Industrial Action
I RESPOND to S. Rogers letter to the editor (The Examiner, October 28). I too had great teachers in my school years, but it does not equate that teachers of those days were any better than those of today, nor were they more dedicated or knowledgeable of those teaching today.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
In fact with advent of modern aides they are probably more knowledgeable and can relay that knowledge more expediently.
He also conveniently takes aim at our teachers for taking legitimate industrial action along with firemen, nurses, etc. for some parity in conditions and pay with their mainland counterparts.
If my memory serves me correctly, teachers past have also taken, albeit limited industrial action. Some principals and teachers I know are working 60 hours plus to facilitate the efficiency of their schools without overtime payment and dipping into their own pockets.
Contrary to Mr Rogers, I think our political leaders should be more supportive in granting parity so that our skilled servants do not leave our system .
Peter Kerslake, Greens Beach.
Monash
I READ in The Examiner that independent Cathy McGowan is presenting a private member’s bill to federal parliament, on promoting Sir John Monash to the rank of Field Marshal. I sincerely hope that she succeeds.
Sir John Monash was arguably Australia’s finest ever general, rivalled only by Major-General Sir Leslie Morshead (“Ming the Merciless” to his troops) of Tobruk and El Alamein fame.
Indeed, Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery once said of Monash that he was the very best of all allied generals in the First World War. Sir Thomas Blamey, familiar to most because of the 1920s badge in the brothel incident and, although undoubtedly a capable if controversial commander, is also remembered for almost causing a mutiny among Australian troops during the New Guinea campaign, was promoted Field Marshal after the war and Sir John Monash is equally, if not more deserving than Blamey.
Richard Hill, Newstead.
Driving bias
IF MR Robinson (The Examiner, October 23) seriously believes that the ABC has not demonstrated its left bias he ought to surrender his political driving license. They have been driving with two wheels in the left hand gutter of the political highway for years and have rarely diverted to the middle of the road with any indication of a right hand turn. It might be said that they have now and then swerved marginally to the right to avoid a dead in the road Labor idea showing a kindly reluctance to squash the remains of their curiously one eyed political wildlife, but the pull is always to the left. A good wheel balance is long overdue in our ABC.
Len Langan, Longford.
Career highlight
FABULOUS news that the vital program Studentworks is still operating after 40 years (The Examiner, October 26). A highlight in my career was working with these talented students and their creative staff to design and make a space for young children and their families at QVMAG when Inveresk opened. I believe Percy Porter is still there guiding families to the play area. Congratulations and may worthwhile programs such as Studentworks continue.
Sally Mollison, Hobart.
Traffic Congestion
IF THE parking meters were removed from the kerb, opposite the QV Museum at the top end of Wellington Street, near the Kings Street Bridge, This would release a third lane to traffic.
Judy Burgess, Invermay.
Media Interviews
SUE Gul (The Examiner, October 22) about Alan Jones contemptible bullying behaviour highlights his undue influence in political circles.
What, for me, is even more deeply disturbing is that he and fellow egomaniac, Ray Hadley, are the preferred media interviewers of the Prime Minister and his colleagues.
It says a lot about their worldview and accusations of the ABC’s alleged lack of balance.
Breathtaking.
Ralph Marshall, Launceston.
Do Not Call Register
APPARENTLY, not for profit organisations are exempt from the Do Not Call register.
It appears the call centre employees are on a commission or incentive basis regarding remuneration, as the Catholicism form of guilt and persistence for funds is simply an unedifying form of dialogue.
Please have the non-profit sector availability to be placed on the Do Not Call register, for reasons of civility and dignity, without the fear of trepidation when answering the telephone.
Kenneth Gregson, Swansea.
Exemption of GST
A COUPLE of months ago politicians agreed to abolish the GST on menstruation products.
The decision will come into effect in January 2019 - what’s wrong with the day after the decision? That’s an additional five months or so of tax.
Dianne Scetrine, East Launceston.
Fairy Tale
“ONCE upon a time, many years ago”, our politicians were respected and admired.
Today, they are seen as either self-seeking, out of touch or a laughing stock and as seen recently all three of these.
Malcolm Scott, Newstead.
Religion change
SINEAD O’Connor, if anyone cares, just converted to Islam.
Did she misunderstand the memo from Mohammed forbidding folks with tattoos from entering paradise?