The reality is Deakin doesn't want to be here anymore, so we need to look at other options.

Our best other option is to secure a Federation University campus for Warrnambool, otherwise there's a huge chance Warrnambool will have no university at all. To do this, we need $15 million in funding from the federal government and the support of our federal member, Dan Tehan to make this happen.

There has been a huge amount of work done at the state level, now it's time for the federal government to chip in and do their bit.

I hope Mr Tehan rates this as highly as we do and shows this by securing the funding this week. There's no need to drag this out to be an election issue. By then it will be too late for the people of Warrnambool and district.

- James Purcell MP, Port Fairy

YOUTH Homelessness Matters Day is coming up on Wednesday, April 13.

In order to get people in the community to support the cause, it is important to make them understand the issue so they can empathise with young homeless people and take action.

The first step to achieving this is to break down some of the most common myths about youth homelessness.

Myth 1: Homeless young people choose to live a life on the streets.

Fact 1: The most common cause of youth homelessness (and homelessness in general) is domestic and family violence, with 70 per cent of young homeless people leaving home to escape family violence, child abuse or family breakdown.

Myth 2: All homeless young people are mentally ill or substance abusers.

Fact 2: Only a quarter of homeless people are mentally ill, and about 40 per cent are alcohol or substance abusers, with around 15 per cent suffering both disabilities. Those who are faced with mental illness or who suffer from substance abuse are often dealing with complex issues or abuse.

Myth 3: Young homeless people are all criminals.

 Fact 3: Most young homeless people are not criminals, and according to the National Law Centre On Homelessness and Poverty, homeless people actually commit less violent crimes than housed people. This is a troubling misconception because it creates an unreasonable fear of young homeless people.

I encourage everyone to sympathise with young homeless people and get involved in your community; host an event, run a campaign or make a donation to help young homeless people out of poverty and back into society.

- Fr Chris Riley, Youth Off The Streets CEO

THE federal employment minister whinges and whines alleging unions are exaggerating their criticism of the government's intended employment legislation. Whereby, if introduced, employers will have the right to remove or reduce employee penalty rates, entitlements and wages.

In return, the union is expected to accept the minister's demonising and exaggeration of the CFMEU, Royal Commission findings that hundreds of union members are responsible for illegal activities.

To date, many union members have already appeared in court over this matter, found not guilty and cases dismissed. The hundreds referred to is an exaggerated claim, with the purpose to demonise and abolish workers' support mechanisms which would allow employers to exploit staff.

- Wally Reynolds, Perth