I doubt our Government would have responded so admirably had it occurred here. They would more likely have seen it as an opportunity for more scaremongering over a possible Labor government. - Graham Lum, North Rocks Senator Fraser Anning. Resign. Immediately. - Rose Panidis, Graceville, QLD I write from Rotorua towards the end of a memorable holiday, experiencing the beauty of New Zealand's diverse landscape and natural beauty. However, on Friday that memory was scared through the tragedy that beset not just a city, but the nation. At a time when a nation is numbed it is disturbing to say the least, that Australians have been identified with the remarks of a defacto elected representative who could apparently only attract a handful of voter support. Senator Anning needs to stop and reflect on the harm his utterances cause to a community hurting and his country standing with them in the face of adversity. - Allan Gibson, Cherrybrook

Let's hear from all those Coalition senators who rushed to support the One Nation white supremacist-inspired "It is OK to be white" motion in October last year. Their subsequent backflipping was probably ignored completely by the likes of Brenton Tarrant. - Sue Dyer, Downer (ACT) Constroversial Senator Fraser Anning has lashed out at a young protester. Credit:ninevms When did it become ok to blame the victims for the violence inflicted on them? Scantily dressed women are blamed when they're harassed by men. Child sexual abuse victims are doubted when they accuse adults in positions of authority of abusing them and victims of domestic violence have had to fight hard and long for effective action and protection from those who beat them. Shockingly now migrants are to blame for their own murders.

Fraser Anning may only have received 19 primary votes but the party he ran for received a quarter of a million. What have we become? - John Bailey, Canterbury

Fraser Anning is a national disgrace! - David Polson, Potts Point Our PM's pious words about the Christchurch massacre are just too late and lacking in any sense of responsibility. Whose Senators voted with One Nation in favour of "Its OK to be white"? Whose whole role as a minister and as PM has been focussed in demonising 'the other' and allowing colleagues like Dutton free reign to create fear and loathing about anyone of which they disapprove. Did our PM utter anything about Latham's plan for DNA testing of our indigenous?

Spare us the weasel words; just act with decency.- Tony Sullivan, Adamstown Heights The Minister for Home Affairs, Peter Dutton's silence has been palpable since Friday's tragedy. Had a Muslim committed this atrocity would he have been so restrained ? It is clear that dog whistling only travels in one direction. - Jack Amond, Cabarita Professor Kathleen Belew of the Department of History, University of Chicago in her PBS NewsHour interview said the Christchurch massacre was another manifestation of the global " white power movement".

An attempt to restore white dominance and white rule order when people of colour were subservient subjects. I think she has a good handle on where the racist violence of the Christchurch Muslim massacre comes from. - Rajend Naidu, Glenfield Pauline and all racist podcasters - how do you feel now ? Please explain. - Jens Skovgaard, Lucknow It's not often one can look back and perceive Paul Keating as being guilty of understatement, but his depiction of the Senate as "unrepresentative swill" is clearly inadequate in the case of Senator Fraser Anning. The latest atrocity from an Australian Senator highlights the urgent need to legislate for the receipt of a very considerable minimum percentage of primary votes, irrespective of preferences, before any person can be awarded a seat in our Senate. - Max Edwards, Kanahooka

When Paul Keating referred to members of the Senate as 'Unrepresentative swill' he must have had Fraser Anning in mind. - Trevor Taylor, Narooma I cannot even fathom how Fraser Anning could think of blaming Muslims for the terrible atrocity. However, I know that Anning does not represent mainstream Australians. Mainstream Australians have been inundating mosques around the country with flowers, cards and messages of support. This is the Australia I know and love. - Khizar Rana, Walkerville Me thinks the rain drops are really tears for the people of Christchurch. - Kim Crawford, Springwood Morrison and his type need to take some responsibility for the NZ mosque attack. He has used fear and xenophobia as a political strategy. - George Mercier, Bondi

Fear, division, hatred. This is what the Howard, Abbott, Morrison governments, with the help of One Nation wanted. Rudd and Gillard governments bent to the feeling of this nation. Please, we were once a tolerant, caring nation. Can we turn around. Don't let the bigots win. Our sympathy to New Zealand. You have shown us how we should be. - Jan Lyon, Dungog. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern meets with members of the Christchurch Muslim community. Credit:Stuff/David Walker

For New Zealand's 'darkest day', a PM with the greatest of dignity. - Janice Creenaune, Austinmer Is there any way we can quickly change Section 44 of the Constitution to allow Jacinda Ardern to stand in our forthcoming federal election? - Ian Jackson, Freshwater I wish more former Prime Ministers would condemn white supremacy more often and mean it. - Tony Stein, Ourimbah At a time of unbearable tragedy Jacinta Arden has given voice to the horror and sympathy we all felt for the victims in Christchurch. Her leadership during this tragedy has been inspirational. - Vicky Marquis, Glebe Today I saw a photo of Jacinda Adern speaking with members of the Muslim community in Christchurch. She was wearing a hijab. Such respect. Such a contrast to Australia. So sad. - Margaret Maria Cook, Forde ACT

Photo of the year:Jacinda Ardern embracing a grieving Muslim woman. - Lina Lockhart, Marrickville Out of the horror of the terrorist attack in New Zealand rose a leader of compassion, wisdom and integrity. While the Kiwis might be suffering from a loss of who they are, they should take great consolation from the fact that she is one of them. - Lyn Savage, Coogee Please can we have a Prime Minister like Jacinda Ardern. - Bronwyn Scott, Croydon After watching PMs statements and interviews on TV about the tragic NZ attacks, I have come to the following conclusion.

NZ's Jacinda Ardern: Articulate, informative, compassionate, truthful, concise and stately. Our Scott Morrison: Totally out of his depth. - Mark Nugent, Lugarno Jacinda Ardern, Prime Minister of New Zealand - inspirational world leader. - Michael Leslie, Newcastle Jacinta Ardern was magnificent: "We New Zealanders were not chosen for this act of violence because we condone this racism, or because we are an enclave of extremism, we were chosen for the very fact that we are none of these things," she said. Can Australia say the same? - Kerry Stratton, Wombarra

Could Jacinda Ardern please be added to the ballot paper in the upcoming federal elections? - Margie Christowski,Roseville Out of the unspeakable horror of the terrorist attack in New Zealand rose a leader filled with wisdom, compassion and truth. Whilst the Kiwis might be suffering the loss of who they are, they should take great consolation from the fact that she is one of them.- Lyn Savage, Coogee New Zealand has a great Prime Minister. I have been so impressed with the way Ardern spoke following the terrorist attack in Christchurch. Each of her speeches that have been broadcast was measured and wise. The first speech, broadcast immediately after what had happened in Christchurch was known, was clearly spontaneous and she spoke with controlled passion, making each word count, condemning the killings, but also stressing the inclusiveness of New Zealand society. During each press conference she coped with the repetitive questions from journalists patiently and courteously. Yes, New Zealand is a small country in terms of size and population but, in recent years the people have elected two very able Labor Prime Ministers. - Wendy Elizabeth Cowling, Shellharbour

Like most Australians, I am appalled at the murders in Christchurch and ashamed that it was perpetrated by an Australian. So why has the Immigration Minister overturned the Department's ban on the entry of Yiannopoulos into our country and allow the further incitement of hatred? Surely we have enough of our own after the example of Anning's comments regarding the murders that there is no need for such people as Yiannopoulos to be allowed entry. The fact that he has also not paid the Victorian Police is a further reason to not allow him into the country. Is the government hiding behind the facade of free speech to pander to the conservatives and ultra right so they can collect their votes at the next election? The Immigration Minister needs to immediately withdraw the approval so that we demonstrate Australia has no tolerance for hate and division being encouraged in our community. We need no further encouragement of hatred that can lead to violence - Anning and his ilk already here are more than enough! - Russell Meacham, Blackheath The idea of broken white men seems compelling. That is, we need a model of good and courageous white men who will take up arms in defence of our society, culture, nation and even preferred religions.

The internet trolls, mostly men, mostly white, are not broken heroes. Their journey is a virtual exploration of dangerous ideas and understandings that are part of the moral relativity that haunts our everyday polite worlds. When their mythological battles spill over into the real world, then we see the dangers of the corrupted imagination. It is our spiritual connection with the imagination that is broken. Let's all pretend otherwise as we sincerely claim we are whole and worthy. -Keith Russell, Mayfield West Friends of a man missing after the mosque shooting grieve outside a refuge centre in Christchurch. Credit:AAP It is a horrible irony that the Federal government's emphasis on "keeping Australians safe" by spending billions on "Border Force", and keeping asylum seekers out, has allowed the viper of ultra-right extremism to fester, apparently unremarked, in the national bosom, only to strike our nearest neighbour, which had gracefully and compassionately accepted the asylum seekers we wanted to be rid of.

Scott Morrison should apologiSe to Jacinda Ardern and the people of New Zealand, on behalf of the Australian people. - Gayle Davies, North Sydney Political extremism didn't kill any people in Christchurch last Friday. Nor did mental illness, conspiracist propaganda or social media. Bullets killed them. If the shooter didn't have access to weapons, how many would have died? Whatever heaven they're in now, the Christchurch victims aren't up there explaining that they died because of racism and bigotry; they were shot dead by a gun. Those who have resisted tighter firearms controls should bear nearly as much on their consciences as the deranged person who pulled the trigger. How can resistance any longer be justified, when law enforcement and intelligence services, again, have been incapable of identifying a lone wolf like the one who went berserk in Christchurch?- Richard Whitington, Pymble Why does any government allow its citizens to own military style semi automatic rifles? What possible excuse could there be? Mind boggling stupidity is the only reason I can think of. - Anthony Malivanek, Bray Park

Here we go again. More loonies being given all the guns they want to kill as many people as they like, just as we saw in Christchurch. Why are we all being so soft on gun laws? Guns kill, so they should never be allowed in the hands of those who don't really need them. Those who don't need them include recreational shooters, farmers, security guards and police on the beat. I would advocate that we restrict possession of firearms, any firearms, only to the military, to police SWAT teams and to licensed professional feral pest hunters. Recreational shooters can play with something else, farmers can call in professional hunters to deal with feral pests on their properties, and poorly trained and inexperienced security guards and ordinary police have shown many times that arming them with guns endangers innocent people more than bad guys. The Brits don't arm their police with guns, so why should we need to?

No more guns, full stop, end of story. - Chris Danckwerts, Turramurra How hollow sounds our Prime Minister in his disgust for the vile murders committed by an Australian ultra right wing terrorist in Christchurch. Under the current Liberal National Party and their cronies David Leyonhjelm and Pauline Hanson the views of such depraved extremists have been actively encouraged - as the welcome given here to the likes of Milo Yiannopoulos, Richard Spencer and Ben Shapiro would demonstrate.

All just "ordinary white men" - all hate mongers who have encouraged weak, vicious gun toting cowards like the "ordinary, white" mass murderer in New Zealand. The buck stops here. This is our nation's greatest disgrace. - Sally Morris, Leichhardt Mister 19 votes has conclusively proven why he received this resounding result in the last federal election. Fraser Anning, you disgust me - Bruce Ingrey, Elizabeth Bay Anning's despicable words and violent behaviour call for his expulsion from Parliament. It is a shameful government system if misuse of government funds can disqualify a person from holding office but physical violence and language clearly intended to harm our multicultural community, cannot. - Sue Benham, Woonona Senator Fraser Anning shows an example of failed leadership.

His statement is simply heinous and illustrates the divisive rhetoric he uses to justify the division and hate he spreads. Our leaders should bring people together not apart. As an Ahmadi Muslim, our motto will always be love for all, hatred for none because that's what Islam teaches. - Bushra Nasir, Darling Heights QLD Can we be surprised by the New Zealand tragedy when thousands of children and adults spend hours in online and arcade mass murder games, as an enjoyable and rewarding pastime, where "other" people are seen merely as targets to be exterminated. - Jennifer Katauskas, Wahroonga Abdul Aziz, a refugee from Afghanistan, appears heroically to have saved many lives in the Christchurch shootings. He would have been on Manus or Nauru if he were in Australia's care. - Ian Harrison, Centennial Park I agree with our Prime Minister that the real challenge is fighting 'views based on white supremacist and separatist ideologies which are abhorrent and foster hate' ("PM Arden demands answers", March 17).

An important start for Australia would be to stop treating people who seek asylum in Australia as other - they are human beings like us seeking safety .- Louise Fox, Erskineville Brenton Tarrant isn't the only person responsible for the massacre in Christchurch. He's like the drug mules that do the dirty work for drug lords wearing expensive suits and sitting in mansions while they plan their next move. In this case the druglord equivalent is those in politics and the media who deliberately use hatred of one Prime Minister Scott Morrison visits the Lakemba Mosque with Immigration Minister David Coleman and Imam Shaykh Yahya Safi on Saturday Credit:Dominic Lorrimer

particular section of humanity to boost their own fortunes. Every politician who uses dog-whistling and Muslim bashing to try and political point-score, who mocks Islam by turning up in parliament wearing a burqa and who bangs on about a so-called Islamic invasion, shares responsibility for what happened in Christchurch, along with the radio shock jocks and newspaper editors and columnists who loudly proclaimed their opposition to Islam but have gone very quiet over the massacre of those whose only crime is to quietly practice it. - Lynette Chamas, Burradoo Dozens of innocents worshippers died in a brutal terrorist attack and its a pure form of terrorism. The SMH don't change the definition of terrorism when the victims are Muslims, say it in a clear and loud manner that it is a terrorist attack. My heartfelt condolences for the bereaved families. Let's spread love, eliminate hatred and make this world a beautiful place for our future generations. - Javed, Ata ul Hannan, Blacktown Absolutely stunned with the evilness of this event. It reeks of such blatant racial hatred – hard to understand why. .

A reminder that this happened in Nazi Germany – a long time ago . Not so long really – I was born in 1940. I would like very much to see that all flags are flown at half mast in recognition of the lives lost – and our pain at their loss – and ours too .- Helen Edwards, Newport Beach I am deeply sorry for not only the victims but also the nation (New Zealand) and her people. I have never lived there but I know that the government and people of this island nation are hospitable, peace loving and welcome tourists, immigrants and refugees alike. I doubt if they ever had White New Zealand policy. The government or political leaders are not known for their loud anti-Arab, anti-Muslim, anti-Asian or anti-refugee rhetoric. New Zealand never resorted to violence invading foreign nations belonging to the Arabs and Muslims; they never threatened Asia Pacific nations for pre-emptive aggression, nor they ever blindly followed America's aggressive foreign policies to become their deputy sheriff. It saddens me that along with many innocent people this innocent nation has become a victim probably triggered by the long-standing hatred (towards the non-white and non-Christian) of a few powerful political leaders of the neighbouring country. - Mohammad Kabir, Dhaka, Bangladesh

I don't doubt the bravery of the New Zealand police officers who apprehended the Christchurch murderer, but it appears that their target surrendered easily. Like most cowards, he was very brave when the odds were overwhelmingly in his favour. When there was a likelihood that somebody might shoot back he allowed himself to be taken into custody. An Australian citizen? Anyone who would gun down innocent people because of such a perverted ideology doesn't deserve that label. - Derrick Mason, Boorowa Brenton Tarrant, "the ordinary white man", showed in his manifesto how he draws inspiration from a range of sources both historical and contemporary. His demonic and demonising hatred is both social and narcissistic, hence the live-streaming. He is driven by his need for an audience. Every time we denigrate Muslims, whether for political expediency or some other twisted cause we give Tarrant and his ilk the medium they need to grow their virus of hate. - Mark Porter, New Lambton

In the midst of New Zealand's darkest day shines the light of those who dared to care and put the needs of others above their own. - Philip Cooney, Wentworth Falls Will the Good Burghers of Grafton be held responsible for the home grown terrorist in their midst as the Muslim leaders of our community have been held by our Prime Minister and like minded citizens. We must be even handed in our denunciations. - Selwyn Glynn, Paddington If people want to make a contribution against racism they have the opportunity next Saturday and probably again during May, when they go into a polling booth and vote. They can make sure they put those parties and or individuals who have been stoking the anti Muslim rhetoric last on their ballot paper. We need to send a clear message, seeming some of our political leaders have failed to do so in recent years.

- Con Vaitsas, Ashbury

Howard, Reith, Abbott, Morrison, Dutton, Hanson, Anning and their ilk need to be condemned for their vilification and denigration of asylum seekers, refugees and minorities such as Asians, Muslims and Aboriginals. So too the right wing news commentators and "shock jocks" who legitimize extremist views with their continual promotion of such views in the name of free speech. They are all complicit when some extremist, whose views should never be tolerated in a civilised society, acts on their views because they have been tolerated in the name of free speech. All speech in public forums has consequences. Those who encourage or tolerate extremism, directly or indirectly, have no place in the media or Parliaments of a civilised society. - Ted Hemmens, Dee Why I am a Young girl from the Ahmadi Muslim community in Australia. I am just one girl out of many who think that this man's deliberate attempt to harm and take the life of many innocent people is unacceptable the world need the help of every one of us to work together and make the world and peaceful and harmonious place to be.

The world is in serious peace crisis and we all need to play our part by promoting peace. "Love for all and hatred for none." - Faiza Ahmed, Berwick VIC I wonder if Australia will be happy to have its accused redneck mass murderer sent back to the homeland? In the great Anzac spirit it seems Australia treat NZrs in a similar way.. Does NZ want to feed and house such a monster until deceased? - Rob Buchanan, Kerikeri NZ There seems to be no doubt that is a degree of self promotion and aggrandisement amongst the modern terrorist.

Maybe, it is time the government considered limiting their media exposure. Perhaps media outlets could identify the suspects just once and thereafter be restricted to a government issued pseudonym. - John Mizon, Collaroy My heartfelt sorrow and support for the Muslim communities of New Zealand and Australia on the tragedy that has occurred in Christchurch. - Philippa Harvey, Newtown There is nothing good about tragedy. But grief has a habit of bringing people together ("The most dishonest thing would be to say that I am shocked", March 16). Loading Then Waleed Aly steps up: as always highly intelligent, insightful and speaking from the heart.

He is above politics and hopefully one day he or someone of his calibre will become the president Australia needs and deserves - Martyn Baker, Bellevue Hill Aly's article is one of the best articles I have ever read - so authentic, analytical and honest. It should have a positive impact on every rational thinking person. I sincerely hope that the reckless politicians referred to by Aly would take the time to read it and reflect on their opportunistic and divisive game of politics. - Arumugam Manoharan, Kareela Aly speaks to every Australian this most sobering truth that Prime Minister Scott Morrison's past anti-Muslim rhetoric helped the assailant in the Christchurch massacre to pull the trigger. By his demonising of Muslim asylum seekers, these white supremacists have taken their hatred to the next level and committed this unspeakable crime in our name for the abominable sake of racial and religious purity. - Vincent Zankin, Rivett. ACT

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Waleed Aly is not a journalist's boot lace. All good journalists pretend they're shocked at the terrorism of the World. - Gary Frances, Bexley I express my deepest condolences to the victims of the terrorist attacks in the two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand.

I am an Australian Muslim woman of Bangladeshi heritage. I am currently teaching History in a University in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Last week, in my History course, The Modern World, I taught the History of Australia. I discussed with my students what a beautiful country Australia is and the way it has endorsed diversity. I have also discussed how immigrants have developed the infrastructure of Australia. There are many mosques in Australia, and people enjoy their freedom of religion. Now that "White" Australian has resorted to terrorism and killed 50 Muslims in two mosques, they have indeed tarnished the image of Australia worldwide. The Australian government must work hard to restore Australia's reputation of acceptance and tolerance. -Nahid Afrose Kabir, Dhaka Bangladesh

Surely the politicians who demonise the asylum seekers on Manus and Nauru should feel some responsibility and guilt over the mass shooting by the alleged Australian white supremist in Christchurch. Peter Dutton's assertion that the people on those islands seeking asylum in Australia could be rapists, murderers or terrorists serves to fuel the hatred and belief by ignorant citizens that anybody from predominantly Muslim countries is "bad" and unwelcome here. Unfortunately the media gives too much coverage to the vilification of vulnerable people. - Sandra Burke, North Sydney Forget this broken white man crap. Quite simply if you keep blowing a dog whistle long enough a rabid dog will turn up. Morrison, Dutton, Abbott, Hanson et al have been blowing long and hard.

The rabid dog they have called was loose in Christchurch. Don't excuse him. Don't excuse them. The dead and injured deserve that at least. - B Welch, Bridgeman Downs QLD Now, perhaps, those scurrilous politicians and shrill commentators, who so easily use dog-whistling, demonising and division as political tools, will recognise that their cheap words and actions only serve to feed extremism and its cruel violence. And, maybe, those religious bigots who, with their myopic piety, seem to believe that their Opus Dei is to create a modern-day Crusade, will see the lunacy and moral discord their behaviours represent. And, conceivably, this dark period in our governance can be cast into the rubbish bin of our nation's history. The ballot boxes will tell all. - Bert Candy, Glenvale. QLD The Australian Breton Tarrant, the perpetrator of the Muslim massacre in Christchurch, claims he is just a " regular white

Jacinda Ardern has handled the Christchurch tragedy with great humility, composure and compassion, leaving outany messages of division or hatred. She has made it very clear that NZ is home to all and all are welcome in NZ ,other than white supremist terrorists. Our own PM, Home Security Minister, former PMs, party leaders, senators and shock jocks should sit up and take notice of the words and actions of our closest neighbour's PM. No bile, hatred or divisive comments from over the ditch, just compassion and a feeling of a community that cares about those less well off than most of us. If only we had a candidates of the calibre of Ms Ardern running for PM in our forthcoming elections and that of Waleed Aly as a future Home Affairs Minister. - Errol Grace, Fountaindale

Could someone please explain why a man from Oldham in the UK has been arrested by Greater Manchester Police after posting one comment on social media supporting the Christchurch massacre, while on white supremacist websites like Reclaim Australia there are hundreds of similar comments with no apparent action being taken? - Maureen Partridge

Windsor On Friday I had the pleasure of lunch with friends spanning many generations, from 8 weeks to over 80 years old. As I watched and had the privilege to hold two precious little girls, I remarked that I knew what our role in life was - to love children and babies and of course each other. And equally that their role was to be loved. And then, coming home, I turned on the radio and heard the awful awful news from Christchurch. And now, more than ever, I believe that our role is to love and to be loved. - Susanna Gorman, North Ryde It is is indeed a dark day of sorrow for our brothers and sisters across the Tasman. But surely it is one of our darkest too. This cold blooded murderer was apparently one of ours. We raised him in our mainstream culture. The abominable words of Senator Anning were like sword through our heart. But Anning is one of many who give aid and comfort to the extreme right wing. Right wing shock jocks Alan Jones and Ray Hadley, the likes of Andrew Bolt and Mark Latham in the press and even worse, in our parliament, ministers like Peter Dutton, the PM himself when in opposition, Pauline Hanson and the rag tag coalition senators who supported her "OK to be white" motion are all part of the process that says alternative right hate is really quite all right.

Since John Howard became leader, there has been an undercurrent of racism in the Liberal party and the Nationals are worse. The constant criticism of Muslim leaders, the dog whistling over gangs in Victoria, the appearance by the likes of Vilo Milo and the innumerable lies in the Murdoch media are part of a climate that says it is good to hate Muslims and other non European groups. Well this is where it leads and our security forces know full well, from the experience of the US which is the Western World's centre of racist hatred. I grieve for the slain and their families, but I also sorrow for what out nation has become. If you need to wave a flag and chant slogans to show you love our country, then you do not love it at all. -Jock Webb, Narromine So, two decades of racist dog-whistling and demands for 'freedom of speech' have come home to roost. A host of innocent people whose only 'crime' is to be different from a heavily armed angry white Australian are dead. Who fanned this hatred? Whose radio shows and election campaigns sent the messages? Who gained from the fear and loathing they created? If the people on the Tampa had been white New Yorkers instead of brown Muslims would we ever have had the three word slogans and the divisive politics that the wreckers of the Right have brought us? The hypocrisy of some our leaders who have whipped up hatred of "the other" and who are now wringing their hands and weeping crocodile tears makes me want a bucket. It's time for a better Australia than what we've been given by all those complicit. We know who they are. - Hugh Dillon, Drummoyne

The Australian-born citizen, Brenton Tarrant, murders at 50 unarmed men. women and children in two places of worship in Christchurch, them surrenders meekly to NZ police, with no resistance.What an arrant coward! With such a strong belief in his white supremacist views that he shows the 'white flag' when his own life was potentially at risk in the immediate aftermath of his mass murder. He has brought shame on this country. With an ounce of luck, he will eke out the rest of his miserable life in a grim NZ prison. If ever a human being could be described as an "oxygen thief", it is Brenton Tarrant. - Michael J Gamble, Belmont Vic

While we should applaud the courage and wit of the teenage boy who egged Fraser Anning, I do feel sorry for the poor egg, finishing its existence smeared over the head of someone as odious as Anning. - John Byrne, Randwick As regards Senator Anning being hit with an egg, we should never condone or excuse violence. Oh, but hang on, Senator Anning does. Egg on his face might have been more appropriate. - Christine Ahern, Byron Bay I feel a deep sadness at the horrible events that took place in Christchurch New Zealand last Friday and I ask myself why did this happened in such a beautiful and peaceful city. I came to the conclusion the answer lies within this country where we as a nation have let extremist views of the right ferment in our parliament and the media. When we have the likes of One Nation and certain member of the federal parliament and radio shock jocks arouse hate with a continuous flow of extreme right wing views it is little wonder the ultra-right has been enflamed and embolden individuals with those views to carry out the horrible crime that took place in Christchurch.Just like our Muslim neighbours and friends we feel powerless and let down by our leaders.

Australia is a land of tolerance and like New Zealand we are a peace loving nation and there is no place or justification for what took place in Christchurch. - Richard Jackson-Hope, Springwood As the world stands together in a singular voice condemning the rampant gun violence and condoling the families of the Christchurch mosque victims who were mercilessly killed by the heinous act of the enemies of humanity, this heartbreaking tragedy has reverberated seamlessly beyond the shores of this beautiful and peaceful country. To many of us who visualise New Zealand as a picture of harmony untouched by racial violence and hatred, this was a shocker and a stark reminder that hateful violence and bigotry breeds anywhere in the world and can be easily stoked by feeling of racial supremacy, xenophobia and irresponsible hateful speech on social media platforms. Sadly, we America have seen gun carnage being perpetrated even in kindergartens, schools, universities, hospitals, factories and offices leaving no one beyond the range of the barrel of high powered guns that can be easily or illegally procured.

While we in America as global citizens join in prayers for the victims, their families and the people of New Zealand to gather strength and stand tall arm in arm against terrorism and hatred that ruthlessly targets people by race, color,

religion, sex or sexual orientation. I hope the earnest and soul-searching call of New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern in declaring "our gun laws will change" is echoed by leadership in America and across the world as such and is followed by concrete actions and laws that preempt gun violence in civil societies . I believe that this would be a befitting tribute to all the victims who were felled down by hateful act and abject bigotry in the mosque shooting - Atul M. Karnik, Woodside, NY, USA



Anning is a political aberration, whose only achievement so far was to win a Senate seat on the back of 19 votes. For now, let's focus our energies on the victims and their families, and trust in our politicians to turn the tide against the ugly trends in religious intolerance. - Peter Mahoney, Oatley As an Ahmadi Muslim Australian, the New Zealand terror attacks hit very close to home. They reminded me of the deadly attacks on two Ahmadiyya Muslim Mosques in Pakistan in 2010 where 94 people were brutally murdered at the hands of terrorists. I acknowledge and commend that most of our political leaders have rightly called this terrorism because that is exactly what he intended to do. However this must not come as a surprise when leaders in Western nations are promoting a fear mongering rhetoric (Trump, Abbott, Anning, Hanson et al) against immigrants and Muslims in particular.

This type of hatred must be stamped out and we cannot afford to normalise these events that are part of everyday life in many countries across the world. He wanted to kill all Muslims in the West and replace all Mosques with Churches. He was a Christian. He was a terrorist. But I will not glorify this as Christian terrorism because this defies the teachings and message of Jesus Christ. Terrorism and terrorists have no religion. - Monus Shaikh, Spreyton How ironic that while we are celebrating and conducting Harmony Day in schools in Australia, across the pond an Australian commits an unprecedented horror attack on multiculturalism and harmony. I am appalled at how years of planning and teamwork to conduct this heinous crime went unnoticed by the intelligence authorities. It makes me question if their focus was set on so called right wing extremist "islamists", allowing this hell to break loose on innocent worshippers. Extremism has no religion. - Sahar Bashir, Londonderry Deepak Sharma mourns at a makeshift shrine at the Botanical Gardens in Christchurch. Credit:Jason South

Let's hear from all those Coalition senators who rushed to support the One Nation white supremacist- inspired 'It is OK to be white' motion in October last year. Their subsequent backflipping was probably ignored completely by the likes of Brenton Tarrant. - Sue Dyer, Downer (ACT) I am surprised by the sudden humbleness of President Trump who conceded he didn't know enough about white nationalism in the aftermath of the Christchurch shooting. After all, he has declared he knew more about ISIS than the generals, more about monetary policies than the Federal Reserve, more about trade than the economists, more about debt than the banks, and more about technology than Silicone Valley. White nationalists have committed heinous crimes in mosques and synagogue in Canada, the US and now New Zealand. They shared their common support for Mr Trump and the white supremacy ideology he tacitly endorsed. And the President still doesn't know? Is it incompetence, ignorance, or deception, or all of the above? - Han Yang, North Turramurra Could we please not publish the name or photo of the murderer in any report from now on. Let's have photos and stories of the victims - if that's ok with families. Well done to Penny Wong who would not name him today. - Judith Scott, Carlingford

I'm appalled that a young thug walked up to someone - a member of parliament it happens - in Melbourne and assaulted him for political views he expressed, and the police released the thug without charge. Has our democracy and politics and respect for other people and their right to hold and express their views, even unpopular ones, fallen to the point where it is acceptable to assault someone because you don't agree with them? Are these the values we are permitting, and encouraging by permitting, in young people? - Gordon Drennan, Burton SA In this troubled time I hope someone spares a thought for the people of Queensland who must be cringing, squirming and looking at where to hide each time Anning, their representative in the Senate, uses his Trump -thumb to Tweet or decides to type a letter on a parliamentary letter head. - Manbir Singh Kohli, Pemulwuy In 1943 my mother was 34 and visiting friends, with her female cousin, in the next village. During that night my mother's village was taken over by another religious group and 19 of 23 members of her family were murdered. This religious hatred has always been there and will never stop. The massacre in Christchurch leaves me speechless. I weep. - Branco Gaica, Redfern

I grew up in post war Newcastle. I lived in a street alongside refugee families from places such as Greece, Italy, the Baltic nations and the UK. We kids all played together and visited each other's homes. The only fights were over dodgy decisions in the street cricket games. What has happened to my country? Fraser Anning why have you taken my country from me. - Peter Robertson, Stanmore Terrorists don't come in leaky boats. They are nurtured at home by the hate speech of racially and religiously intolerant politicians and commentators. -Paul O'Shea, Witta QLD And let us hope that our own Australian far right activists, especially Neil Erikson ,Fraser Anning and Pauline Hanson, are being well monitored by Border Force. Their hate speech is not under the radar, and the stunts are there for all to see. No media should give them oxygen. Send them to Coventry. Turn your back on them. Do not say their names.They are the real and present danger to the Australian way of life. - Wendy Atkins, Cooks Hill

There are politicians who milk right-wing votes and foster hate speech by their repeated denigration of Middle-East immigrants and asylum seekers. If the horrible events in Christchurch do not give them pause for thought what will? - Ron Sinclair, Bathurst When it comes to evil ideologies Fascism sits right up there at the top. - Paul Murchison, Kingsbury Every right wing dog whistler bears responsibility for this. - Bill Young, Greenwich

To the family and friends of the victims of this murderous attack and the people of New Zealand I share your pain and send my deepest sympathy My wish is for people to be tolerant of the beliefs of others, be they Christian, Muslim, atheist or others. Aggresion in any form is abhorrent.Tolerance is our only hope. - Bea Hodgson, Gerringong

Think of those murdered and injured and of the terrible grief of families and friends. Think of the perilous labours of rescuers and defenders, of the dedicated work of hospital staff, of the grim jobs of collating numbers of the dead and washing blood off the walls. Hatred and bigotry have diminished our humanity across New Zealand and the world; may love and justice prevail. - Deb McPherson, Gerringong Anning says that Muslims are to blame for the unbelievable tragedy in Christchurch. Surely this constitutes preaching sedition and warrants police charges against him which would then lead to his expulsion from Parliament - Warren Devrell, Maryvale Anning's extremist views regarding the atrocity in Christchurch, the challenge to our Parliament must be to repair the system that saw his election to the Senate with so few personal votes. For whom does he speak? Nineteen people. He does not speak for me.- Yolande Enright, East Gosford Perhaps we could start by not referring to the tragic victims as Muslims but as New Zealanders attending Friday mosque. - Caroll Casey, North Ryde There can be no excuse for murdering one person let alone many going innocently about their daily lives. Justice will prevail. There can, though, be an explanation or explanations.

The alleged Christchurch killer has explained his actions as a response to and comment on immigration that he believes has changed the culture of his country to his detriment. Warped thinking, undoubtedly. Like others, Senator Anning has condemned the killing . Anning has also acknowledged and interpreted the alleged killer's explanation, saying it cannot safely be ignored. For that, the Australian Prime Minister and other high profile politicians slam Anning, labelling what he said as "disgusting"and characterizing it as "hate speech" expressing views that "have no place in Australia". The reactions of so-called leaders to Anning are part of the very problem to which the alleged killer says he was responding. What a complete and utter mess is a vacuum of leadership! -Ross Drynan, Lindfield As a New Zealand citizen and long time Christchurch resident I am appalled by the horrific shootings. I was visiting Christchurch this summer, lived near Deans Avenue mosque, and have come back to Brisbane in late February. The news has chilled me to the bone. On the other hand I am filled with anger as to how normalised white supremacism and Islamophobic bigotry has become in Australia. I have lived in Brisbane since April 2014 and have seen the rise of Pauline Hanson brand of Islamophobia.

That kind of anti-Muslim rhetoric and populist mockery has serious consequences. If anything, it has normalised and valorised psychopathic killers such as those in Christchurch. Why has Australian democracy let this populist vitriol gain mainstream political legitimacy? - Rajiv Thind, Indooroopilly, QLD In these polarising times, further inflamed by the megaphonic abyss of Twitter, many words have lost their meaning, their context, their chain in a lattice of other meanings, all of which lend language its beauty, its capacity for change. However, on occasion, outrage is not only fitting, but required. Fraser Anning's tweets, in the wake of the terrorist atrocity in New Zealand, are egregiously bad, foul even, for a human being, let alone an elected official. No matter which side of the political fence you sit, it is now inarguable that Senator Anning is no longer fit to be a leader in a modern western society.

How this happens I have no idea - but he must go. - Simon Tedeschi, Newtown A makeshift memorial near the Masjid Al Noor mosque in Christchurch, New Zealand. Credit:AP It could not happen without that type of gun. A mandatory ten years for possession is required. - Tony Lyons, Lithgow In the aftermath of this terrible deed our conservative politicians would do well to reflect on their responsibility not to demonise people of different culture, ethnicity or religion whether they be refugees, young Australian women with children caught up in Syria or others living lives less fortunate than ours. The consequences could be unintended but catastrophic. They are stained by their divisive rhetoric. -Denise Brown, Lindfield

As a thirteen-year-old girl who lives and breathes by Ahmadiyya Muslim Community's motto "Love for All, Hatred for None", I am horrified by the violence and loss of innocent lives in the New Zealand Mosque shooting. My thoughts and prayers are with their families. It is heartbreaking to see that even after so many terrorist attacks, some people are still unable to recognise the sanctity of human life. For unity and peace to spread, we must remember that terrorism and violence have no religion and that we must love each other regardless of faith, religion or nationality. - Sophia Ahmad, Berwick Victoria Senator Anning's comments where Islam is a 'violent ideology' are absurd. If that were truly the case, then why have imams across Australia condemned the attack rather than call for revenge attacks? - Naosheyrvaan Nasir Quakers Hill​ If Fraser Anning wants to understand a part of the cause of the bloodshed in Christchurch he just needs to take a look in the mirror. - Steve Nelson, Neutral Bay Let's hear the same sentiments regarding acceptance of new settlers from Peter Dutton and Scott Morrison as heard from Jacinda Ardern.

It's not surprising to me that the major player in the Christchurch massacre was nurtured in Australia. -Denise Woods, Orange Hate speech, like remarks by Fraser Anning, is permitted in the Australian parliament. The Speakers of both Houses of Parliament expel members every day for political trivia and disruption. Yet they turn a blind eye to hate speech and religious mockery. Beliefs about whose God is best, whose sex is best, whose race is best underlie extremism, inform hate speech and violence based on difference. Parliament is a magnet to those who want express those extremes of thought. We need parliament to reform itself to reflect the societal expectations of inclusion expressed in our Human Rights law. We need Speakers to recognise breaches in hate speech. Their orientation must be broad, not just mediation on parliamentary rules and procedures. The brutality of the violence by Senator Anning is the face of years of denigration of human rights by the political right in Australia. - Anne Eagar, Epping It is ironic that after all our government's scare-mongering about border security, the chief perpetrator of the Christchurch massacres is a white Australian-born man from Grafton, NSW. - Carolyn Richard, Enmore

The least the NZ government could do now is extend Australian policy and dump the Christchurch terrorist, as an Australian citizen, forthwith on our shores. - Alex Mattea, Sydney Fraser Anning takes victim blaming to a new level. He should be condemned by all members of government and the media and must step down from the senate. - James Buckman, Enmore So Mr Morrison are you going to demand Brenton Tarrant's community monitor and reform his right wing views. How will your rhetoric be modified to refrain from demonising refugees? - Catherine Hoskin, Gloucester To the people of New Zealand, I am very sorry for what has happened and the role of an Australian in it. To fellow Australians, we are better than this. Please, make us be better than this! - Erin O'Neill, Clarence Town

The images of the Christchurch shooter wielding his weapon as he is about to embark upon his killing spree are eerily reminiscent of graphics from a "shoot-em-up" computer game. Pause for thought, anyone? Geoff Saunders, Jamberoo This terrorist attack in Christchurch by a white, right wing, Australian extremist highlights the fact that terrorism is not the activity of any particular faith. Every extremist, no matter colour or faith is a potential terrorist. Immediately one says that only "my" way is right, the door is set ajar for violence. All extremism, no matter if Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, or political such as nationalism is equally a serious problem.

For too long we have allowed the blame to be apportioned to one faith only. Senator Fraser Anning must be condemned for his attempts to blame this tragedy on Islam. Muslims are the victims here. White nationalist terrorists are the problem. - Douglas Long, Thornleigh Under the NSW Crimes act section 418 a person may use force in self defence provided their actions are a reasonable response to the circumstances as they perceive them. Fraser Anning's response to being egged by a diminutive 17 year old while surrounded by minders is utterly ridiculous and unreasonable, and is the response of a person not fully in control of their senses. This action, combined with his vile comments regarding the innocent victims of the New Zealand tragedy, render him completely unfit to represent any decent person in Australia. Anning must be removed from the Senate immediately. - Peter Cooper-Southam, Frenchs Forest

Grafton NSW has unwillingly acquired a permanent notoriety it would rather not have. However it should be no surprise that the Christchurch perpetrator is an Australian. We are in many ways a sick society for all sorts of historical and imported reasons, with a long record of bigotry which we would prefer to "white-wash" in the name of values we appeal to but don't seem able clearly to define. For a start, so-called social media – much of it in effect actually antisocial, needs much closer scrutiny. As to the followers of Brevik and Tarrant, especially those who wrap themselves in the flag, let these so-called "patriots" and "warriors" be sent to their imaginary Valhalla in a way proportionate to their evil. Tony Burton, Kirribilli

Now that we are in the business of exporting our own right wing white supremacist to our family across the Tasman there should be every pressure exerted on our Immigration Minister to refuse visas to foreign hate merchants, like Milo YIannopolous, and others of his ilk. Australia rejects the ideology. And rejects the violence that follow them. And no, I do not care about free speech rights. I prefer to care about the family and friends of the victims of the New Zealand act of terror. - Wendy Atkins, Cooks Hill While the world mourns those whose lives were innocently lost, our politicians can't wait to bring "Islam" and "Muslim fanatics" into the picture. This shameful bigotry only fuels further hatred & racism. The "real cause" of the mosque shooting is normalising hatred and racism. The more we give the far-right a platform, the more powerful they'll get.

We must rise above this, prove that our politicians are not those who represent us. - Bushra Nasir, Darling Heights Qld New Zealanders should take great pride in their choice of Prime Minister, now more than ever following the Christchurch terrorist atrocity. While Australian democracy is safe and well, the same cannot be said of our recent Prime Ministerial choices. Any chance we could clone and grow our own Jacinda Ardern? In all seriousness, it is now clear that security services, our politicians - and especially the so-called radio "shock jocks" – must take all possible measures to put Racism back in its dungeon. Hate is anathema to civilised societies, be it Right Wing, white supremacist, or perverted "religion". We must do all we can to reject extremism, especially among those media persons who flirt with racism or religious intolerance in attempts to draw public attention to themselves. - Rod Olsen, Flynn ACT.

Facebook can remove nipples as soon as they appear on a post but apparently a lunatic livestreaming multiple murders isn't fair game. The world's gone mad. - Dorin Suciu, Valentine My thoughts and prayers go out to our brothers and sisters in New Zealand who have been affected by this terrorist attack. This is a consequence of Islamophobic hate speech and rhetoric which has been normalised by some politicians and

sections of the media. Please, show some responsibility and diligence. We need to all come together to counter the white supremacist narrative and hate speech. There is a lot more we have in common than some people would have us believe. - Syed Janud, Aberfoyle Park SA

This act of inhumane and senseless act of terrorism is totally unacceptable.

As an Australian Ahmadi Muslim, I condemn these attacks and pray for those involved or affected by this tragic situation. Let us come together to strongly convey to those who seek to impose their disgusting and utterly inhumane behaviours that humanity is strong and that we want to live harmoniously. As an Ahmadi I share with all peoples, our motto, 'Love for all, Hatred for none'. - Ataul Awal Nasir Ahmad, Oakhurst Scott Morrison has condemned the actions of an extremist right-wing Australian terrorist. Unsure how he can condemn something his own slanderous, anti-immigrant and morally bankrupt actions and rhetoric have directly contributed to creating.

This is the extreme and ultimate result of ongoing divisive political strategies that demonise refugees and immigrants, and something the Liberal National party and other shamefully discordant right-wing racist political mobs must answer for. - James O'Keefe, Phnom Penh, Cambodia What horrifying news from across "the ditch" today where a terrorist attack has killed many Kiwis. Kiwis who are not only geographically the closest people to us but ethnically, physiologically, psychologically...who have been comrades in arms over many years and many campaigns in war across the globe. It's hard to believe that anybody would take this violence to peaceful, green New Zealand and it behoves us to give any aid to Kiwis that we can. - Gloria Healey, Neutral Bay It seems NZ lags behind us in two very important aspects. They need to emulate our gun control laws and to arm their police officers so they can adequately deal with horrific events such as occurred in Christchurch . - Stephanie Edwards, Roseville

It is heartbreaking to hear about the shooting incident at a Mosque in Christchurch. My heartfelt prayers are with the victims and their families and friends. It is an act of terror and perpetuated on innocent people gathered to pray at the mosque. We must condemn such henious acts of violence and discourage violence on the name of religion. - Usman Mahmood, South Bowenfels Muslims have not forgotten the PM telling Australians, "Radical, violent, extremist Islam" is the greatest threat to Australia's security. This is the kind of hate-mongering that enables crimes of hate, like the NZ horror.. - Shayne Chester, Potts Point

The frightening shooting in NZ should be a warning for us in Australia. For some reason authorities and certain political parties have had free reign in their attacks and unsubstantiated claims towards minorities - in particular Muslim Australians. Often rationalised as "free speech", it is time for people to be held accountable. It is inevitable that these claims/attacks has the potential to incite someone who is mentally unbalanced. -Jeremy Drummond, Redfern The unfolding tragedy in peaceful, democratic NZ retraumatises all affected by the Port Arthur massacre and the Lindt cafe siege. May tighter gun control be a positive response on both sides of the Tasman Sea. - Frederika Steen, Chapel hill Qld

Please Scott Morrison - stop the vilification and demonisation of refugees and asylum seekers or we will have a similar white right wing attack here. Not imported terrorists but home grown xenophobes. - Kathleen Miller, Tura Beach "Beware the ides of March" indeed. Last Friday we confronted two existential threats to our way of life: the threat of home grown, far right extremist terrorism and, through the voices and actions of our children, the threat of catastrophic climate change. The 15th of March should become a gazetted annual holiday for us all to pause and reflect on who we are and what kind of world we will leave to our children. - Geoff Eagar, Toowoon Bay The system is broken. I used to think that the purpose of elections - federal, state and senate - was to select people to "govern" the country, to run the show so that the rest of us could get on with our lives. It seems that this is not the case. Fraser Anning is not a member of One Nation - the party elected to fill a senate vacancy in 2016, or any other political party. Nor am I.

Fraser Anning got nineteen more votes than I did at the lat senate election. As a result the Australian taxpayer provides him with a salary in excess of $200,000 per year plus expenses so that he can travel around the country prosecuting his vile racist agenda. This is insane. The system is broken. - Peter Hayes, Port Macquarie Censuring Fraser Anning is nowhere near enough. He should be arrested and charged with inciting terrorism. - Peter Mudd, East Lismore I presume Senator Anning wouldn't have lashed out at his attacker if he'd been hit by the egg whites only? - Peter Fyfe, Enmore

Loading Yesterday I drove past my local council chambers and saw the flags flying at half mast as a symbol of love and respect to our New Zealand friends and neighbours. Last night I drove across the Sydney Harbour and Anzac Bridges and was shocked to see our flags flying full mast. What is going on Premier? Or is this one for the Prime Minister? - Helen Matthews, Greenwich

Kia ora. I know you see us as the ''little cousin" or "little sibling" across the Ditch - but please do you think you could all just stop using what happened in our lovely country to poke the borax at one another in yours? Don't use us as your punching bag and don't blame our fellow NZers for their murders, committed by one of your own.

Don't use your ignorance of our immigration laws to excuse the abuse your laws perpetuate on fellow human beings. Just stop it. Quite frankly I look forward to the day when we can deport him back to you! Am I emotive about it - you bet. Maybe you could all be a little kinder to one another this week. And please stop giving oxygen to that idiotic senator some of you elected. We'd appreciate that. From across the Ditch, - Leanne Munro, Wellington NZ

There can be no doubt that the NZ PM puts ours in the shade, when it comes to 'statesmanship'. She has shown herself to be strong, balanced, empathetic, non-judgemental and has demonstrated a high degree of leadership. Not once during the on-going drama of the Christchurch Al Nour Mosque shooting has she in any fashion attempted to lay the blame for the atrocity on the NZ Opposition.When this is contrasted with what confronts us every day, from our so-called 'leader', it is obvious we were born in the wrong country. - Ian Usman Lewis, Kentucky The media needs to urgently reconsider how it reports mass shootings. The perpetrators of these murders clearly look to the media as the medium to communicate their ideology. Sadly the media also fulfils their narcissistic need for self-importance and attention.

I am tired of seeing the names and images of mass shooters in newspapers and on television. Surely our society can be mature enough to control its curiosity about these individuals and in doing so deny them of the fame that is in part their motivation, and perhaps minimise the inspiration for other murders in the future. - Joseph McLenaghan, Springwood Jacinda Ardern has handled the Christchurch tragedy with great humility, composure and compassion, leaving out any messages of division or hatred. She has made it very clear that NZ is home to all and all are welcome in NZ , other than white supremist terrorists. Our own PM, Home Security Minister, former PMs, party leaders, senators and shock jocks should sit up and take notice of the words and actions of our closest neighbour's PM. No bile, hatred or divisive comments from over the ditch, just compassion and a feeling of a community that cares about those less well off than most of us. If only we had a candidates of the calibre of Ms Ardern running for PM in our forthcoming elections and that of Waleed Aly as a future Home Affairs Minister. - Errol Grace, Fountaindale

I want to say to our Muslim community that am very sorry for what happened on Friday; I am sorry for the pain you all must be feeling, especially those who have lost their loved ones in this terrible tragedy. The prime minister said many of you are refugees who came here, no doubt hoping for a peaceful life. God willing, such a terrible tragedy will never happen in Aotearoa - or elsewhere - ever again, and you will all be safe here. Your brother and ours, Abdul Aziz Wahabzadah, is a beacon of light for all of us, both here and internationally. He said modestly after the event that he thought anyone else would have

done the same in that situation. I doubt it. A few other remarkable human beings perhaps. May the souls of those who died in this terrible tragedy rest in peace. Genevieve Forde, Manly Whangaparaoa, NZ

What a contrast between the calm efficiency of New Zealand Prime Minister, Jacinda Arden, in the face of tragedy and our own blokey ScoMo. What a contrast between the love and caring for our Muslim brothers and sisters by New Zealand politicians and citizens, whether they be refugees or not, and the total lack of care or concern demonstrated by many of our politicians and too many citizens. Hopefully Australia will now wake up and see that there is a better way and we can fix many of the problems at the next federal election. - Robin Humphrey, Springwood Hope Christchurch emulates Australia's actions after the Lindt siege - mulch and compost all the flowers and use them to for a garden surrounding a memorial to the 50 victims . Those unfortunate innocents deserve to be remembered,and a message needs to be sent to all violent supremacists that their victims are respected as much as they are despised . - Stephanie Edwards Roseville

Not on any watch list? How can this be? Surely the Alt-right nonsense that this individual has posted online should have alerted our security authorities. Or are they only watching for radical Islamic nonsense? - Trevor Sheridan, Charmhaven How ironic it is that people like Tarrant spend so much time in the gym building strength and a self-styled form of manliness, yet their actions are so weak and cowardly. - Bob Guy, Cootamundra To call disgraced senator Fraser Anning a pig would be an insult to animals. - William S Lloyd, Denistone In the article entitled 'gathering storms to affect security' published in Friday's Herald the Home Affairs secretary, Michael Pezzullo warns us of the seven gathering storms posing a threat to Australia's national security. Included in the seven were chemical weapons, cyber attacks and of course, Islamic terrorism, among others. Despite the documented rise in right wing extremist terrorism, worldwide, he fails to give it a mention.

The horrible events in New Zealand could not have highlighted this confounding omission more bleakly. Makes me wonder who's in charge and who advises them? - Leon Taylor, Penshurst. If Fraser Anning were a teacher, would he be fired for physically assaulting a minor? I can't imagine any teacher getting away with this behaviour. - Owen Torr, Redfern Words won't bring back those who were killed, nor will they stop terrorism from happening again, but they set the tone, build morale and guide a response. Words breed empathy and for that alone we must call out the bad and praise the good. Anning, so terribly wrong. Ardern, so perfectly right. - Emma Kirkman, Carlton

Loading I'm ignoring Fraser Anning, and I suggest every Australian does the same - Trevor Sheridan, Charmhaven Does anyone still doubt that Fraser Anning is a cause of violence in our community? - Andrew Bassett, Sydenham Our Prime Minister turns up at the Lakemba Mosque to express his (and our) condolences to the local Muslim community after the horrific Christchurch carnage. He has an open neck shirt. Would not the formality of his office and the nature of the occasion warrant a dark tie? In contrast the New Zealand Prime Minister respectfully wore a head scarf when meeting with members of the Muslim community.

We have much to learn about respect. - Kathleen Luchetti, Kandos As long as media owners employ and allow elderly conservative and often racist commentators to spread division, where often there is none, to increase their ratings will will continue to encourage people like the shooter in Christchurch. Their conversion to violence starts somewhere and it is not always on extreme web sites. Advertisers could lead the way by not supporting certain divisive radio and TV personalities. - Derek Hall, Neutral Bay Jacinda Ardern is right when she says "you may have chosen us, but we utterly reject you" when referring to the broken white male behind the appalling Christchurch mosque killings. Distressingly, Brenton Tarrant is one of ours. Fraser Anning was quick to acknowledge this person as being of his tribe. So I'm wondering when Scott Morrison, Peter Dutton, Tony Abbott, Pauline Hanson, Andrew Bolt and other journalists from the Murdoch Press will also acknowledge their tribal allegiance. For too many years a number of our conservative politicians and right wing media have incited hate and Islamaphobia through their tough talk on borders, refugees and terrorism. Do they ever in the quietness of their own hearts reflect

on their contribution to the rise of white supremacy. - Rhonda Seymour Castle Hill

There is no adequate way for many of us to express how we feel about what has been perpetrated on individuals and Aotearoa New Zealand as a whole by another Australian. It is not enough for us here to say collectively that this is not who we are. Although it may be true as far as individuals go, we have to own that the person who has done this is one of us. He has sprung from our society and what we have allowed to fester in it. We Australians have facilitated the election of some people with extreme and divisive views. When they are given publicity for espousing those views they successfully divide the community with the fear and hatred they incite in their supporters. The same divisive views are repeated and expanded on by some elements of our media, and when we continue to listen to and read what they say without challenging them at every turn, we only encourage and legitimise them. For this we have to take responsibility. It is not enough for Australia to simply tolerate those who are different to ourselves. We must accept and embrace the differences and work together, no matter what our skin colour or religion, if any, to create a safe, welcoming and inclusive society. To everyone in Aotearoa NZ and those abroad, I want to say I am so sorry. - Catherine Moore,Braidwood

Students take the lead on climate We attended one of the student rallies to urge action on global warming to show our support, but remained in the background as it was a day for students to be heard ("Students strike in thousands", March 16-17). The atmosphere was inspiring and positive as our youth led a colourful march and adolescent speakers addressed their peers. It was wonderful to see our youth exercising their democratic rights and air their concerns positively and peacefully, realising how small actions, when combined, can lead to global solidarity among their peers. Their involvement will stay with them far longer than any civic studies lessons in the classroom. - Sue McLeod, Myocum

Thousands of school students attend the global climate strike rally at Town Hall in Sydney. Credit:Janie Barrett The voice of students would have real credibility if every one of them committed to consuming less energy by forgoing plane journeys, taking public transport, living in smaller dwellings, using less power or helping to pay for only green-sourced energy. Reducing emissions really comes down to all making sacrifices, and then political change possible. - Michelle Lim, Menai Robocalls waste of time "A senior Liberal source" informs us that we are to be bombarded with robocalls "because they work" ("Liberals ramp up efforts with robocalls", March 16-17).

What planet has he been on? Doesn't he know that there has been an upsurge in robocalls for the past few years – each day seems to bring more. I read the paper and I listen to the news – I don't need robocalls from politicians to tell me what to think. - Patricia Smith, Avalon Developers will love this Premier Gladys Berejiklian claims her Coalition government has "taken the politics out of building things" ("The Berejiklian paradox", March 16-17). This is the best joke of the state election campaign so far. The developers certainly like her version of "non-politics", and are laughing all the way to the bank. - Rob Phillips, North Epping

The Premier's demolition of the stadium smacks of unbridled arrogance, and worse. There is no public business case, because it's "commercial no-confidence". Why risk losing on this very unpopular issue? - Alan Carruthers, Artarmon If demolition of the stadium goes too far and the other party wins the state election, let's leave the building unfinished as the example of reckless incompetence of the Liberal Party and the arrogant Berejiklian government. - Richard van Hagen, Crows Nest It happened to the Colosseum. When the Romans got bored the site was abandoned for decades. The squatters moved in and turned it into a low-rent housing site. Maybe we'll see the empty stadium site repurposed similarly? - Wendy Bishop, Lane Cove If we have a change of government, how about making the area into a public park? - Randi Svensen, Wyong

National Party off track Now that the National Party has forsaken its supporters in the bush and formed alliances with King Coal perhaps it's time for those on the land to form a new party ("Rural voters driven into unfamiliar arms", March 16-17). They could call it the Country Party or the New Country Party, looking after all those that live in regional towns and cities and those that earn their living from the land. How many politicians from the current National Party are actually living off the land? Not many. - Robert Pallister, Punchbowl Pell compassion misplaced

I am appalled by your readers' compassion for George Pell (Letters, March 16-17). Because of his position in the Catholic Church he should be even more accountable for his crimes against children. But some say he deserves our compassion, and we should be rational, understanding and forgiving? What about the abused children; where is the compassion and understanding for what they went through in a supposedly safe environment? - Kathe Fraser, Bellevue Hill We can do better on Waterloo

As a paid lobbyist for developers, Chris Johnson's criticisms of our alternative approach to the NSW government's gross overdevelopment of the Waterloo housing estate are increasingly comical and futile ("The battle of Waterloo is all about style", smh.com.au, March 16). To suggest that the NSW government's proposal featuring 17 towers up to 40 storeys high is a "friendly and flowing" development that respects our city's Aboriginal heritage is pathetic and patronising. The NSW government's proposal is a massive overdevelopment that will have poor public outcomes for generations of residents. It's a leap into the unknown, well beyond any type of density we've seen in Australia. This is not density done well. Our alternative approach is still dense. It is also not a final proposal. The idea is to show the community and the government how we can better achieve high-density living and better social and affordable housing. We are open to, and ready for, discussion.

Our approach has won the support of several award-winning architects and a former government architect – none of whom are paid to spruik bad development for this city. - Clover Moore, lord mayor of Sydney Cotton can't take high ground Until the problem of extensive flood plain harvesting is addressed, I don't think Cotton Australia can take the high moral ground on the use of water in the Murray-Darling basin (Letters. March 16). The issue for communities and businesses along the Darling isn't that irrigators are now taking water illegally, as some had previously, but that the amount allocated is too much to maintain a healthy river. The Darling River Action Group was formed in ]2004 because the impact of irrigation in the northern basin on the health of the Darling was recognised even then, long before this drought. Droughts are a reality for the Darling River, which is precisely why current water usage needs to be revised. - Sandra Pertot, Diamond Beach

Luxury tax misguided Your correspondent criticises farmers for objecting to the proposed luxury vehicle tax for vehicles costing over $100,000 by asking which utes would cost that much (Letters, March 16-17). He reveals his ignorance of farming life and needs. There are many types of necessary trucks that cost more than $100,000. Also, because the tax refers to "vehicles" there is a question of whether this includes tractors, headers, and such like. - Christine Perrott, Armidale To submit a letter to The Sydney Morning Herald, email letters@smh.com.au