I have been involved with cruise ships since 1978 - working on them for four years and more recently taking over 20 cruises in the USA, Caribbean, Mediterranean and Australia. Cruise ships have tourists on board, most of whom want to visit ports and experience what the residents of that city enjoy.

Whether it is visiting attractions, taking a break from the ship to have a feed or to sample the local drinks or wandering the retail areas - and buying souvenirs, most actually do spend money when ashore. And by the way, it is mostly the residents of this region (or their children) who own or have a job in tourism, hospitality and retail, and will benefit from this spend.

And if Alan does not agree with that - just consider how an international cruise line's marketing can draw attention to our region and generate future tourism. Remember: “Tourism is everybody's business”.

Stuart Barnes, Corrimal

The way that Premier Baird is behaving one has to wonder is he an elected public servant or another born to rule tyrant.

The people of this nation are a free people and as such can live their lives as they see fit so long as they obey our laws, but we have a premier who thinks he can tell us which sporting pastime we can follow based on a flawed report that any intelligent person would have verified.

I am not a fan of greyhound racing but so long as it does not allow cruelty to the dogs then that is the choice of the fans, if it can be policed in other states then why not NSW.

As someone who does not trust any politicians I wonder if it is about dogs versus real estate as this is an area that a banker would be interested in anything that can be privatized and make a profit for those in the born to rule league.

Is our democracy at risk and are we slipping down the road to becoming a third world country as a place with few jobs and virtually no hope of Australians owning their own homes?

What next can we expect from “Mr Sydney”? Tolls for footpaths?

Brian George, Berkeley

In Australia last year 79 women murdered one in four Australian women experience rape or sexual assault. Every three hours an Australian woman is admitted to hospital because of injuries suffered in a violent attack.

 Every night thousands of Australian women and children are homeless refugees because of fear of violent attacks.

If you have daughters these are the real risks they are facing or will face, by comparison the risk of Islamic terrorism is pretty remote.

Our country needs to start to seriously address domestic terror and violence before we get distracted by side issues. If only media and politicians had the guts to address the real terror problems in Australia rather than grossly over inflating the populist ones.

Doug Steley, Heyfield

Please everyone don't worry about Malcolm Turnbull.  You as a taxpayer will be paying for the Liberal election campaign.

People who run for a federal seat and achieve four per cent of the vote are given $2.76 for every vote they get.  On top of this they claim election costs and expenses such as advertising. These cost after auditing are paid for by the taxpayer.

When Pauline Hanson is targeted be aware that all federal politicians or people who run are given the $2.76/vote plus can claim all expenses that can be verified.

So don't worry about Malcolm’s coffers.

Ray Jaeger. Coledale