Let's get something straight, Centrelink does not top up frozen UK age pensions.

In actual fact, it is quite the reverse.

UK pensions are classed as foreign income and are fully taxable.

In addition, Centrelink then reduces the age pension by 50 or 25 cents in the dollar if total fortnightly income is over the prescribed assets and income limits.

This is, in actual fact, double dipping by the federal government.

If for instance Brexit resulted in UK age pensions becoming indexed once again and was retrospective, I would lose approximately $32 a fortnight off my Centrelink pension and also a corresponding tax increase.

In conclusion, the federal government is hitting the poor old pensioner again.

So what’s new?

THE Examiner (January 10) had an article titled “Launceston in Brief” by Hamish Geale.

His answer to who is Launceston’s most important person was  Mayor Albert Van Zetten. Well Hamish, I think you off the mark there mate.

My choice would be a dead heat between Joe Chromy and Errol Stewart. Just think what Launceston would look like and where the city would be if these two most important people did not have the love for Launceston as these two stalwarts have for our city.

TASMANIA has gone to the pack when it comes to healthcare.

It seems that it’s all about money.

You’ve got money (private health cover), you get treated reasonably fast.

No money and it’s a totally different story. That’s not fair and it’s unAustralian.

Every Australian, rich or poor, working or unemployed, housed or homeless should receive “free’ medical treatment.