- MAX WELLS, Sorell.

Feral cats-De Ruyter

I REFER to the feral cat article (aifThe Examineraif, January 24).Our European forbears were very efficient in ridding this island of the thylacine.Surely feral cats, which are so destructive to Tasmania’s precious native wildlife, can be dealt with just as effectively, and in this case, humanely.

- ELSA de RUYTER, St Helens.

Lambie-Oldenhof

SENATOR Jacqui Lambie shows a poor understanding of maths in commenting on the electability of Andrew Nikolic, the Member for Bass (aifThe Examineraif, January 24).At the 2013 election, Mr Nikolic received more than 31,000 primary votes and the second biggest swing of any seat in Australia.He is an impressive and influential representative who is delivering on a range of projects that are important to Tasmania’s future prosperity.Senator Lambie on the other hand received 1501 first preference votes at the 2013 election and was elected on the Palmer United Party ticket - a party she has now left.In recent times Senator Lambie refuses to consider legislation unless a range of her claims are satisfied - most of which are unrelated to her role as a Tasmanian senator.While Mr Nikolic is delivering for Tasmania, Senator Lambie seems to do nothing but deliver controversial media comments.

- JOHN OLDENHOF, Rosevears.

Concerned voter-Scott

I AM a swinging, sorry undecided voter, but I am concerned about where Australia is going. I fear I am not alone.Prime Minister Tony Abbott seems to have ‘‘lost the plot’’ at the moment.The incredible decision on Medicare that upset both patients and doctors, the unbelievable knighthood of Prince Philip on Australia Day and the strange appointment of the Defence Minister who is near his ‘‘use by date’’ and once said he was not interested in the area.I realise, there is a hostile Senate, but major pieces of the budget haven’t been passed and it will soon be time for the next budget.Heaven only knows what horrors it will contain.There is no talk of a double dissolution election, although there are triggers. I wonder why?I know the answer, there would probably be a change of government.I look forward to my private health insurance premium going up by three times the inflation rate, while the funds are making record profits. I don’t know why I bother.Public patients are going to be admitted to private hospitals to help solve the elective surgery waiting list.

- MALCOLM SCOTT, Newstead.

Liberal Party

KERRY Foley and Trevor Cowell’s excuses for the Abbott Liberal Government are becoming very boring.No amount of posturing will alter the fact that the majority of people are turning against the government.The latest Morgan Poll showing two-party preferred has Labor at 57.5 per cent and Liberal National Party 42.6 per cent. That says it all.The Liberal government have been in power now for 17 months and yet still blame Labor, the Greens, Jacqui Lambie and independents in Senate for their own failures.The fact is the harsh, cruel, callous legislation is rejected by the people of Australia, especially middle and low income earners, pensioners and the like.The Liberal problem is self made, full stop.

- BASIL FITCH, Launceston.

Council rates

A GREAT deal of media coverage has been given to the fact that Tasmania is over governed both at state and local level.To date, no one has addressed the situation and it is now obvious that no council alone is willing to take a step, however advantageous it would seem.Surely in 2015 the initiative for amalgamation will come from the state government because its main aim is to reduce costs.A government incentive for the community to support this action could be a reduction in council rates, which would be offset by a reduction of administrative costs due to the amalgamation.A sub-committee formed from members of each council and led by the government could make certain the interests of each section was heard, debated, costed and submitted to the administrative body for action.At the same time in considering the best outcome a consequent development with employment would emerge.This would benefit all residents and also ensure their tax money was spent wisely.

- M. CAMPBELL-SMITH, Launceston.

Capital Punishment

WHILE I do not condone capital punishment, and feel so sorry for the family’s of the Bali Nine, I cannot feel any regret for the fate of those misguided young men facing the death penalty.While they were strapping the heroin onto their bodies, did they have any feelings towards the users of the drug they were transporting?Any feelings for the misery of the users families?Did they care there was no reprieve for the innocent drug addicted babies born to heroin drug users?The sad fate of these misguided young men serves no purpose but it does send a strong message to anyone else who is ready to take money heedless of the damage they will cause to others.We can only hope this message is heeded.

- J. O’GRADY, Wilmot.

Dove Lake

IN REPLY to Malcolm Scott’s letter as to the naming of Dove Lake, correctly titled Lake Dove (aifLettersaif, January 26).In the early 19th century, because of the Van Diemen’s Land (VDL) company’s holdings in the Middlesex Plains and exploration of Forth River high country, the Dove River was named after a former executive of the VDL Co.The river sources from Lake Dove and enters the Forth, south of Lorinna.In 1911 Gustav Weindorfer named Lake Dove presumably because of it being the source of the Dove River. At the same time he also named Lake Hanson and Crater Lake.

- GARY FITZALLEN, Prospect.

Staffing levelsI KEEP hearing about how difficult it is for government employees due to staff shortages.Wasn’t this their preferred option?I can remember times at ACL when staff took pay cuts and employees worked reduced hours to help the company in times of crisis and to allow mates to keep their jobs.Did not the government offer a pay freeze or reduced staff?Didn’t the employees (except for the police force) decide that they would rather get rid of a few positions so the rest of them could get more money?And now they are trying to blame the government.- BOB MUIR, Mowbray.Political GainI 

FOR one am sick and tired of politicians of all persuasions using the ’aifLetters to the Editoraif’ page for their political gain.This page should be for the general public to comment on issues and not for the pollies to sell their mantra.If they want to make a political point, contact the media or better still do something novel like talk to people in the street.

- STEVE STRONACH, Launceston Sea Shepherd

IT SICKENS me that self proclaimed pirates can find $11.8 million for another toy to annoy Japanese whalers (Sea Shepherd to build new ship,aifThe Examineraif, January 28).Compare this with individual Australians who strive to raise perhaps $100,000 for programs that aim to provide water, medicine or education for vulnerable children in less developed countries.Whale numbers are increasing but wealthy Greens still seem to regard them as more important than people.

- ROBIN CLAXTON, Hillwood.