For families and their children, this year's return to school may have been the toughest yet. Not only are we concerned the pandemic has exacerbated the gap in learning outcomes between children living in poverty and their more advantaged peers, we're also worried families are facing more hardships, including rising living costs, a housing affordability crisis, and ongoing impacts of the digital divide.

When any family faces ongoing financial difficulties, it makes it harder for them to support their children's education. We know there are still thousands of young Australians who don't have access to the education essentials they need to learn, and we're concerned it'll be those who can least afford it, who'll continue to struggle.

Our Learning for Life education program provides emotional, practical and financial support to children and young people. And thanks to the wonderfully generous response to our sponsorship appeal, we'll be able to provide around 3000 more students with evidence-based and life-changing support for the duration of their education. To learn more about Learning for Life, and how you can be part of a growing community of sponsors tackling the effects of poverty on the education of young Australians, visit thesmithfamily.com.au For 100 years, The Smith Family has been working to improve the lives of children in need. Our goal is to have a lasting and positive impact on students and families, and generations to come. So, to everyone who generously contributed to our Appeal - thank you very much.

Angus Taylor thinks "a 22 cent reduction (in fuel excise) is important to help people make ends meet." (Hume MP Angus Taylor defends "short and long-term" budget, 30/3). If his government had introduced European-style CO2 emissions standards for cars we would have already been buying cheaper EVs and saving money on purchase, running and maintenance.

The regions would particularly benefit because, as Taylor says, "we drive more than most people." The International Energy Agency says four in five of the cars sold worldwide are subject to such standards. In places where they are not (such as Australia) there is no particular reason for an international manufacturer to go all out to sell an electric car rather than a polluting internal combustion engine one. More EV sales won't help them meet a standard so they continue to sell them for top dollar. But there is no sign of emissions standards for cars sold in Australia. It seems the only "long term" Angus Taylor cares about is his own parliamentary one.

Conflicts all over the world can mostly be dealt with, but our biggest and most important "war" on our hands is climate change. If attention isn't immediately paid to it, we will not have a planet to live on. We all like to have a healthy body and when really ill, expect our doctors and surgeons to "fix us up", which they do. Our planet is no different. It's very sick and needs all of us to bring it back to good health.

I congratulate the young students for standing so strongly on climate change. It takes these young guardians of tomorrow to lead the way. Just goes to show "who" the grown ups are. This planet is our only home. Look after and respect it. 2040 will be too late.