CHATROOM

To Doug, the crackdown on codeine is definitely not related to cost Medicare more. Australia is among the last countries worldwide to remove it from direct sale. Codeine is proven highly addictive and corrosive to several vital organs.

Anyone would think that Anthony Mundine and Bernard Tomic have a private bet on which one can say the most stupid comment this year. Please shut up. -Ryan

Why is it that anything written about Shapelle Corby refers to her as Shapelle Corby, convicted drug smuggler. She’s done her time, give the poor girl a break., - Shezz

At last! A mum on the Gold Coast who knows, not only what her job is, but that she is doing it with pride. Gillian, what your very lucky, and I am sure very happy, children are, and will, learn from you and your equally happy husband, is unmeasurable. What a shame that your healthy family unit is the exception rather than the norm. - Queenie

If only more (all) women were to follow Gillian and her husband’s fine example of raising their own children. Children need their parents guidance for them to learn about life, respect, good eating habits and love. You can’t expect strangers to ’really’ care for your children. Indeed, nor should you. I salute you.

So 4wds and dirt bikes have been using Nerang national Park years before MTB’s and they cause just as much damage, so when do we get some where to ride?

Well at least now we really know what Bernard is made of. Graham, Reedy Creek

Dawn, Dawn, Dawn – large parts of Southport are a disgrace. The once busy area is fast becoming a ghost town, except for the homeless and dodgy juveniles. And then some half-baked Chinatown idea. Let someone else with new ideas have a go ... and you enjoy retirement. Don

So wimpy Tomic couldn't handle yet another challenge. The tennis fans are OVER you. I would prefer to have a loss in the Davis Cup played with dedicated players giving their all for their country, than a win with an uncommitted Tomic. Stay away and keep counting your money. Marilyn, Robina.

It is essential for puppies to be vaccinated in the first 3 months. It is totally unnecessary to have dogs vaccinated every year thereafter. Just money for jam for vets. Titer testing is a system whereby a

blood sample is taken and tested for disease immunities.

Imagine if Gillian wasn’t one in a million? What a wonderful world we would have! Dreaming .....

Enough reality TV already! Fake weddings, fake celebrities in the jungle, fake cooks... it’s unreal how bad it is.

Great story on Southport and its decline (GCB 20/1). I do feel the CBD is turning and its saving grace is Chinatown this precinct will make Southport interesting, busy and vibrant and give Southport a point of difference from other suburbs in our city. Jack, Southport

I agree with Australia becoming a major weapons exporter, as long as the weapons don't go to dodgy places like Indonesia, who invaded West Papua in 1962, and refuse to end their brutal, illegal, immoral occupation.

Tree hugger you talk a load of drivel, the black swan lake swans don’t belong to these whingeing protesters either, they belong to the Australian public, most of who want them moved to cleaner healthier waters to protect their babies and future breeding. Anti-Greenies.

Radish, spot on mate. Parents SUPERVISE your own children. Ironically the letter above from one of a rare breed, someone who ’Parents’ their own children! Shouldn’t have them if you’re not able to pay or raise them!

It just goes to show the mentality of todays parents who can't even be bothered teaching their kids to swim that could save their lives one day. Judy, a wise Baby Boomer Gen mother.

As long as Tate, Beattie and of course the Premier have their big fat brekky, lunch and dinner at the Commonwealth Games who cares about our poor kids at school who cant swim? Concerned Queenslander

RE Kids must be waterproof. Watching swim school all soft and fluffy with songs and parental participation. After three seasons and many dollars, kids are confident in the water but can they swim? No. I remember Laurie Lawrence having young infants making their way to the side of the pool quicker than the current methods. Money and profit margins slow down the process.

Bloody hell! Am I going to have to pay for children’s swimming lessons as well now? Teach or pay for your own bloody kids!

Funny that mayor Tate thinks Dawn should retire from council for stating the obvious and telling the truth. The Mad Rooster