Concerned farmers may wish to learn more about the reasons for the steep increase in power prices.

No doubt a range of factors are involved but their research should include a copy of the recent state budget.

There they will find that the state government expects to receive a total of $198 million from Aurora Energy, Hydro Tas and TasNetworks in dividends, income tax equivalents and rate equivalents.

Of course, these terms are euphemisms for state taxation. With the state government making such draconian demands of the power companies few will find their electricity affordable.

However a price increase of 30 to 60 per cent would suggest the state government has singled out our farmers for some “special” treatment.

Bernie Lee, Deloraine.

SO HOBART mayor Ron Christie considers tourism brought in by Dark Mofo is bad.

I guess he doesn't care about what the people of his city want, or the money the event brings in. Perhaps we should get rid of all AFL in Tasmania if he genuinely believes this way.

Not just the Tassie Hawks and Kangaroos, even a Chigwell versus South Hobart match would bring spectators and we can't have that. Perhaps we should get rid of any cricket at Bellerive because that attracts tourists, money, and we can't have that. Perhaps we should say any special events like chef Mark Best are not welcome in Hobart because they attract tourists and money and we can't have that.

And perhaps Ron Christie would be kind enough to turn off the lights if he is the last one to leave Hobart as he demonstrates the city is closed for business.

We may as well all leave and let the Greens or the Bell Bay Pulp Mill have it, whoever is left to rule over a state of ashes, if this is the attitude we are going to take.

Davis Seecamp, Trevallyn.

THOSE who blinked during Southern Cross news on July 6 may have missed the retirement announcement by Supercar driver Craig Lowndes.

Many people would have assumed that the decision was effective immediately and the report failed to state Lowndes would be a co-driver for the team next year in the three endurance events as well as being an ambassador for the team.

Clearly the sports department has no understanding of the significance of this announcement and the impact it will have on the sport in Australia.

As the most popular race driver in Australia he deserved better, instead of the “I guess we had better squeeze this in so as not to upset the motor sport fraternity” attitude. Oh, hang on a minute, I just remembered, Craig doesn’t play footy, silly me.

Barry Oliver, Newnham.

UNTRUTH is an ugly word. For  a start it implies that its author has full and exclusive possession of the truth. 

Well the truth is Mark Brown, (The Examiner, July 8) that human gender diversity is real. This is a fact that the Christian lobby seems totally incapable of accepting.

How we embrace this as a society is a significant challenge given the deep prejudice that has traditionally informed our social and political institutions and mores.

The words Mr Brown chooses are telling: "Legislating the untruth of any-gender marriage requires further untruths to uphold it".

That would not be out of place in the novel 1984. It is clearly out of place in Australia in 2018.

Tony Newport, Hillwood.

DUE TO the recent retirement of Victor Tilley from Red Herring Surf, I would like to recognise his efforts, and that of his staff over many years, of the business’ and personal support for the recognition and advocacy for youth suicide prevention.

Fundraising campaigns including evenings that incorporated local surfer films/videos was indicative of Mr Tilley’s vision and care, for not only his customers, but all who may have benefited from his regular and enthusiastic donations to Lifeline.

Kenneth Gregson, Swansea.

DIVING for the ball should incur a penalty.

This action creates an obstacle for tripping, is an ugly and an unskillful attempt to gain possession, and invariably creates a ball-up, an umpire's savior. Players appear from everywhere, and the game has come to a standstill. Enough said.

Hugh Boyd, Prospect Vale.

SO Tasmania is to be guaranteed GST revenue by transferring revenue from the ‘budget bottom line’ to ‘increase the size of the pie’.

Without increasing taxes and without other effects?

This budget compromise is only possible by reducing general purpose and tied grants to the states, which will reduce the provision of services. 

Giving with one hand and taking with the other is not a solution and Tasmania is in for a difficult time.

Dr Michael  Powell, Springfield. 

A DISAPPOINTED sigh as Terry Edwards in the press on July 12 heralds his retirement from his forestry business with a war volley on The Greens. 

The Regional Forests Agreement, which he commends, was achieved by acres and years of cooperative and largely volunteer work by people of green philosophy only to be sold out over and over by industry based and sometimes vindictive politics.

Tasmanian looks to new blood to see the bigger picture with richer understandings and harmonious appreciations.

Helen Tait, West Launceston.