In fact, what is being proposed is “marriage re-definition” so that homosexual relationships can be included legally as “marriage”.

From the very beginning, marriage has been defined as a commitment by a man and a woman to live together as husband and wife to the exclusion of all others.

This relationship of marriage is open to all men and women to enter into, so that there is already equality.

Equality and justice aren't the real issue.

To alter the definition of marriage is not a matter of equality but of changing the meaning to include new types of relationships.

Since marriage is a gift from God, no person, society or Parliament has the right to change this definition of marriage.

David Stone

I WRITE to ensure your readers are aware of the rebates available to help increase quad bike safety across our state.

Like your readers, I am deeply concerned about the number of quad bike deaths and injuries and I have been saddened by the recent deaths.

Since 2011, 112 people have lost their lives in quad bike accidents nationally, with 30 of these tragedies occurring in NSW.

Those figures are totally unacceptable.

The NSW Government’s Quad Bike Safety Improvement Program, introduced last July, gave farmers access to a one-off rebate to buy helmets, undertake training, retrofit safety equipment to existing quad bikes, and/or buy a safer side-by-side farm vehicle.

Earlier this month, we doubled the rebate to $1,000 for the purchase of a side-by-side vehicle, $500 for the retrofitting of safety equipment to an existing quad bike, and $90 for the purchase of an approved helmet.

As many farmers have more than one quad bike, they can now also apply for two rebates, meaning they can be eligible for up to $2,000, rather than the original $500 if they are buying side-by-sides.

Further information is available from www.safework.nsw.gov.au and I really encourage your readers to visit the website and find out what they can do to reduce their risk of death or injury.

Yours sincerely,

Matt Kean, Minister for Innovation and Better Regulation

THE last thing that parents should consider when deciding when to send their child to school is how they may handle NAPLAN testing.

How they will cope emotionally and psychologically should be the main considerations. Every child is different so there is no set rule.

As a parent, deep down you will know if your child is ready or not to begin their education journey.

Peter Miniutti

The weekend is sacred. Of all the days of the week I don't want to work, it is Saturday and Sunday. With the cuts to penalty rates I won't have any incentive at all. Imagine giving up your Sunday from 9-5 for an insignificant $136.

It's not just the Sunday I'm giving up, it’s Saturday night too. 

How am I supposed to spend money out at a bar contributing to the economy and be in bed by 10pm for work the next day?

We are students. We are desperate for money and will take anything, but not this!

Jessie Edison

Riverina

Letters to the editor can be submitted to andrew.fisher@fairfaxmedia.com.au and should include full name, address and telephone for verification purposes.