A Cry for Help
MENTAL Health support for Tasmanian residents is an issue that is in serious need of crucial and vital assistance in relation to the systems by which it operates. These methods of dealing with those with mental illnesses are inevitably turning them away from facilities that are meant to be helping them.
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The mental health professionals of Tasmania see the daily distress and pain that an outdated network of systems cause to people who are already doing it tough.
All too often patients are treated like case numbers rather than individuals with complex and changing issues, and the mental health sector has limited accountability for the processes that it enacts.
Patients are told that "you've just got to accept it. That is the system". Why?
Why do the Tasmanian people have to accept a revolving door of specialists and a failure of adequate referral procedures?
With the lack of shared information, progression of treatment is at a standstill; it is a new start with every doctor.
Patients continually revisit their often-traumatic circumstances on account of the ever-shifting and inconsistent cycle of psychiatrists and practitioners.
We were promised $95 million in 2018, to build a better mental health system over a six-year period, but we are losing loved ones right now. We are fearing for our future, not due to our illnesses, but to the system that turns us away unless we are an immediate danger to others. Our only salvation is currently our biggest obstacle.
Tim Crack, Youngtown.
Shorten policies
BILL Shorten, with many Tasmanians homeless struggling it is not good for you to propose $25 million for AFL in Tasmania. The homeless come first and I am worried about you spending more than the government has on all your handouts.
You're going to force up inflation and it's going to cost more for all, making it even harder for the not so well off and homeless.
Worse is your double standards on carbon and you are definitely going to send Australia into the dark ages.
Walter Christy, Shearwater.
Fuel Costs
NOT one political party has mentioned anything about the rip-off motorists are having to accept from all service stations in Tasmania, up to 25 cents above mainland Australia. It is hitting the pockets of families.
How about helping the users not the proprietors. Answer please, don't use the excuse of ACCC.
Brian Harper, Launceston.
Campaign division
THE heat of the election campaign should not divide us as it does.
Why do I adopt this stance?
Because we should all work together to awaken to the questions and answers of our time. None of us know all the answers, democracy is an obstruction unless we put it into practice.
Climate change is a threat to the future - that is not a reason to black it out.
Rather the opposite. Integrity is more than a leader can produce.
What keeps us from translating principles into action?
R. Thurmer, Newstead.
Paling Insignificance
WELL, where do we start?
Kevin Rudd and Julia Gillard spent billions of dollars, but nothing was ever completed.
Now we have a want to be prime minister spending billions over and above what Rudd and Gillard wanted to spend.
The real trouble is that Labor sets aside this fictitious money and then realises, firstly it's not there and then start projects by telling contractors and businesses that it is happening soon, so contractors (that is the NBN) buy equipment and plant and wait, wait, wait.
They go bust.
Labor cannot implement any projects they start. This wannabe PM will be no different, if not worse.
Remember 21 'super clinics' under Rudd (two done)? Cash for clunkers? Computers for every child in school (didn't happen)? Pink Batts (fail)?
Here we go with more failed promises.
Just saying.
Steve Rogers, South Launceston.
Creche Money
I READ with interest and I cannot for the life of me wonder why anyone would object to monies promised to child creches.
These carers should be rewarded for being so caring. If you are concerned about where the money would come from, well maybe it should come out of the $80 billion promised to big businesses.
Or maybe you all should be volunteering for this work free of charge.
R. Greeno, Riverside.
Franking Credits
REGARDING letter from Mick Leppard (The Examiner, May 13).
I think Mr Leppard needs to know that tax has already been paid on all income with franking credits from investments before they are received by the investor.
Wage and salary earners are not asked to pay tax twice on their earnings so why should retirees be expected to do so.
W Burbury, Newstead.
Who to vote for?
Hello Lyons voters, if you are undecided about your vote in the upcoming election please check out Garry Whisson who has a life-long passion for the environment, biodiversity conservation and social justice issues.
Bicheno needs all the help it can get in all areas and this quietly spoken, gentleman will represent and progress you and your ideas.
I have met him once and he has a life lasting commitment to our planet and our people. Do yourself a favour and vote for him.