Why is no one even slightly concerned about the dreadful air conditioning ductwork above Target that totally ruins a streetscape in our city?

That the proposed Gorge Hotel is creating community interest is to be expected, but let's not look at the project through blinkered eyes failing to understand that disregard for small developments can very easily destroy the character of a city.

Well designed big is OK.

MY FRIENDS and I thoroughly enjoyed the annual free Mothers' Day concert on the Brindley Organ in the Albert Hall recently. One of the highlights would have to be the tour of the internal and underground workings of this historic instrument - which we hadn't expected.

We were amazed by the number of our friends who would have joined us, had they known of the concert. Obviously, the publicity for the concert was not reaching people. The concert is free, sponsored by Launceston City Council, who own the hall.

I believe this heritage organ is under utilised and wonder how its very existence can become more widely known and used. Are there some up-and-coming organists who would like the opportunity to play such an instrument? Here in Launceston or in the wider music world, I'm sure that our council would like to see more performers using the facility.

WHEN elected as Prime Minister in 1983, Bob Hawke inherited a very talented Cabinet with a diversity of backgrounds and skills, including Paul Keating, Gareth Evans and John Button.

Willing to delegate portfolio responsibility to his Cabinet ministers, he was able to lead and change Australia's economic, political and social conditions, in an early 1980s societal paradigm of division, with the help and cooperation of both unions and industry. The Hawke-Keating Government was the first government to recognise the importance of the marginal electorate, which is still robustly evident and acknowledged by all political parties today.

A life fully lived in the union movement, Labor and government, may you now rest in peace and harmony, without the burden of arbitration, reconciliation, and consensus of vested and competing interests.

THE only way to reduce the time federal Labor will be in opposition is to elect senator Kristina Keneally as Labor leader. If you have any doubts listen and see her speaking in the Senate. She is the ex-premier of NSW and has a knowledge and intellect suited to the position.

I am sure Anthony Albanese would carry as her deputy the duties until such time she needed to change to the lower house. This arrangement has happened in the past.