White Ribbon campaign to prevent men's violence against women. The Islamic teachings about treatment of the women is misunderstood or ignored by Muslims and as a consequence Muslim women are portrayed as fully covered and dominated by male member of the family, with little more status than a slave.  

Islam has preserved those special rights of women more than 1400 years ago for which western women are still struggling.

Islam confers on women all the political and social rights, especially their education, social status and freedom.

They are entitled to possess wealth and property of their own, whether it is inherited or earned, and the male members of their family have no right over it.

Even a married woman is not required to spend any thing out of her own wealth, as it is the duty of her husband to provide for her, children and their home.

The teachings of Islam concerning hijab (the veil) and segregation of the sexes is probably the most confusing and difficult to accept for Western society.

This is because of the widespread and erroneous notion that observing hijab is a heavy restriction imposed on Muslim women.

In fact, the very opposite is true, as Muslim Men are the one who are required by Islam to lower their eyes and pay respect, kindness and honor to the women.

Usman Mahmood, South Bowenfels

BEACH PATROL TO GET RUFF FOR DOG OWNERS

How ironic. Only this week, people were lambasting council for spending $200,000 to keep the mall and surrounds clean, ye here they are cheering that they are going to spend $200,000 to keep a few dogs in check.

_ Arthur Rees-Harden.

A shame the Shoalhaven Council doesn't do the same. The beaches around Ulladulla/Bawley Point have a big unleashed dog problem over the holidays. 

_ Nick.

That made my day. Finally someone to enforce the rules that half the dog owners don't follow. For every good owner and yes some are around there is another one who treats the beach like a toilet.

_ Richard from Windang