Democracy
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FEDERAL Attorney General George Brandis in relation to his move to repeal a section of Australian environment legislation that allows conservationists to challenge approvals for large developments is literally an attempt to take away a person or groups democratic right to voice their concerns.
How can Bass Liberal MHR Andrew Nikolic say "it is a misuse of a public institution to use the courts to "damage legitimate activities”.
I say if these large developments in somewhat contentious areas are legitimate and without fault, then a little extra time going through the courts should not concern him or Mr Brandis.
Yet taking away even a section of our democratic right sure concerns us.
— ROBERT LEE, Summerhill.
Football
MAYBE Gillon McLachlan’s announcement (National Press Club) that Tasmania deserves a Team to make the AFL Competition truly national is a way of soothing all of us who grew up in Tasmania.
It is interesting to calculate that according to Mr McLachlan we would have to raise $45 million with 11 home games i.e. $4.09 million per game.
How does the Gold Coast, GWS. manage to meet that sort of commitment without AFL assistance?.
We all know the financial assistance that was given in barrow loads to launch GWS and Gold Coast, and of course earlier Sydney Swans.
It appears Tassie does not qualify for the same support.
Money pouring into Hawthorn and North Melbourne to play in Tassie to keep Tassie at bay is, the band-aid to suppress us all who want equality, fairness and support for Tasmania to be part of a league that would truly be national within the next 2-3 seasons.
— J. D. ROGERS, Sulphur Creek.
Child protection
JACQUIE Petrusma has always been a strong advocate for children.
She constantly held the previous Labor-Green government to account during her time in opposition, made child protection a priority coming into the 2014 election and has been central to the creation of Tasmania’s first ever Family Violence Action Plan.
Child Protective has been plagued by inadequacies for the last 16 years, every Tasmanian who reads the paper knows that.
Put simply, the Liberals inherited a broken department, as was evidenced by the constant reports, recommendations and media headlines under the previous government.
Yes, the Minister should have been informed by her department, however, she has been adamant that she took immediate action once she was advised of the situation, that being a full-scale investigation.
What more could she have possibly done?
— GINO PAPICCIO, Old Beach.
Tamar
THE Examiner once again gives a front page story on yet another make believe ploy to pacify the growing voices condemning the lack of serious management available to the Tamar River.
Treasurer Peter Gutwein claims the government has been working constructively with the Launceston Flood Authority, a body that has long lost its way, and of course the Government’s Hydro Tasmania at whose feet the blame lies for the catastrophe that has befallen Launceston’s river.
The Launceston City Council and its engineers also created the chest beating tip it in the river mentality until they cleverly handed the whole mess over to TasWater, a body that seems lost for ideas and the whole situation is worsening by the day.
Mr Gutwein must bite the bullet and realise that Launceston’s Tamar River is a critical issue and the only way out is to become seriously involved and put enough funds on the table to begin a permanent rectification plan over the next 10 years as serious suggestion plans have been put forward and never been assessed, and yes one single body with knowledge and the proper qualifications to oversee the total transformation.
— GEOFF SMEDLEY, Launceston.
Black tie
I HAVE been invited to three black tie dinners in the past month.
As I feel they are both elitist and anachronistic, I shall not be going, especially as I don’t own a dinner suit and wouldn’t give one space in my wardrobe.
One is for the Queen’s Longest Reign on September 9.
A late friend of mine and myself were going to have chicken and sparkling wine and wear Christmas stars as decorations (decorations may be worn).
I’m sure Her Majesty would have approved.
I am however, going to a Christ College reunion dinner in Hobart, the dress is smart casual, the organisers are in the 21st century obviously.
— MALCOLM SCOTT, Newstead.
Gay marriage
DAILY we hear, or read in the media, the subject of gay marriage etc.
I wish to make it quite clear, I am not in any way homophobic, far from it.
In my over 80-years on this planet, having lived and worked in three countries, travelled to many, many countries with my past employment and also after retiring, I pride myself in being an agnostic, non racist and one who hates any form of discrimination due to colour, creed etc.
During my lifetime I’ve met and worked with some gay people, and I can truly say I’ve never met one I did not get on with.
Anyone who criticizes a gay person to me will get no sympathy.
But what I would like to know, from the radicals who want marriage equality, why?
What is there for them, that’s not equal.
I stand corrected if I’m wrong, but cannot two people of the same sex own property together, leave their wills to each other, have joint ownership of various things etc. as non gay people do.
Many people now go through life with a home, children etc without marrying, quite happily.
Am I in favour of gay marriage?
No I’m not.
— P. A. GROUT, Summerhill.