It is noted the Tasmanian government plans to build 1500 more homes for the homeless and make other financial changes and we hope that this happens sooner, not later, in the four-year term.

But it is not just the state government that should respond. 

Our many councils have resources that could help the situation, and private firms need to step up as well as individuals. 

If we all make an effort to identify accommodation possibilities and ridiculous red tape does not get in the way, it should be possible to solve this problem. I’d suggest that vacant buildings should be looked at for short or long-term use. 

We are creative people and have the knowledge to quickly build or adapt housing in various categories from short-term single person units to those suitable for families, with the idea that people can step up to more sophisticated housing as time goes by.

Let us see this as a whole community problem with everyone involved so that we solve this blot on our caring society.

Dick James, Launceston.

FOR objectivity shouldn't another speaker besides Professor McKenna present Australia's position as a member of the Commonwealth and Monarchy at his recent lecture on republicanism?

Australia has benefited enormously through our ties with both the Monarchy and Commonwealth.  The former has given a political basis of stability allowing Australia to evolve without civil unrest.  The latter engenders international links within the state system, transcending strategic alliances so prevalent within international relations today. 

We cannot undo history. But we can learn from it, along with today's consequences of state independence based on segregation, beit race, religion or culture. 

The Monarchy has allowed all Australians including Aborigines, to evolve multi-culturally, with a freedom of religion, speech and indeed independence devoid of civil unrest.  

May it long continue.

Laurelle Atkinson, Goulds Country.

I WRITE in response to Caroline Richards of Deviot (letters, March 13).

As a past original Star employee and now back working as a casual at the Star.

I’m sorry to give you some devastating news, but to the best of my knowledge the original Star neon sign that turned yellow, blue and white ended up on the tip, as did the Star neon (in red) that was attached to the facade of the building.

I personally vividly remember taking as much as I could carry as outsiders were throwing other memorabilia onto trailers, not long after we were forced to close our doors on July 26, 1969.

Television and the drive-in at Mowbray were two factors that led to the closure of 13 Star theatres across the north of Tasmania.

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news Caroline, please feel free to say hello to me next time you visit the Star.

Peter R. Bomford, Invermay.

AS A life-long “cat-holic”, I fully support laws regarding neutering and confinement. 

It is as much for the protection of wildlife as it is for the prevention of cat fights. An abscess doesn’t make the heart grow fonder. I can’t help but see a parallel with humans. 

The most important job a person can take on is that of becoming a parent. No training or qualifications are required. 

I’ve met a number of people who shouldn’t have been afforded the privilege of that role.

It’s a pity that potential parents aren’t interviewed and vetted, as they would be in so many other situations.

Val Clarke, Kings Meadows

TASMANIA urgently needs many more nurses but definitely not more politicians.

With our nurses heading toward being the lowest paid in the country, how can it even be considered to increase the House of Assembly by 10 members at a cost of between $2 and $3 million dollars a year?

It is not just their salary but that of their staff, their office cost and allowances, and so on.

Tasmania as it is is grossly over-governed and any increase in the number of politicians would definitely not pass “the pub test”.

To me it seems to be just a play to get more of the party faithful - hangers on, mates, cronies, into very well paid jobs.

Malcolm Scott, Newstead.

DID Derryn Hinch just lose the taxi driver’s vote?

Jack Sonnemann, Lucaston.

THERE was a federal government crackdown on wealthy welfare cheats recently.

Why are the wealthy receiving welfare benefits in the first place?

Is it just a gimmick to make the federal government look good?

One must wonder.

K. Nunn, Newnham.

THE only problem with treating all who lost homes in the fires as priority is wrong.

I am against those with second and third homes getting priority, and those as holiday homes, as they can go back to those homes. 

Or if taken they should rough it hard.

Fair enough for those that live there all the time and have no second or third homes to be given priority.

Walter Christy, Shearwater.

I DO hope that the persecuted white farmers can afford an airfare to travel to Australia otherwise if they arrive by boat I assume they will be subjected to the same treatment as other refugees on Nauru and go through security checks and delays.

A Carter, Mowbray.