Then 24 cents surcharge for paying by credit card.

Why would anyone shop in Liebig Street when that is charged. Rip off.

What small part of that is actually a bank charge?

Geoff Williams, Warrnambool

While local businesses pivoted quickly to adapt their business model in order to survive during the first coronavirus lockdown and then again during the second wave - government agencies are still scrambling, trying to figure out how to change the way they do things.

Last week during a parliamentary inquiry into the response to the pandemic, officials from the Department of Transport said they were still exploring how to move the already computer-based learners permit test to a setting where it could be done remotely.

The learners test is done in a VicRoads office on a computer, with minimal contact with VicRoads staff.

VicRoads offices are still open and offering other services like registrations.

But for some reason, learners permit tests have been stopped - as has the Hazard Perception Test, another computer-based test which is the first step in obtaining P-plates.

These are key license tests that could easily be done online if the government continues to insist they cannot be done on-site.

This would cut the waiting list down significantly when testing resumes and would mean staff can focus on in-vehicle tests and clearing that backlog.

It will also allow young L-plate drivers to start working towards their mandated 120 hours of driving experience before sitting their P's.

There are thousands of examples where tests and assessments are being done online without issue - my own daughter is doing VCE assessments via the internet.

So while the rest of the world has quickly pivoted and adapted, The Department of Transport is still trying to sort itself out.

Meanwhile young people, who need their license to get to and from their work and education, or want their learners so they can get their 120 hours up and be ready for when they turn 18, are stuck on huge waiting lists that will take months to clear.

This is not the fault of the frontline staff, they are following directions from the Minister and the top tiers of bureaucrats - the pandemic has exposed just how slow the highest levels of government are to adapt and change.

It's also shown departments are in desperate need of significant reform at the highest levels to get back to their core task - serving you, the taxpayer.

Roma Britnell MP, South West Coast MP

It is important that our politicians especially do not add to the misinformation which causes so much concern during this pandemic. For a politician to quote the "local grapevine" and backtrack and say " ... but I'm not sure", while advising us all to continue to be careful is below the standard we expect from our local member.

We should all be careful, not just in our hygiene habits, but in how we discuss the reality of this epidemic.

Glenda Fry, Warrnambool

As a social worker of 42 years in the field, I am pretty amazed at Education Minister and Wannon MP Dan Tehan's idea of increasing the cost of a social work degree by 113 per cent.

Believe me, looking at issues of homelessness, unemployment, domestic violence, sexual assault, drug and alcohol addiction, disability, gambling, mental illness in all its forms, not to mention straight-out and increasing poverty and inequality, this country's problems are certainly not going away any time soon, and we need energetic, committed people to help those affected with the right resources and give some hope for the future.

To double the cost of social work training is a truly disgraceful, cruel and callous idea.

Darryl Cloonan, Ballarat

Each day that the COVID-19 pandemic persists, more cracks appear in the system. Our state and federal leaders are engaged in the most grinding marathon of their lives. And it is far from over. Running on adrenaline, our leaders' minds and bodies must be near exhaustion. How could any of us endure such pressure day after day?

These are the circumstances under which serious mistakes are likely to occur. A well-functioning public service should reduce the risk of mistakes, but we do not have a well-functioning public service; the evidence is painfully laid out before us each day.

As our leaders tire, we can only expect the situation to deteriorate, placing all our lives and businesses at risk.

And as the Greek philosopher Euripides proclaimed in 400 BC: "Whom the Gods would destroy they first make mad."

There are two fundamental causes of this failure of the public service. The first is the hollowing out of the public service due to ongoing austerity and cost cutting across all departments and over many decades. This has resulted in the loss of expertise and the breakdown of effective mentoring for new recruits.

The second is the replacement of dedicated fearless senior public servants with ideological hacks. Whilst in government, all political parties are culpable.

For example, when I started farming in the early 1960's, the Department of Agriculture believed it was in the public good to invest in research and extension as well as regulatory responsibilities. Over the intervening years the focus has changed to making the minister look good. Both major parties are culpable here as well.

And so today we are faced with a charade of stuff ups; from border crossings for agricultural workers and produce, to meat works and wool auctions.

Basically, the problem is we do not have the robust corporate knowledge left in the departments to do the pre- planning, nor are they ready to offer sound advice when it is needed.

Pity our leaders and pity us! But all of us are derelict in our duty as citizens if we fail to ask who is responsible for this state of affairs, then persist until the answers are received.

Peter Small, Gritjurk