When you do your sums for the coming budget I ask that you remember ALL families and not just those who make the most noise. I refer to the lobby for the childcare industry when I mention “noise”. They are very well organised and know how to make themselves heard in the media.

But I have heard both you and the Prime Minister Tony Abbott mention “fairness” many times and I ask you to be fair in the budget to ALL Australian families.

Instead of subsidising child care I believe you will make a great impression if you announce that EVERY family will receive the same benefit and that they can then decide to spend the money on child care if they wish.

So far you have totally ignored families where a parent stays at home to look after the children.

No need to send more money to the child care industry, just agree to support ALL families equally, instead of forcing both parents to work or they won’t get any support from you. The tax system penalises families where one parent does not work, so why not increase the tax free threshold for those families to $36,000 and at least recognise that you know they exist?

Then, when you mention “fairness” you will at least let these families know that you do think they deserve some support.

And you may be able to avoid the suggestion that you are forcing families to have both parents in paid work.

THE on/off debate about urgent action on levee banks at Wagga appears to overlook one important issue.

On the North Wagga flats over the last 20 or so years, hundreds of River Red Gums have established on the eastern side of the road and have created a quite dense young forest.

When a major flood occurs, these trees will impact on the flood level and probably change the flood pattern. ie. push more water to the North Wagga levy as well as to the city levy.

These trees could, in part, be the reason that the last major flood caught the “experts” on the hop with their flood calculations.

There is a simple answer. Take most of them out, leaving mature trees plus some young replacements.

In addition, seedlings now in profusion on the western side should get the same attention.

This would not be environmental vandalism, just common sense to help protect lives and property.

I RECENTLY had to spend a day in Wagga Base Hospital and upon admittance was in very severe pain.

As in the past I was once again treated with outstanding professional skill and exceptional compassion and care whilst I was there. My thanks and congratulations to the doctor (Peter) and to all the nursing staff, your efforts were greatly appreciated.

​ON EASTER Sunday we travelled to Willans Hill park in the knowledge the mini trains would be in operation.

Aside from the excellent weather, the overall park is a wonderful credit to this city and its people. The gardens are clean and beautiful, the playgrounds fantastic and the zoo is so appealing. We thank the volunteer railway staff who made it very enjoyable for our children.

We have been here many times before and each time this fantastic place surprises us further with more enjoyment. Thanks Wagga, this attraction has few, if any peers.