Peter Gutwein, Will Hodgman and others make some reasonably convincing arguments about the state of Tasmania's finances.

It is most probably true that the previous government could have done a much better job in managing the state's finances.

The problem is that Mr Gutwein and Mr Hodgman are following the lead of their federal counterparts by going down the somewhat draconian path of trying to restart the economy with shock therapy.

Threatening 500 public sector job losses as an alternative to the wage freeze is not the way to solve the problem, nor is selling utilities such as Hydro Tasmania.

The proposed wage freeze creates a lifetime disadvantage for anyone retiring in the next few years due to the formula applied to determine retirement income.

As such, it discriminates against a sector of the community who have saved for their own retirement.

It is hoped that the Legislative Council will make a decision that promotes growth and financial certainty for the Tasmanian community, rather than one which provides a short-term "fix" to the state's economic situation.

— PHILIP GOSS, East Launceston.