The only souvenir merchandise I could find, was made in China.

That is deplorable.

IF EVER a book is written about the recent sad events in Federal Parliament and the Liberal Party, “Malice in Underland” would be a great title.

I doubt it has been used before. The deplorable saga still continues, I can hardly wait. I doubt if there would have been many members of the Liberal Party who would have been looking forward to parliament resuming on September 10.

Bullying has always been with us and now it appears to have raised its ugly head in Federal Parliament. The 43 signatures would have been difficult to obtain for the special party meeting and I think some pressure must have been applied. Malcolm Turnbull was within his right to demand them.

It is so sad that some politicians in the Liberal Party have brought the standing of a once very noble profession to a sad, sorry pathetic all time low, rock bottom.  

ALL of the new vehicles sold in Tasmania are now foreign-made, reflecting the death of Australian car manufacturing (The Examiner, September 7).

Also reflecting the death of many Australian jobs.

SUSTAINABLE living  inspection, Greens Beach (The Examiner, August 12)  was incredible says owner David Mcfarlane.

More than  60 inspections, saw his remission free living home and the still available 1250 square metres-vacant lot next door.

Amazingly The Sunday Examiner Relax story was paramount in recollections.  

Many thanks Tarlia Jordan.

So many folks were building these living emission free homes it was astounding, at least 40 people on the day.

Visitors came from Hadspen, Devonport, George Town, Swansea, Bridport, Deviot and broader  Launceston.

A great effort The Examiner.

REGARDING the article in (The Sunday Examiner, September 16) it was stated  that St James Church Franklin Village was not used much.

I would like to correct that as we have regular services on every second and third Sundays at 11am.

Also some special services during the year. Baptisms and funerals occasionally.

Our cemetery is open and a few years ago CT Finney built and donated our new Columbarium.

TASMANIA’S tourism boom can be accelerated by investing in more wind power, so that we can drain and restore Lake Pedder.

RUSSIAN President Vladimir Putin along with the Kremlin are facing protests from ordinary Russians over proposed changes to workers retirement age. The reforms raise the eligible pension age for men from 60 to 65 and for women 55 to 60.

It’s not just the older generation protesting, it’s the young who describe Putin as a thief for taking an extra five years off their future, as the average life expectancy in Russia is 66 for men and 77 for women.

I say, for goodness sake don’t tell the Russians that here in Australia it’s been 65 for pension eligibility for yonkers with some now having to work till 67: and we’re supposed to be the lucky country.

FEDERAL funding of services for older people at home appears straightforward. A closer look reveals that a provider may charge $35 an hour for care, another $60 and more. Weekends and evenings’ rates rise significantly for some organisations, but not for others. 

Similarly registered nursing and other service costs vary according to the provider. Care services not only refers to personal care, but also includes “kilometres, administration, case management and purchasing”. Fees vary considerably and often amount to thousands.

Meanwhile, carers receive a pittance. Unhappy consumers can change providers however for a vulnerable often frail older person without a supportive family this may prove daunting.

For many, it is heartbreaking to leave care workers who have become like family. If changing provider, the consumer takes their funds with them. Not quite the case.

Organisations may charge an exit fee of several thousand dollars. But, in the midst of current playschool politics, who really cares about rorting older people, carers and taxpayers?

HOW many British expats living in Tasmania are aware of the UK state pension they have left behind when they worked in the UK? British Pensions in Australia, a non-profit association of British expats, will help anyone who has worked in the UK discover their possible UK pension entitlement.

With Christmas approaching and many British expats planning to “go home” for a few weeks, BPiA will also help recipients of the UK’s state pension, discover how to increase their “frozen” pension when visiting the UK and Europe.

BPiA can be reached on 1300 308 353 or www.bpia.org.au.