Boycott ballot

A BOYCOTT of the proposed postal ballot on marriage equality is arguably the only principled response. Participation gives legitimacy to a deeply flawed process that is getting more flawed by the day. The opening salvo by ex-PM Abbott, in claiming a vote against marriage equality equates to a vote for free-speech and religious freedom and against political correctness, highlights how compromised the process is. It will no doubt get worse.

It is insulting to expect us to participate in a process we know cannot result in anything that could be considered a vote of the people. Whatever the outcome, the losers will justifiably be able to highlight all the shortcomings and claim the result as wrong. Not only that, MPs are making it clear their votes are locked in anyway.

My disgust extends to the proposed misuse of the Australian Bureau of Statistics, a great institution that has been starved of funds in recent years because of governments’ fear of the truth about difficult issues. This is another sign of a desperate Government. We can only hope the legal challenge puts an end to it. Keith Thompson

Kingston We elect governments to fix problems, make things better and set a sound course for the future. After more than three years of the Liberals, none of these things are happening and we see no signs of leadership or vision from the Premier.

Stan Armstrong Cygnet choice. Hundreds of others made better choices and are not in jail. Apologising for those who choose to commit a crime and telling them it is not their fault contributes to the problem by normalising their behaviour, and insults everyone else. Tony Donaghy

Ellendale