Meanwhile, Queensland's Dinmore beef processing plant has closed for a week, citing market volatility and a shortage of victims to kill. The slaughterhouse normally kills about 13,700 cows per week.

Isn't it time now to shut down each and every one of these facilities - and filthy, rotten factory farms too? As long as they remain open, tens of thousands of animals will be killed and workers, their families and the whole community will be put at increased risk of contracting the coronavirus.

No one needs meat. In fact, the consumption of animal flesh is linked to a host of health problems that are among the leading causes of death, including heart disease, cancer, strokes, high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity.

For the sake of animals, workers, and the public, let's close these dangerous facilities. And then let's keep them closed after lockdown by choosing vegan meals, for which no one had to die.

Mimi Bekhechi, PETA Australia, Sydney

The editor, in his comment, (Friday May 29), speaks of the failure of this country to care for indigenous Australians.

It is a shame that has been perpetuated for many years.I made the comment last year, at the start of reconciliation week, that the same conversations would be had at the same time next year, for nothing will change. It was prophetic, but obvious.

Successive governments have been proud of how much more money they are throwing at indigenous welfare than the previous one. Short life expectancy, poor health, huge levels of prison sentencing and mental health issues are not solved by throwing money at them.

I think the government needs to be actively engaged in partnering with indigenous Australians to improve outcomes for them.

As well as providing adequate funding, there needs to be people with appropriate skills to work with community agencies to drive plans to a positive outcome.

Not just allow plans to be just that. Plans.

If not, in a year's time, the same editorials will be saying the same things.

Australia owes it to them.

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