They talk about Labor's past debt and deficit, but they fail to mention their own debt and deficit - it has more than doubled since Labor was last in government. No longer can this government claim they are better economic managers.

Australians are facing the lowest wage rises since World War II. The Reserve Bank has had to cut interest rates to record lows due to lack of government action and stimulus. The Reserve Bank is running out of bullets.

If the government wants people to spend money and stimulate the economy, a lift in wages would restore consumer confidence and support struggling small business as any wage rise would go back into the economy.

The Governor of the RBA agrees, as do all economists. With one in three workers casual, many are facing an insecure future and further reducing their spending in these uncertain times.

With health insurance, childcare, council rates going up far higher than wages and inflation, what do consumers do? They reduce their spending as their income isn't keeping up with the cost of living. Why won't the government do something?

What happens when the general public starts to lose trust in their federal, state and local governments?

The spate of recent disasters and the protracted responses to the immediate needs of those affected requires this response.

Policy development by government is fine but the real issue becomes the policy implementation process and this is always the realm of the bureaucrats.

Always restricted by process and procedure requirements the much needed assistance/ relief funds are drip fed to those in most need. What is more annoying are the relentless news conferences stating what has been made available but in truth, very hard to access.

Oppositions simply attack the process without offering a realistic alternative.

The perception of governments unable to function effectively especially during times of crises does not install confidence in those looking for leadership and guidance when times get tough and the future looks bleak.

I am upset that vandals who destroy dune vegetation for views get away with it and council decides to defend their actions by removing vegetation rather than conserving the habitat for local wildlife and wildlife lovers ('Vincentia Matters: Collingwood Beach complete betrayal of trust').

Installing cameras to catch and fine perpetrators and revegetating would be a fairer and more environmentally responsible action from council.

The decision by Shoalhaven council to increase pruning of existing banksias on Collingwood beach back dunes is reprehensible but unfortunately unsuprising.

Following our recent devastating bushfires, a rational person would believe nurturing our native bush and wildlife would be a paramount concern. This coupled with rising sea levels should make protection of the dune biodiversity a first priority.

However, true to form our reactionary council kowtows to a minority entitled group of owners of waterfront properties. There has not been a community consultation process to support this recent council motion. Hardly democratic. I am appalled