What infringements of freedom of religion or thought would such legislation impose that are not already imposed by the present heterosexual marriage laws?

Any provisions which would arbitrarily limit the rights and privileges of same-sex couples are purely designed to continue discrimination against same-sex couples and defeat the intent of the plebiscite.

By what right do those who oppose same-sex marriage believe that their freedom to be bigots takes precedence over the freedoms of others?

D. A. Corbett, Albury

I have the perfect solution for the ratepayers of Federation Shire.

Considering it was those on the council who made the brilliant decision to sack Chris Gillard, they can darn well pay the bill for his payout themselves, out of their wages.

Do not make us ratepayers foot the bill for your poor decisions.

Chris Weller, Corowa

As a firm located on the NSW and Victoria border, we are regularly reminded that the conflicting traffic laws between the two states can raise certain issues. The Australian Road Rules – introduced in 1999 – attempted to create uniform road rules for all drivers throughout Australia and make interstate travel easier.

Each Australian state and territory has adopted the rules, however have done so with variations, defeating the purpose of the intended uniformity. As a result, there are important differences between the traffic laws in each state and territory and drivers need to be aware of this.

All drivers are bound by the traffic laws of each state or territory they are driving in, regardless of whether or not they have ever read those laws. Each state and territory recognises the laws of the other. If you’ve been licensed to drive in one state, then that licence is recognised and allows you to drive in another Australian state or territory – subject to the restrictions imposed by that licence.

For example, if you are required to wear glasses when driving under your Victorian licence, you must wear glasses when driving in NSW. So too, for example, if you only hold a probationary licence in NSW, you can drive as a “probationary licence holder” in Victoria, but you have to abide by the restrictions on probationary licence holders imposed by the Victorian traffic laws. The devil is in the detail.

In each case it is essential to look at the relevant state or territory provision to work out what applies and what does not. Anecdotally there are a number of areas that particularly affect young probationary drivers.

The two states differ on the type of P plate to display: on the curfew requirements and the numbers of passengers and their ages, and on the maximum speeds that may be traveled in certain circumstances.

It was great recently to see federal independent member for Indi Cathy McGowan taking an interest in these issues for the young drivers of the Border. It is only by identifying the inconsistencies and raising them at a state and federal level that practical reforms can be made.