There is not a shadow of a doubt that the federal government ``is running dead’’ on the critical need to sustain Australia's steel production.  

Well might the Prime Minister and Mr Pyne exhibit their smugness by embracing the ``madness’’ of free trade which will do nothing to protect Bluescope Steel.  

If the Coalition persists with such narrow economic concepts the very foundations of our nation will be in peril.  

Indeed our Federation could fracture.  

As for the Labor Opposition in Canberra it is without direction.

Rex Connor ll, Wollongong

Malcolm Turnbull said he wants to hear new ideas regarding tax reform, but they must be fair to all.

These comments came after the Parliamentary Budget Office calculated the GST take would double to $130 billion if it was 15 per cent.

It is obvious he wants to increase the GST and is not interested any thing else, like cutting out the superannuation concessions that allow the wealthy to avoid paying taxes that cost the government budget almost as much as the old age pension does.

His government is even talking about cutting single mother pensions and is putting harsh rules on the unemployed often stopping their dole payments.

This Liberal Government has no idea what it is like to have to live on a $250 dole payment a week.

Nor on a part time income but they still want to put the burden of an increased GST on them.

Tony Foot,  Unanderra

I know a lot has already been said about cyclist on our roads, demanding respect and also their right to use the roads .

But cyclists on Macquarie Pass.

If I'm not mistaken a recent law states that when overtaking or passing a cyclist there must be a distance of no less than one metre between vehicle and cyclist, the double lines that run for almost the entire length of the pass except for the only two legal overtaking lanes would therefore make this impossible.

We can all visualise the line of vehicles behind a cyclist as he or she peddles their way up and the frustration of drivers waiting for the opportunity to pass .

As much as I believe people should have the freedom to do as they wish, within legal limits, unless cyclist are prepared to use common sense and avoid areas such as Macquarie Pass then I believe it should be made illegal.

The risk for injury is too great.

Lawrence Edwards, Mt Warrigal

Last week I read that Wollongong Council authorized the sale of the Turpentine Forest at Sandon Point after thorough consultation with all experts and all parties concerned .

I do not for one moment feel that the aboriginal elders have ``surrendered’’ that land whole-heartedly knowing the cultural significance and sensitive ecological conditions of that whole area.

Placing concrete walls around a drainage basin will no way impede the natural force of water downhill into a drainage basin with five creeks outflow into ocean.

If anything, there will be a back flow which occurred at Thredbo village creating a mud slide with loss of life.

I do not think there is one functioning brain in council that would allow this destruction!!!

Carole Ouellette, Bellambi