Mainly, no change is required for the status quo in casinos. But, I suggest:

If people want to gamble, let them, it’s a free society. If they become a problem for society, then so be it, we cater for drug users.

The pokies are just another drug. How can this not be a win-win?

Ted Horlock, Latrobe.

ISN’T IT interesting how people twist the facts to suit their purpose?

We are currently being bombarded by tales of woe about the failure of minority governments.

The argument is that only a strong majority government can deliver management of the state because otherwise government has to make compromises. Scaremongering such as this is just a way of getting voters to vote for a party and not the right persons for the job of governing.

I believe it’s about time political parties recognise that compromise is what is needed.

The adversarial form of our political system is outdated and in need of reform. When you look at the present state election promises by both major parties, how do you separate them?

They all agree that health and education need additional funding and that roads infrastructure needs urgent extra capital. Why not just get on with it?

After all, both Liberal and Labor parties in federal politics have relied on coalitions to win elections.

We need politicians who think about the commonality of policies that Australia needs to maintain and improve our lifestyle not harping on about the differences that exist.

Jeff Jennings, Bridport.

WHILE the RACT claims new cars are safer than old ones, I disagree.

A lot depends on the “driver”. Vehicle manufgacturers are producing cars that can function beyond older drivers capabilities.

Things like ABS, cruise control and traction control are lulling younger drivers into a false sense of security.

It’s pointless giving new cars a safety rating when some “lead-foot” gets behind the wheel. To make matters worse, new cars have got navigation screens that pop up on the dash and talk to you.

I wouldn’t have a new car if you gave me one and i can boast - one crash (not my fault) in 40 years of motoring in a 42-year-old car.

A R Trounson, Needles.

I WONDER if any of our future leaders will stand up and take a stand on pensions.

Our pensioners, hard working men and women, who have put this country first, many who have served in the armed forces, paid taxes and put away their money for their retirement are on a pension that is reflective of what is deemed to be a reasonable living.

Our politicians are on a fantastic wage, reflective of what their job entails and the qualities they bring to their position held.

Why then, after a great wage and all the opportunities to save for their retirement, do our politicians get a pension that can be over 10 times the normal pension?

It’s time our politicians started to live in the real world. No special flights, pensions, office spaces paid for by us. Stand up for what is right.

Take a normal pension, save for your retirement and future and give this country a fighting chance.

Marie Richardson, Hagley.

WHO else is sick of all the political advertising?

The thing that bugs me the most is the negative ads and the inaccuracies of them.

Especially things like “Labor wiped out X amount of jobs”, versus the Liberals created them.

This is so inaccurate as both sides were responsible for job loss and creation - not just one party.

The music also annoys me because most of it sounds like it is advertising for a funeral company.

I also don't like the pointless adverts about the candidates.

I'd much prefer an accurate policy details than a candidate's life story. 

Collin G. Wood, Newstead.

I NOTICED on a brochure that between sessions you have a chat.

Chats are just so superficial, I don’t do them.

Much better to put a talk, intelligent discussion or simply conversation.

Yes, I know, Julie Bishop said she had a chat with the New Zealand Prime Minister, but that is all she would have got, as she nearly caused a trans-Tasman rift over Barnaby Joyce’s New Zealand citizenship.

Malcolm Scott, Newstead.

WE HAVE been bombarded lately with ads for funeral insurance.  

These ads try to make us oldies believe that our children wouldn't be able to afford to pay for funeral expenses.  

If one parent dies, the other parent would normally be paying.  

When the second parent dies, or if both die together, the children would gain an inheritance so surely wouldn't need funeral insurance to cover the cost.

When my mother died, my siblings and I didn't need to pay up-front funeral expenses, as the cost was deducted from the value of her estate before administration of her will.  

So if this is the usual procedure, I believe that funeral insurance is a big con.  

Hopefully not too many people get sucked in.

Wayne Vertigan, West Launceston.