Life was not easy however these settlers persevered and developed the country to what it is today. For most Australians, Australia Day is January 26, a day to reflect on how we have struggled through wars, depression, droughts etc.

We as a nation have met these challenges and forged ahead through the skills of our past and present population. If these people get their way be prepared for date changes to Easter, Anzac Day or other public holidays.

For goodness sake, stand up for Australia Day before these bleeding hearts change all that we know and believe in.

I read with interest the piece in The Border Mail (August 2) with the headline 'No self-defence weapons allowed'. This piece stated that allowing the public to arm themselves for self defence, even in a non-lethal form has been ruled out as a Victorian Liberal policy.

I wonder why citizens of this country are not allowed by law to protect themselves? Hasn't every individual the right to protect themselves from people wishing to do them harm, even kill them?

Do not the police carry guns for protection? It seems to me that it doesn't matter if the citizens of Australia get mugged, bashed, or killed, we are nothing. 

I remember back in 1955 I took a droving plant up into the Northern Territory to pick up a mob of cattle, then came down the Diamantina River to the channel country in Western Queensland, where we delivered them, and picked up another mob of fat cattle to the rail head at the Quilpie bound for Brisbane.

There was a young Indonesian bloke on the station that had come down from sending cattle on the boats and cattle carrying ships at Darwin. One night around the campfire one of the ringers asked this bloke when was Indonesia going to try and take over Australia.

The Indonesian bloke said “never, ever”, because nearly every Australian had a few guns around then, and it would be suicide to attempt a take over. I wonder what he would think now that Australia has been completely disarmed.

Even a mob of girl guides could make a go at it. Perhaps pensioners and shopkeepers have a different view on being weaponless.

The federal government is committed to supporting current and former members of the Australian Defence Force who may have been physically or sexually abused.

The Department of Veterans’ Affairs has introduced measures to make it easier for those affected to access compensation and to receive the mental health support they need. The department has broadened the acceptance of statutory declarations as part of compensation claims, making it possible for such declarations to constitute sufficient evidence to establish that abuse took place.

This change will benefit those who may not have reported abuse at the time it occurred or who have never previously spoken about it. A dedicated team has also been established to manage all new claims relating to sexual and physical abuse. Treatment for all mental health conditions is now free for anyone who has served just one day in the full-time ADF.

The Veterans and Veterans’ Families Counselling Service also provides specialist free counselling and group programs. This service is available by phoning 1800 011 046, or via their website: www.vvcs.gov.au.

I encourage anyone who may have suffered abuse in the ADF to contact DVA to access the support and benefits. Further information can be found on DVA’s website or by calling 1800 555 254.