Letters to the Editor
 

Please scroll to the form at the bottom of this page to submit your letter.
 

Tips for letter writing
 

We welcome letters from all our readers, but it is not always possible to publish every letter we receive.

To give yourself the best chance for publication, here’s a few simple tips. You may also want to refer to our frequently asked question section.

• Keep it short: We have a 350-word limit.
• Keep it fresh: Letters addressing new or current issues are more likely to be published.
• Keep it local: Letters covering local issues and events will get priority.
• Be civil: Don’t abuse people, use insulting language or make wild or offensive analogies. Don’t use sexist, misogynistic, or racist language.
• Be open: If you have a vested interest in a project, ensure that is clear.

All letters are published at the discretion of the editor and we are not obliged to publish letters on demand. Letters may be edited for length, grammar or legal reasons.
 

Letters to the editor – frequently asked questions
 

Why is there a word limit?

We have a 350-word limit for our letters to provide as many people an opportunity to be published as possible.

My concern is very important, and I need more than 350 words to explain it. Can I send a longer letter through?

Letters that exceed 350 words will be sent back and you’ll be invited to edit and resubmit.

Alternatively, you can give permission for us to edit the letter down.

Why do I have to give my full address?

Your full address details will not be published, but it is needed so we can verify your identity, as part of our commitment to meet the Press Council General Principles.

I don’t want my name published with my letter – is that possible?

Our letters are published with the name and town of the author. We occasionally publish letters and withhold the name and/or suburb of the writer, but only under specific circumstances. Generally this means when revealing it would expose the writer or someone else to an unacceptable risk of violence, or when a letter reveals personal information the writer may reasonably want to keep private (such as sexual abuse, previous conviction). We are always happy to consider these requests.

I submitted a letter and it hasn’t been published. Why?

Sometimes we do not have space to publish every letter we receive. If you write frequently on the same issue, we may not publish every letter. If the letter is not time-sensitive, it may be held until space becomes available. Letters relating to local events and issues will be given precedent.