The main reason why the blue ensign was flown on April 25 on the flag pole on the shores of Gallipoli anniversary in 1915 and November 11 is because the people looking after the war graves were not doing their job, as the blue ensign was also flown on Anzac Day in 2016. The blue ensign was flown on the 100 year Villers Bretonneux, the town that every year observes Anzac Day.

It is time the people running war graves did their job by hoisting the red ensign on flag poles in cemeteries in countries all over the world where our first and second troops fought and died, and gave their lives. Also, Mr president, that prisoner of war monument in Ballarat should have a red ensign flying on the flag pole.

- Clive Dawson, Skipton

THE fifth anniversary of the national 'Wear It Purple Day' (Friday, August 26) is a day that makes me inexorably proud to fall within the GLBTI acronym.

Homophobic bullying has been a blight on society since Cocky was an egg, yet as we continue to move into more accepting times, it's heartening to see more and more people celebrate the occasion by donning a purple outfit (or tie) and going out to work, school or community united with their gay and lesbian peers.

Being a gay male in a regional city is not without its obstacles, but I wouldn't have it any other way, because great challenges are so often followed by great accomplishments.

I know in 10, maybe even only five years time, we won't need to celebrate another 'Wear It Purple Day', because we'll have reached the summit of full-blown equality for all people with diverse sexualities and/or gender-identities.

- Rob Edward Smith, Ballarat City Council North Ward candidate

THE government's handling of the CFA crisis went from bad to worse on Wednesday when an attempt to gag opposition MPs at CFA events went public.

A directive from the office of Daniel Andrews' handpicked CEO told CFA brigades that opposition MPs were not to speak at any CFA events and ceremonies. Not only does this directive fly in the face of years of bipartisan support for CFA events, it is yet another attempt by the government to silence anyone who speaks out against their plan to hand CFA control to the United Firefighters Union.

Many brigades have not been contacted by any government MPs since the CFA crisis erupted; for others it has been a lot longer. CFA volunteers deserve to be represented by their local members of parliament. My Liberal colleagues will continue to visit CFA brigades, despite the government's attempts to stop us.

- Joshua Morris, Western Victoria MP

A LOSS for Australia: Senator Hanson-Young moving from immigration to other portfolios. A bigger loss for Australia; huge shame and embarrassment: MP Dutton remaining as Immigration Minister.

The only "outrageous" actions are those of Dutton, defending an indefensible policy of neglect and abuse. The only "over-the-top behaviour" is that of Dutton, blaming "Save the Children" for encouraging asylum seekers to self-harm. The only reason for "bagging" is the Australian-managed contracts for the detention camp on Nauru deserve to be "bagged" for their secrecy, blunders, lack of duty-of-care, inadequate, filthy, and inhumane medical, social, and living conditions. Dutton’s attempts to "bag" Hanson-Young merely shows what a pugilant individual he is. 

- Judy Bamberger, O'Connor