Mateship is an integral part of the Australian identity. It’s an ideal that defines our nation’s character – this idea of looking out for each other, through the good times and the bad.

The Salvos have served alongside Australian troops in both World Wars and has supported them on deployments in Korea and Vietnam. Today, we are present in military bases across the country.

We’ve been there providing support to our troops in their times of need – giving them a hand up and a listening ear in their darkest times. We recognise the power of mateship and why it’s a vital part of the Australian spirit.

Whether a simple act of kindness or helping someone rebuild after tragedy – mateship is the common thread that unites us and something that will always endure.

As we enter these uncertain times, I encourage all Australians to reflect on the ANZAC spirit and the strength and hope it brings, and remember why mateship is an ideal still worth fighting for.

Lt Colonel Kelvin Pethybridge

Chief Secretary in Charge, The Salvation Army

With 2000 women and girls requiring medical assistance each week as a result of injuries caused by their partners or other family members, it is Australian-born men who need to have their views on gender equality and respect for women challenged.

Or is asking a few thousand 245 visa applicants these questions easier than investing the time, money and political will into tackling the epidemic of domestic violence?

Jennie Morris, Wollongong

So we need to test people to see if they are suitable to be Australian Citizens?

Great idea. Brilliant.

 May I suggest we have a basic quiz on the Westminster system of government, our responsibilities under the UN Charter of Human Rights, the freedoms and responsibilities required to live in a free and open democratic system and perhaps even a few questions to show a basic understanding of science?  

We could trial this by testing all Australian citizens ( and of course including politicians) before the next Federal Election, those who fail will of course ineligible to vote or to stand as elected representatives because they are so obviously Un-Australian.  

Doug Steley, Heyfield

Good Lord have we become so politically correct that we have lost our Aussie sense of fun? A 10 minute protest in their undies for what seems to be a legitimate complaint and a man loses his job!!!!!!!!!!!!

No work was affected; no time lost and no safety rules were breached. And yet we have this week heard of footballers who break rules with their code of conduct and are quickly forgiven because they are needed to win the next match. As Pauline would say "Please explain".

Margaret Wolfe, Thirroul

What a laugh we all had looking at the front page of the tellygraph in today's paper 19.04 make me great again. 

You must be joking Prime Minister if you could take a page out of Tony Abbot’s book, then maybe you could get in on how the public are thinking.

So stop dithering and get a policy up and working, do something constructive. Like the President Donald Trump he started with a promise and what he would do.

Just do something NOW. Start by reducing the rorts it's a bloody joke it really is. In Debt I Don't think so.

Lawrence Wren, Fairy Meadow