On seeing a family photograph taken prior to this inhumane and barbaric act (of what appears to be a beautiful family snapshot) just destroys trust in the most fundamental of institutions - love for all mankind.

LONELINESS is a major problem for a significant proportion of the Australian population with many assuming it affects only our older citizens; however research has found it to be a substantial challenge for people of all age, gender, religion and race.

Ongoing loneliness may lead to poor physical and mental health with those affected more likely to be diagnosed with conditions such as high blood pressure, depression, heart disease, stroke and the early onset of Alzheimer’s.

The loss of social engagement, mental stimulation, companionship and support encourages alcoholism, drug addiction, anti- social behaviour and poor decision making.

Chronic loneliness may also be a factor in the ever increasing rate of suicides that are often triggered by depression, isolation and feelings of utter hopelessness.

Until we acknowledge that human connections are instrumental to the wellbeing of all Australians we will face an intensifying fracture in our society.

All Australians must devote a large degree of effort into ending the widespread plague of loneliness that is devastating our once firmly linked communities.

I AGREE with Geoff Page that the Tasmanian Liberals will pre-select on merit, not gender (The Examiner, May 15).

If candidates are up to the task –  whether male or female shouldn’t matter.

The fact that some women are threatening to quit their party after the defeat of Jane Prentice in a pre-selection battle in the seat of Ryan in Queensland will only lessen the number of women in politics.

SENATOR Eric Abetz is upset that the ABC journalists, his fellow public servants, travelled first class to London for the wedding.

I am sure that Senator Abetz can well understand, I like many others, have similar reactions when we see Liberals swanning around the UK and other places and I can guarantee they travelled first class on the public purse too.

IT REALLY does not make sense for the government to own, run and fund public housing.

I'm sure a number-cruncher would determine that to sell off public housing tosuperannuation companies and then just run and subsidise would be of greater benefit to this state with the proceeds from selling going into more public housing alleviating homeless issues and creating employment in construction.

After all governments are responsible for this unaffordable housing crisis via a totally unregulated industry favouring the already fortunate and as a result should look upon this crisis as a priority.

It is affecting humble people and humility is a quality human attribute.

SO THAT Malcolm Scott (The Examiner, May 11) is no longer frustrated, the English translation of the Latin motto ‘Miseris Succurrere Disco’ is ‘Learn to succor the poor’.

LEN Langan (The Examiner, May 11) accuses Steve Saunders and atheists in general of being preachers.

Surely he understands the difference between elucidating and preaching.

The former invites us to examine scientifically-proven facts, while the latter expects us to have faith that something might be true, or fear retribution.

THANK you to the person who handed my phone into Chemist Warehouse, Mowbray.

God bless you.

PROFESSOR Goodall's decision to end his life is a triumph of rationality over irrationality.

The deterioration of old age is not simply a 'down' period in a person's life, which may be reversed in time.

Professor Goodall would never get his sight, mobility and independence back.

The only prospect he was facing was further deterioration.

This does not in any sense constitute a quality of life worth preserving, and it is a cruel system which forces people to exist in this state.

For those who choose to continue existing, with the help of family, and our growing (and profitable) aged-care system, that's fine.

However for our laws to impose suffering and misery on the people, and their families, who would choose to end their lives in a dignified and safe manner, is cruel and irrational.

I  BELIEVE that all members of the Legislative Council should be independents, so they can represent their electorates without party pressure, such as hard working for Launceston Rosemary Armitage.

I have noted with interest the lack of noise from Liberals with the result of the Prosser election. Would there have been the same response if the Labor candidate had been successful. I very much doubt it.