The outrage has been long and loud as befits 'keyboard cranks' and sporting brand protectors. But I am wondering why this kind of vitriol is never directed at the Islamic religion which often calls for stoning to death of homosexuals and fornicators (women, not men) in countries which practice some form of sharia law. (At least 15, according to Wikipedia) These are not IS terrorists but ordinary men and women living under these religious regimes. (Reference Pakistani Christian Asia Bibi who was gaoled for years for drinking from an 'Islamic' well and threatened with death by ordinary Pakistani men and women).

Any vilification of this religion is immediately called Islamophobia. Why isn't the vilification of Israel Folau's beliefs called Christianophobia? He did not actually threaten or physically harm anyone, let alone stone them to death. We have Constitutional freedom of religious practice and belief in Australia, don't we? Or is that dependent on which religion we practise?

If anyone was denounced or sacked for sharing a passage from the Koran, as Folau has been denounced for quoting a passage from the Christian Bible, there would be outrage. We no longer have true freedom of speech or meaningful debate because of the fear of offending some minority group or perpetually outraged individual. This is sad.

I am somewhat perplexed by Lloyd Deane's letter ('Martin's on the job', April 13) telling us how Liberal candidate Steve Martin has created so many jobs in the North East. Mr Deane did not name the companies or organisations which employed Mr Martin, though any cursory search shows he has worked on Mars Petcare's single serve line and for the North East Catchment Management Authority.

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Nor did Mr Deane substantiate the number of jobs that he claims Mr Martin created. In truth I expect it was investment by the Badger family, which owns Mars, that led to these jobs.

Helen Haines trained as a registered nurse and midwife and, through diligent training and study became a doctor of medical science, leading and contributing to the development of the dedicated nursing service that we enjoy in this region. Nursing regularly tops the list of the most trusted and respected professions. Dr Haines, through hard work and collaboration, clearly excelled, helping to found Australia's longest, still-running community midwifery practice.

That Helen Haines wants to improve and expand healthcare and education services, access and opportunities for Indi families offers us a rare opportunity, because she's shown she has the hands-on skills, experience and achievements in these fields.