We frequently see that he and his MP's easily pat themselves on the back when they deliver shiny new taxpayer funded health infrastructure, but they have failed to invest in adequate staff or indeed look after the current staff, nor address the deficit that has caused terminal medical patient delays and in a first World affluent nation like ours is a disgrace.

The people of rural NSW deserve a healthy future.

Mark Rodda, Tamworth

Australia's national servicemen, affectionately known as Nashos, played a unique and invaluable role in serving our country and each year on 14 February we honour them on National Servicemen's Day.

Throughout history, Australia has had four periods of compulsory national service, most recently between 1951-1959 and 1964-1972, with more than 280,000 national servicemen serving since the Second World War.

Under the National Service Act 1951, all men turning 18 on or after 1 November 1950 were required to undertake 176 days standard recruit training in the Navy, Army or Air Force, followed by five years in their respective Reserves. Intake was cut back in 1957 and a birthday ballot was introduced to decide who would be selected.

National service was re-introduced in 1964 as concerns grew about the security of Australia due to conflicts in nearby regions and more than 60,000 'Nashos' would serve between then and 1972.

Men who turned 20 years of age were required to register and were chosen for service through a birthday ballot held twice a year. Of those called to serve, more than 15,000 served in the Vietnam War, where some 200 lost their lives and more than 1,200 were wounded. Two national servicemen also died while serving in Borneo in 1966.

As a nation we should always remember the service and sacrifice of our Nashos. The Australian War Memorial will honour our Nashos through the Last Post Ceremony at the Australian War Memorial on 14 February with a representative from the National Servicemen's Association of Australia laying a wreath.

I encourage all those in the community to learn more about the National Service Scheme of 1964 by visiting the Department of Veterans' Affairs Anzac Portal - https://anzacportal.dva.gov.au.

On National Servicemen's Day we say thank you for your service to all our Nashos and remember their service and sacrifice. Lest we forget.

Darren Chester, Minister for Veterans' Affairs, Minister for Defence Personnel

I am confused by our local MP stating 'we have vastly more pressing concerns than a 2050 net zero carbon emissions target', followed by 'what do you want to hand on to your children?' (Give our children a country for the future 6/2). I'll answer your question, Barnaby.

I would like to hand on to my children a country that has bearable summer temperatures, stable sea levels, thriving flora and fauna, where the land is protected and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people's traditions and connection to the land are valued. Droughts, heat waves and bushfire risks will only worsen as temperatures continue to rise placing more uncertainty on our children's future, I can't think of many concerns more pressing than this.

A net zero emissions target means emission reduction plans, emission budgets, risk assessments and adaptation plans to look after the current and future economy, technology and readiness assessments and advisory commissions. We are already at war and this target could be our greatest weapon.

In a way, Mr Joyce is correct in saying that we have more pressing concerns than a 2050 net zero carbon emissions target, as 2050 is now be too late. Maybe a 2030/2040 net zero emissions target should be considered instead, seeing as though action has been halted for so long by leaders constantly ignoring the science. If we want to give our children a country for the future, we need to clean up our mess first.

Eliza Weekes, Tamworth

Headline from NDL 5/2/21 with visit of Water Minister Melinda Pavey regarding the new Dungowan Dam.

If she had actually looked into the figures she would realise how ridiculous this statement was, as with a possible city entitlement of 7GL with industry use of 50 per cent each person will have a daily allowance of 80 litres - providing the dam is full, which on a small catchment and rainfall history is unlikely. Looks like permanent severe water restrictions with city growth even with other sources added!

Lyn Allen, Tamworth