These submarines have a shelf life of no more than 20 years. Where, in the next 20 years, will we need to defend ourselves against a major sea born invasion, using stealth? 

If anything, it’s more likely that small invasion vessels could come from many fronts, and considering our large coastline, five or six state-of-the-art submarines will be useless.

The cost of one sub would more than pay for 100 fast, heavily armed gun boats, as used during the Vietnam conflict.

One hundred boats stationed at 100 ports, apart from being a wide defensive network, could also be a life saver in search-and-rescue situations.

I know the big boys, often called the brass, like to play with big boy toys, but l believe this time it’s better to have many toys.

- Carl Stevenson, Dora Creek

WOMEN will never be equal to men until they can walk down the street with a bald head and a beer gut, and still think they look sexy. 

 – Richard Ryan, Summerland Point

IF it's not bolted down in Toronto it's not yours!

I live in Toronto and my opinion of the place just suffered another setback.

I am tired of my vehicles that are parked on my property being targeted by lowlife scumbag thieves.

At some time on Sunday night some odious scum has stolen the car cover off my car - this is easily recognisable as it has two grey vinyl repairs.

Perhaps someone who is honest will see this car cover 'suddenly' appear. I would expect them to ask the scumbag to return it.

Is it possible that someone could restore my faith? Let's see. But I don't think so.

- Name withheld, Toronto

I HAVE written well over 200 letters addressed to most politicians - very seldom have I had a reply.

My letters are well-researched with the latest information gleaned from the internet and others, and I try always to be truthful.

All of this occupies my days to a large extent. I do this hoping that it may help in some small way.

I do realise that politicians do get many emails every day, that is the nature of giving the voting public access to their representative in government. I understood that it was the duty of every voter to forward problems that affected the plebs - perhaps I was wrong.

Some of my emails are acknowledged with a somewhat cursory standard reply, some are not.

Many of my suggestions have been adopted - offshore processing, which I proposed to John Howard several years ago, was one.

I was led to believe that politicians welcomed these letters.

If that is not so please let me know and I will stop wasting my time, and yours.

- Tom Edwards, Wangi Wangi

REGARDING splitting the state of NSW, it was tried in 1958 or 1959 with a referendum; it failed. If successful it would have been cut from Munmorah to Cameron's Corner in the west and north to the Queensland border. With all the wealth in the Hunter staying here the Sydney coffers would have dried up and blown away and Tamworth would have been made a capital then we wouldn't have had to put up with a spiteful Mike Baird.

- Noel Stoops, Belmont