AFL Too Congested
The AFL's 6-6-6 and goal square kicking out changes have shown that it is not the answer to a better spectacle.
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One reason the game has become more crowded, with more physical contests is using the oldest defensive move, by attacking around the boundary line. More often than not the ball is forced over the boundary line resulting in a throw-in by the boundary umpire, causing a gathering of players from both sides.
If a free kick was awarded against the player who intentionally or unintentionally caused the ball to go out of bounds it is obvious the pack mentality would be a thing of the past in this particular situation.
Hugh Boyd, Prospect Vale.
Northern Tasmanian Jobs
Premier Will Hodgman has been forced to defend the Liberal Party's parochial campaign that sought to divide the state. A tactic that according to our premier was fine because it paid off.
If the Liberals are going to cast themselves as the party for the North, perhaps Mr Hodgman and Treasurer Peter Gutwein should explain why they refuse to agree to changes, through public sector bargaining, that would mean jobs advertised within the Tasmanian State Service would only include a location where the job can't be done elsewhere. A change that would increase job opportunities in the North/North-West, improve services outside Hobart and support small business that relies on locals, not tourists.
Thirza White, Community & Public Sector Union Assistant Secretary.
Election Results
Regardless of this the surprise election result, Australia has now spoken and what I ask of all elected members is to please reflect on what has gone on in our recent political past. I hope, like me, you are embarrassed and dismayed as to how purportedly eminent people have behaved in the privileged role to which you have now been elected or re-elected.
A politician is meant to be someone we can trust and admire for the selfless work they do for our communities, not the selfishness and bizarre behaviours we have witnessed over a long period of time.
So please try to conduct yourselves with the statesman (woman) like qualities that your long-ago forebears did and fight for these qualities within your parties so that at the end of this three (or six with the Senate) year term the country has respect for the way you went about it, even if we don't always agree with what you did.
Hugh McKenzie, Launceston.
Charity donations
I wish i could support all those wonderful charities that render so much assistance to those in need, but that is just not possible. Some of these charities receive financial help from the Government, but there is one I would like to see added to that list.
It is really inspiring to see the dedicated help Assistance Dogs give to their owners once they graduate from training. Incredible is more like it.
Each one of these remarkable animals go through a long period of training which costs in the vicinity of $35,000, so the Assistance Dog organisation relies entirely on donations.
Government funds assist many wonderful causes, but I would really like to see Assistance Dogs added to the list. Maybe they could name a trainee dog "ScoMo"?
Bill Carney, Riverside.
Chris Bowen
When Chris Bowen, on the retiree tax, states "I should have worded it better", we deplorables interpret that as Labor speak for "I got it wrong - oh so very wrong".
Gordon Thurlow, Launceston.
Customer Service Awards
Every day we see a lot of examples of great customer service in our city.
There are quite a few exceptional people of all ages doing a top job. A welcome smile, nothing is a trouble. They love what they do.
In some cases going beyond their duty.
Why can't we recognise these individuals and show them that we appreciate what they do? It is such a pity that we no longer have our CityProm Customer Service Awards.
This was a top celebration event. I recall seeing around 500 retailers and their staff turning up all dressed up to celebrate with their workmates and employers.
Let's set a benchmark for these hard workers to aspire to.
The end benefits are enormous for everyone. Why can't Launceston be envied for our first class customer service? A real point of difference in these competitive days.
In my view and I am sure of many others, there is no price to pay to recognise exceptional effort. Bring back the Launceston Customer Service Awards. There are plenty of sponsors out there who I am sure will gladly support them.
Gil Sellars, Launceston.
Traffic Congestion
Launceston councillors would do well to visit Napa, California, the sister city of Launceston. Not only for a well-established wine industry but also for a near total lack of traffic congestion.
Napa residents can avoid traffic hotspots with emails and advisory messages from police, fire and ambulance.
California allows the equivalent of a left turn on red lights. Minor intersections have stop signs instead of traffic lights and dedicated FM traffic radio broadcasts are common. The USA has major freeway networks with emergency and carpooling lanes for two or more people.
Uber and Lift are cheap while public transport is largely impractical except for major cities, airports and shopping centres.
While Hobart's inner city traffic congestion increases it's only a matter of time before Launceston faces a similar fate.
Sister cities provide a wealth of business ideas and solutions but to date, my contacts with the City of Launceston council have been fruitless.