Senate ballot
I CANNOT quite understand how a government of the democratic variety such as we have would allow the senate ballot paper to be arranged in an order to suit the parties and not the voter.
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The party puts someone they want to win the seat on top knowing full well so many people vote straight down the ticket, or vote one above the line because it is quick.
The only fair way is to have the names rotated every so often during printing so everyone gets a chance at the top and everyone gets a fair share of the so called "donkey votes".
Lyle Cook, Shearwater.
Euthanasia
Robert Lee misunderstands for his own reasons the meaning behind "voluntary euthanasia".
Legislation in a growing number of countries worldwide interprets what he says are "lives to the full" as "quality of life", applying levels of compassion to those facing torrid deaths.
Forget "moral ground" and "ethical requirements" as interpreted by those who fail to appreciate that compassion, but highlight the universal truth that any request for help to die with dignity must come from the person suffering an intolerable end of life - nobody else.
I'm sick to death of the same old misguided or misleading arguments trotted out by the opponents of a proposal to offer to those of our fellows the same compassion we are able to show to faithful pets.
Bruce Lindsay, Scottsdale.
Medicine
WHY ARE the pharmaceutical companies making it so hard for people who rely on certain medications to obtain them from the pharmacy without extra cost.
Recently I was informed by my pharmacist that the diabetic medication I take is being held to ransom by the pharmaceutical company. I now have to take a different generic medication with a $2.50 surcharge on top of the normal price.
Even if you reach the safety net you will still have to pay this surcharge which defeats the purpose of a safety net.
