Conference
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I GUESS Labor supporters should not agonise too much over the boat policy decided at their conference.
If gaining government Labor should act on the precedent set and completely ignore any promises that were made before the election.
This modus operandi seems to have worked well for Tony Abbott.
— RALPH MARSHALL, West Launceston.
Energy
SO TasNetworks are looking at giving Tariff 41 the flick, meaning that possibly $1000 or more will be added on to our power bills.
Maybe if the power company stopped sponsoring various football teams on the mainland in the form of Momento etc they could save a few dollars.
If that isn't on the agenda, I would like to suggest that the CEO, other bureaucrats and politicians live, for two weeks, on the pension, unemployment benefits or newstart and see if they can survive.
It's time they lived in the real world and not the unrealistic one which we pay for.
— GLENNIS SLEURINK, Launceston.
Budget
WE HAVE seen 10 people spend three days at much expense to the taxpayer attempting to find $31 billion to fix the hole in the budget.
My 16-year-old grandchild will tell you and charge nothing for the advice.
Remove John Howard’s superannuation tax benefit to the nations most wealthy, saving $35 billion.
Remove the outrageous tax avoidance to negative gearing, saving $18 Billion.
Result from a schoolchild. Hole filled and $22 billion surplus.
Fail to face reality and remove these two flaws then add five per cent to the GST and the problem will remain. Fact.
— WALLY REYNOLDS, Perth.
Cancer
AS a passionate breast cancer advocate, I would like to let the Launceston community know that last week I attended Breast Cancer Network Australia’s (BCNA) National Summit 2015.
BCNA’s National Summit is a special event hosted every two years that builds the skills, knowledge and connections of people who support women and families affected by breast cancer in their local communities.
Local support is so important for women diagnosed with breast cancer, and the Summit has given me a range of practical ideas to implement in our region.
I also had the opportunity to hear from inspiring speakers including BCNA Founder, Lyn Swinburne, Carolyn Creswell, CEO and Founder of Carmen’s Kitchen and connect with other women also working to support people affected by breast cancer.
The Summit was an uplifting and motivating experience that has equipped me with the knowledge and skills to help support people in Launceston and surrounding areas.
If you, or someone you love, has been diagnosed with breast cancer I encourage you to visit the BCNA’s website www.bcna.org.au or phone 1800 500 258.
— MANDY FORTEATH, Voluntary BCNA Community Liaison.
Relocation
WE, like a majority of local residents, do not want to see the University moved to Inveresk.
It is not about updating their campus but rather a downsizing of same.
The space at Inveresk has a new walkway and bicycle path which is enjoyed by a number of people, plus the all-day parking is inexpensive, the Tiger Bus is great (free) and if the student accommodation that has been built there (what an eyesore) is anything to go by, re-design of this proposed new campus - please do not let this plan go ahead.
Why can't they spend the money on the Newnham campus updating it?
University students do not, on the whole, have unlimited cash flow to generate spending in the CBD.
Most Uni students live on a very low income, and if they do not have the ability to live at home, have rent, power, food etc. to pay for, plus most of them are busy with lectures and study (I have been a parent of Uni.students).
— L. SCALES, Punchbowl.
Politicians
I really thought our politicians must justify their trips overseas and all these perks removed for federal, state and council representatives in government.
We can have all three bodies doing what it only takes one person to do and all this needs to be stopped and those made to pay back every last cent.
I am sure we could balance the Budget just cutting our politicians perks.
— WALTER CHRISTY, Shearwater.
Elections
I AM standing as an Independent at the next Federal Election to represent fairness and justice for asylum seekers.
I support the just treatment of those who seek asylum regardless of how they reach Australia.
In both paid and voluntary capacities I have supported refugees and humanitarian entrants since 2001- including the Mohib Sawari case in Launceston over a decade ago
I believe both major parties have failed to deliver fairness and justice in this portfolio.
Respect and human decency must replace populism and cruelty.
— PAUL MALLETT, Prospect.
Euthanasia
ON THE euthanasia debate Pat Gartlan (Letter, July 22) says permitting doctors to kill their patients is a step too far.
With comments like that it’s no wonder it’s still being debated.
Legalising euthanasia would not permit doctors to ``kill their patients”.
It would however, give patients the right to end their suffering (with dignity).
I use the word "suffering” because in many cases you couldn’t really call it "a life”.
— A. R. TROUNSON, Needles.
Diabetes
THE rapid increase in diabetes is very disturbing and is described as ``the disease of the century”.
Recently the number of Australians diagnosed with the disease is given as about 280 daily - five per cent are born insulin dependant.
The remainder if not treated will develop kidney disease, stroke and blindness.
The cause, high levels of sugar in the blood.
This is not surprising when our highly processed food contains excessive sugar.
What is urgently needed is the reduction of sugar in food by at least 75 per cent.
This can only come about by legislation which will be vigorously resisted.
— R. TREBILCO, Norwood.
Tatler Arcade
I LOVE this beautiful city, but am utterly frustrated for something to be done about our greatest eyesore, Tatler Parade Arcade.
The revolting graffiti at the entrance has been painted over with atrocious pink paint - think I preferred the graffiti.
A half-hearted attempt has been made to remove the sticker over the street sign, but most remains.
Someone has drawn a large pink item of male external genitalia on one of the shop windows.
The graffiti on the shop doorway has got much worse, the frame of the disused electrical sign remains, along with all the other graffiti.
I guess things might improve when, and if, the bus stop moved.
I’m sorry, but I give up!
— MALCOLM SCOTT, Newstead.
Letters
I DO wish people writing into this column would do some research on the subject before imposing their opinion on the readers of this paper.
The emotional subject of euthanasia should only be discussed by people who are well read on the subject or have personal experience in this area.
In Pat Gartlans letter on the subject (The Examiner, July 22) she or he states attempts to legalise euthanasia has failed due to the lack of compassion when of course the exact opposite is true.
Where is the evidence that countries that have legalised it are not compassionate?
One needs to understand the feelings and frustrations of people who cannot stand the pain any longer and would like to end their life surrounded by friends and family to say their goodbyes before parting this world.
To describe doctors who are prepared to help people in this situation as killers is nothing short of sensationalism.
How is it that if we decide an animal is suffering, the decent thing to do is to put it out of it's misery, yet humans are expected to suffer indefinitely.
— C. EGBERTS, Newstead.
Newnham campus
THE University Vice Chancellor in Launceston claims the Newnham Campus has been let run down.
Is this not the responsibility of the University to maintain their existing campus where there is ample room to expand.
The Vice Chancellor is using this as one of the excuses to move the university to Inveresk.
The other one comes from the retailers via the Launceston City Council to bring more people into the city, clearly without thought to the logistics involved.
What a great idea to choke up the Inveresk area with another 2500 plus car movements.
University students live a meager life with little money to waste.
I note the obscenity the University is already creating with the student accommodation currently being built completely out of character in the existing inner city suburb, not acceptable at all.
My question to the Launceston City council - do you work for the ratepayers of Launceston or just your self gratification and the business of the city?
Certainly not the suburban and country ratepayers.
— ADRIAN GOFTON, Newnham.