In this election campaign, and perhaps globally for politicians, only the interests of the big end of town matters (Forgotten seniors, Letter, QA, 24 June, p.9). What better illustration could there be than offering as the sole campaign policy (?slogan) reducing corporate tax to 25%, which, ironically, theoretically benefits multinationals, but for the proven fact they pay no tax anyway! Turnbull's empty slogan "Jobs and growth", is devoid of content because there is little indication that meaningful, well paid, fulfilling employment - beyond submarine construction - will be offered and growth, without qualification, predicated on built-in obsolescence, is already burying humanity in its detritus.

Global warming is conveniently being ignored. The environment is being trashed. Australian society is becoming ever more unequal, with greater disparities of wealth. Homelessness, created by present political policies, represents state failure to observe the basic right to shelter. Well-connected, corrupt individuals, and groups, operating with impunity, permeate all aspects of modern society, undermining its integrity.

Small wonder then that nursing home residents are low in the pecking order. Those residents who may be capable of doing so, are fearful of protesting nursing home conditions and relatives are hostage to bed "scarcity" threats. Abbott's government adopted the Productivity Commission's recommendation for "more flexibility" in aged care, a federal decision which NSW Health opportunistically used to remove requirements for a Registered Nurse on all shifts. This, in conjunction with federal cuts of $472m to aged care, foreshadows a race to the bottom, validating Bob Patrech's anger and fear.

- Albert M. White, Queanbeyan

Kelly's contribution to veterans

As an RSL pension and welfare officer, I've taken matters on appeal to the Veterans Review Board (a quasi tribunal of fact and law). In his position as Minister for Veteran Affairs, I've had the privilege of working with Dr Kelly, who not unlike other custodian of veterans' welfare Liberal senator Ronaldson, has helped immensely.

Since 2007 the contentious issue of inexorably dragging the Dept. of Veterans Affairs to recognise prostate cancer has a relationship to service at all levels of proof has caused both former Ministers sleepless nights.

As for Dr Hendy, I remind myself of the inordinate lengths he went wrestling the seat from Dr Kelly, but once there, rhetorically: what has he done, where has he been since? Further it will be sufficient to say I've been insulted by experts, I don't take kindly to being insulted by Dr Hendy's amateurish Queanbeyan front office staff because he is far too busy to talk to me. Subsequently the question posed: doing what? Well that remains to be ascertained.

Albeit ultra vires his position, thankfully our state Member for Monaro John Barilaro has interceded on more than one occasion, ensuring matters are placed directly before Dr Hendy. So with merely his work ethic in mind, if one was to call the present Member for Eden-Monaro in absentia; there may well be a considerable number who'd say: one was praising him!

In contrast Dr Kelly is understanding and compassionate, his empathy towards those in hardship must be lauded; there is nothing surreptitious about him. He has a filial relationship with Eden-Monaro, living in Queanbeyan, going out of his way to try to do his best to right the wrongs bestowed on some by others. A returned serviceman and full Colonel, he holds those who have served this country close and will always go into bat for them.

This statement of fact is from a 'once' Coalition hack, and before you cast your vote in July, albeit it is more than perfectly apparent to my mind: forget about telescopic philanthropy and reflect upon whom will work hard for you, who will go out of his way for you, who'll go over and above that required for the constituents of Eden-Monaro; especially its veterans? The answer to these questions in my view is self explanatory.

- Garry Lewis, Majors Creek