Regardless of the cause, the graffiti will now be removed at the cost to local rate payers.

Unfortunately for the perpetrators their actions tend to alienate even those who are sympathetic to their cause.

In future I would suggest such graffiti be removed as soon as possible and given minimal publicity in the media.

John Tubridy, Wollongong

Father Brendan Lee's article 'Breaking Seal burns refuge of good sinners' (Illawarra Mercury, Wednesday September 18) presented a well-reasoned argument for the retention of the confessional seal.

As Father Lee points out paedophilia by its heinous nature, is a crime unlikely to be confessed either in the sanctity of a confessional, or to the police.

It is a sad and damning circumstance that for many young victims of paedophilia, attempting to reveal even to their parents, the nature of the assault made upon them their credibility will be the first thing called into question.

Particularly so, when the perpetrator is a member of the family or a trusted public figure.

A situation well known and relied upon by sexual predators for comfort.

While Father Lee may be right about it being unlikely justice will emerge as a consequence of a criminal confession made in the sanctity of the confessional booth.

Could I respectfully ask, what would he do as a priest if he heard a confession from a young person indicating they had been sexually molested by a member of the clergy?

Would he resolve the situation by relying upon the well- established course of simply ensuring the perpetrator was re-located?

Barry Swan, Balgownie

Barry Swan deserves gold for his letter ' Shocking Treatment' (Illawarra Mercury, September 9) calling out the devilishy shocking treatment of the Tamil Family by the Federal Government.

Adrian Devlin responded with a letter, 'Abide by the Rules' (September 18).

Mr Devlin should check his facts before he submits a letter, for example, it seems Mr Devlin has mixed up what might be hearings on procedural matters and hearings of the merits.

The hearing in the High Court in May 2019 was an application for special leave to appeal the Federal Court decision on the merits.

The leave was knocked back by the High Court.

Mr Devlin alleges the rules are the rules, but this not been fully played out.

Australia has signed the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC).

International Law via International Human Right Law has yet to be tested.

The Federal Government needs to heed its obligations under International Law and apply 'the rule of law' to the circumstances of this Tamil Family.

Compassion, as suggested by Mr Swan is a good starting and finishing point.

Peter Corkish, Wollongong

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