The moment that we as a democracy begin opposing the right to religious expression, we won’t be a democracy at all. Therefore, allowing any group to build a place of worship, provided it is in accord with council laws, is a no-brainer.  

Christians have always lived among non-Christians, and have often experienced persecution as a result. So when we persecute others, we cannot complain about being persecuted ourselves.

There is a new wave of persecution coming against genuine Christians, in an age and society that is increasingly rejecting the church’s teachings. Debates about ethics are increasingly being warped by blanket terms that label Christians as "hateful" or "bigoted".

This is generally rooted in an egocentric rather than a theocentric argument. From this context it is all but mandatory to keep one’s faith discreet.

I stand with all those who see the new mosque as necessary for the many thousands of Bendigonians who identify as Muslim. Those whom I worship with practice an historical, biblical faith and we are maligned it by our fellow citizens. I hope that when the time of our real persecution comes, that some from other faiths will stand with us.

On Saturday morning my wife and I were at the Marketplace shopping when we went to different locations in the centre. Unfortunately, I had a bad turn on the seat outside the chemist shop. I passed out and vomited over my clothes. 

When I regained consciousness I was  confused and disoriented, but there was a young man on the seat next to me. He had been passing and saw what happened. He said: "You have had a bad turn mate but do not worry, I will look after you."

He went in to the chemist shop and got some cloths to clean me up. The lady from the chemist shop provided me with a glass of water and when I passed out again with the same result she provided more cloths.

Meanwhile, my wife arrived and the young man, Daniel Scott, explained to her what had happened. He rang the ambulance and went to meet them at the entrance to the centre. I cannot thank him enough for the help he gave me.

The service and care provided by the ambulance crew and the hospital staff was amazing. A big thank you to everyone involved in my care.

Joe Hockey is still talking about tax cuts at the next election.

The budget deficit stands at $41.1 billion and our debt is $480 billion. At this very moment we have a $500 billion credit limit. Another $20 billion and we have maxed out our present limit. What's next, jack it up to $750 billion?

The Treasurer has something in mind and it could be this: he can give tax cuts, and raise the GST at the same time.

Theory is that there has to be agreement between the states and territories, as well as agreement by the political party's to increase this tax. But that is simply not true.

In 2013, legal advice was obtained, expressing the view that the intergovernmental agreement which contains this requirement for consensus, is not legally binding. Any GST legislation could be altered simply by a vote of both houses of parliament.

This surely cannot be ruled out of the question.

This is radical and, potentially, politically terminal. Not much different to now, so why not try it?