Do protesters feel so enamoured of their cause that they are entitled to break the law to demonstrate their zeal and enthusiasm?

To climb on to Parliament House to do so is a crime and they should be punished (“Protesters in open House”, C-M, 5/7).

These actions start a precedent which could lead to more law breaking by protesters for other causes.

These acts do not enhance their cause, it makes law-abiding citizens disregard their intentions.

Frances Bensted, Carindale

How the hell did protesters get on to the roof of Parliament House.

This should be one of the most secure buildings in Australia.

Are there not security cameras everywhere? Who was monitoring them? Isn’t this building protected by the AFP? Where were they?

This is a shameful breach and heads should roll.

These rent-a-protester clowns need to be put in their place.

Get them off our streets and off of our Parliament House.

Stephen Pound, Bracken Ridge

I was shocked to see that our parliament apparently has no security and that people can do what they like inside the “secure area” of our democratic institutions. The buck must stop somewhere and someone has to take responsibility for the embarrassing situation that occurred on Thursday.

If the current government is not up to the task then call an election and let someone else do the job.

If our armed forces cannot defend one building what chance do they have to defend the whole country? God help us all.

Greg McKay, Dalby

Australia has welcomed migrants fleeing from the oppression of their country of birth to enjoy the freedom and opportunity for a better life here.

So many have made a great contribution to the Australian way of life while introducing theirs without the hatred from which they fled.

Sadly it has become a problem now with many people who are not able to leave their past behind.

My parents after World War II decided that their four sons would have a better life in Australia, with its freedom and lifestyle, so migrated from England.

That was over 70 years ago and our family all have lived and enjoyed making a success of our lives.

There were no protests or demonstrations as we followed the simple ethical principles of this wonderful country.

What these protesters in Canberra hope to achieve puzzles me.

We have a small population with very little global influence and as far as I am concerned I would not change my point of view just to appease these ratbags who chose the foundation of this country to make a demonstrative statement.

Arthur Ellis, Ormiston