For too long weak-kneed politicians have done nothing to protect  decent people against both criminal and anti-social behaviour and the bleeding hearts have been wailing about how these hard done by criminals should be given more help than their victims. Well enough is enough, perhaps a violent crime should have a violent punishment then they will think twice before attacking some innocent person just because they feel like it. Life in prison should mean  you never get released, only to be buried. This country is  being taken over by  self-serving groups who lack even the basic feelings of humanity. It’s time our laws were brought up to date and the punishment fit the crime. Our elected government should do what the nation needs and show some leadership, that’s if they have the courage.

Brian George, Berkeley

Wasted expenditure is rampant in Wollongong City Council, the intersection of O’Briens Road and Jacaranda Avenue in Figtree being the latest example. 

The simple need was to complete a concrete cycleway/footpath at this intersection.

 There would have been minimal cost in removing a short section of concrete kerb and installing a concrete apron for prams and cyclists. 

Instead, Wollongong City Council excavated the existing kerb and guttering and installed a long length of new kerbing to deliberately narrow the intersection. Then they knocked down sections of this brand new kerbing for a concrete apron on both sides of the road. 

Finally contractors installed a new asphalt road surface on an intersection that was perfect before council excavated it. 

Instead of a one or two day task for a three person crew, council wasted weeks of labour using dozens of people. 

Lyn Read, Figtree

 Wayne Bennett referring to the eight-week suspension of Greg Bird for a lifting tackle said that ‘‘everyone is the loser’’.

What about the young men who are spared a lifetime in a wheelchair now that the NRL are belatedly taking a stand on lifting tackles?

John Gartside, Kanahooka 

 Barry Swan (Mercury, May 11) has thrown a tantrum about Prince Harry swanning around the countryside at a cost to tax payers. Do not worry Barry, I’m sure Joe will give some confusing explanation about his adroit expertise in covering expenses.

Loosen up, Harry received an open-ended invitation to flaunt his personality. And as for flying everywhere, nothing’s wrong – Harry is a part owner of the carrying company.

So I say to Harry ‘‘good onya mate’’ I enjoyed every minute of your stay in Australia.

 Come again.

 John Macleod, Berry

 When Wollongong City Council commit to action how long should the community wait? 

A month, three months, six months, a year or two or is it even longer?

Ratepayers, renters and businesses would all like more action from those in Burelli Street.

How long is reasonable?

John Edwards, Fairy Meadow