The reason we get an interstate person is due to their skills in servicing these specialised machines, and there are very few machines of this type in Tasmania.

He was told that the Spirit of Tasmania is booked out until after Christmas. Next year we are having a state election. What I am saying is this?

If the current ministers and government don’t remove their heads from where they are and start to listen to the public don’t cry “poor me” when you are not re-elected

The way the government has handled TT-Line is a disgrace. We have a beautiful island for tourists to visit, some of the best food in the world, a state that is growing at a rapid rate, and a government that needs to remove their heads from where the sun doesn’t shine.

We need new boats now, not in four years or whenever the minister decides to listen to the people’s concerns for the state.

Not happy, along with the rest of Tasmanians.

Rob Bayles, Cressy.

WE ARE hearing a lot about sexual harassment lately, and it made me reflect on other types of harassment.

In my early 20s, I joined the Commonwealth Bank, and stayed with that organisation until my retirement.

I well recall declining the suggestion I should “join the boys” after work in a visit to the local pub for a few drinks, as I was a non-drinker.

This resulted in my accountant’s “advice”, that I could not look forward to a worthwhile career in the bank if I didn’t join in this activity.

On reflection, and the recollection of being overlooked for several positions as they rose, I believe this had nothing to do with my ability to perform my duties in a satisfactory manner. 

I now believe it was purely on the basis of preferring to go home to my family, rather than taking part in the after hours booze up.

I wonder how many others, in various organisations, have been subjected to this kind of exclusion?  And, how many still face this decision? Was it, is it, a form of abuse?

 I encourage all young people to adhere to their principles and not be coerced into the after hours trip to the pub, purely to show they are one of the mob. If you feel the necessity of joining in, enjoy a squash, and still show your presence.

Bill Carney, Riverside.

I AM amazed at why the Labor party and the LGBTIQ community thinks that this postal vote was detrimental and hurtful.

The postal vote had an amazing response from Australians that thought this required the effort and time to get their postal votes in by the required time.

The outcome of this so called unnecessary plebiscite was the outcome that the less than 1 per cent of Australians of gay and lesbian same-sex relationships wanted.

As for all the Labor speakers I heard in the lower house of Federal parliament, saying that it was hurtful, demonising, a disgrace that the gay community had to go through this.

I find quite strange, as I believe a larger percentage of church going  and people of faith would also find it quite troubling.

As a non-religious person, a heterosexual married male, I am extremely pleased that I was able to have my say on such a society and nation-changing issue.

I wanted to vote on this matter, as I would not be following the wishes of a parliament that didn't have a free conscience vote on this nation-changing issue.

I voted no, but I am supportive of the national vote that came about by way of a plebiscite.

Steve Rogers, South Launceston.

MALCOLM Turnbull has no right crowing about his brilliance with the passing of the same-sex marriage bill. It is not his political achievement but that of the voters who did the job that the spineless politicians didn’t do. Talk about rewriting history before the ink is even dry on the legislation.

Peter Taylor, Midway Point.

WHAT a greatly appreciated asset to Launceston and its surrounding area an accessible saltwater swimming pool would be.

Not everyone has the means to get to a  beach and enjoy the healing sea water. The nearest sea water is about 50 minutes drive, if one has the transport. Quite a considerable percentage of people are not able to swim in chlorinated water for health reasons, but find great relief and benefit from salt water in the open air.

Rivers are not chlorinated, but are not always safe or accessible. The overwhelming fumes of chlorine in the Launceston Swimming centre also affect this same group. Maybe part of the vast lawn at the Basin or outside in the grounds of the new swimming centre could be given over for this purpose?

Julia Yates, Launceston.

ANOTHER terminology I can’t take to, is when people describe their ordeal as “my journey”. As if they’re going on a world cruise. I prefer to say that “were all passengers on this train” and I’ll get off when my station arrives.

A.R. Trounson, Needles.

AFTER the celebrations in parliament on the passing of the Marriage Equality Bill, the government quietly introduced the second reading of the "Foreign Interference Legislation and Integrity Agencies Amendment Bill 2017".

This bill is a Trojan Horse. Hidden in its bowels under the guise of national security is an attempt to silence dissent and make political comment more difficult. Is this an attack on free speech? Welcome to George Orwell's world of Animal Farm and 1984.

Ella Miller, Lanena.