OUR new tax system won't help people seeking public housing and those on New Start Allowance will continue to struggle. Those in full employment with good pay will get an income tax benefit. Casual workers and the under employed will receive a small handout but those on the top tax scale will have a big bulge in their wallets. The American style flat tax system that passed through parliament this week will create a permanent underclass of working poor entrenched in economic inequality. They won't see any public dental care or improvements to public housing. Mr Albanese has abandoned the progressive tax system that helped bridge the gap between rich and poor for decades. The real winners from the election were the well-heeled. The losers were battlers deserted by both major parties.

ALLAN Earl (Letters, 4/7), I agree that you can't say or do anything you like in the name of religion, but I also agree with Britain's Court of Appeal which ruled last week in the case of a university student posting Bible quotes about homosexuality on Facebook that the expression of religious views is not necessarily discrimination ('Folau's prospects bolstered by landmark religious freedom ruling in Britain', SMH 4/7). You say Israel Folau discriminated against 'a section of the public'. Actually, he mentioned several sections of the public, including pretty much everybody. Mr Folau disapproved of certain behaviours and warned of consequences widely regarded as mythical. Others disapproved of his behaviour, but the consequences for him were real, not mythical, and I say that is discrimination. What the Bible says is not just 'one man's personal belief'.

MOST of us will remember Rosie Batty being crowned Australian of the Year a few years ago, and why she received this honour. The Newcastle Herald informed us that a local domestic violence resource centre which helps women during and after leaving an abusive relationship has an uncertain future ('Vital centre faces closure', Newcastle Herald 4/7). The centre receives no government funding and depends on private funding which can't be guaranteed beyond September. I believe this is a disgrace and insult to Rosie Batty for her tireless work for women suffering abuse, and a very good example of the disregard Australian governments and the general community have toward this appalling situation. It is difficult to reconcile the validity of the media still thrusting information about Israel Folau in our faces while children are suffering because of their parents abominable relationships. There is no sign of GetUp! Australia responding to this issue. Unlike some other serious issues, governments and the community can make a difference. Abuse within religious organisations is out of our hands as is evident by the response ('Push for review of redress', Newcastle Herald 29/6), but family abuse can be lessened with some serious support from the public purse.