Years 11 and 12
WITH state Labor’s progressive gaming policy, it is disappointing that a possible “roll back” of years 11 and 12 high school extension program is being contemplated.
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Especially in regional, comparatively isolated areas of Tasmania.
The current schools that have years 11 and 12, although having a restricted curriculum, do have a relationship with existing years 11 and 12 colleges, negating the concept of choice.
The omnipresent discussion whether to abolish the current college system may be delayed until further evidence-based studies are completed.
Importantly, parents who cannot afford to send children to the city-based colleges, and do not have a local high school with years 11 and 12, are potentially placed in the intolerable position their children may be placed in life-long disadvantage, where equal access to opportunity and equity are denied by a decision no parent should have to make.
Kenneth Gregson, Swansea.
Majority government
LAUNCESTON Chamber of Commerce executive officer Neil Grose writes that “now is not the time for minority government” (The Examiner, February 13).
But he seems to be missing a rather critical point.
When majority rules, the remainder have their interests ignored. The Hare-Clark system is a voting system to be proud of.
It is highly representative and fully democratic, checking the dominant influence of major parties.
Minority government requires negotiation and compromise and allows for a wider representation of ideas.
Rather than constant fear-mongering, these practices should be embraced as a healthy part of democracy.
Failure to negotiate is perhaps a greater reflection on the political aptitude of those in government, rather than an indication of poor choices on behalf of the voting public.
I can’t yet vote in Tasmania, but I truly look forward to the day when I can participate in what is seen as one of the best examples of democratic voting systems globally.
I urge those of you who can, to understand it, embrace it and love it.
Grace Walsh, Springfield.
The election
ANOTHER cash splash: by any other name an electoral bribe to buy your vote.
Half truths: we only tell you what we think you need to know to make us look good.
Smoke and mirrors: all this extra staff to be employed, here today when elected, gone tomorrow when we can't afford it in a few years.
Indian giving: a cut in the price of electricity, we'll take it back of you by increasing the price of car registration or some other means.
It really doesn't inspire confidence.
Perhaps this election is more about a vote of no confidence. Then there is the Prime Minister visit, a little like a thief in the night, been and gone before you know it.
Neil White, Riverside.
Politics is a numbers game
THE following numbers may help voters when they place their number one vote on March 3.
- 149: How many pages I’ve just read of the 2017 Tasmanian ALP State Conference Report.
- Zero - How many motions concerning an anti-pokies “policy” were voted on.
- 0.2 per cent – The total percentage of nominated or registered problem gamblers in Tasmania.
- 99.8 per cent - Total percentage of responsible gamblers in Tasmania* (* Source: Independent report to state government, December 2017).
- 18 - Days until I give my number one vote to a pro-pokies candidate in Bass.
Jim Breen, George Town.
Thanks to Police
WHILE waiting for my husband outside my bridge club, to my surprise I saw a police car pulling up on the road next to me.
I was sitting on the steps because it was a hot day and my husband was very late - I must have looked lost.
Inside the car were two policemen, who asked if I needed assistance.
I said I was waiting for my lift to arrive, but he was half an hour late. They then offered to take me home out of the heat.
I assured them that my husband was on his way and thanked them. I was so grateful for their concern.
Hats off to the men and women in blue - they really do not get the credit they deserve.
Thank you from an appreciative 80-year-old.
Bev Morris, Trevallyn.
Council decisions
IN THE Examiner (February 1) Holly Monery reported the City of Launceston council aldermen couldn’t decide on a matter before council: a residential garage.
Apparently they were gridlocked with equal fors and against. Amazing that they can give away or sell off public land without batting an eye, but with a clear conscience.
Ron Baines, Kings Meadows.
Pancakes
IF THERE’S one thing harder than tossing a pancake and catching it, it’s catching the pancake in mid-air on film. Well done Neil Richardson (The Examiner, February 14).
A R Trounson, Needles.
The Berlin Wall
IT MAY have gone unnoticed by many, but that infamous wall that divided East Berlin from West Berlin (that had stood for 28 years, two months, and 27 days) has now, from February 6 this year, been down longer that it ever stood.
November 9, 1989 at 10.45pm the boom gates at Check Point Charlie were raised and after so many years of a divided an oppressed East side of the city, East finally met West and we cried.
So help me God we did, and we were half a world away.
Robert Lee, Summerhill.
