Police operation at Cressy
THREE recent traffic operations in Northern Tasmania have seen entire suburbs flooded by police to locate people wanted on warrant and other criminal matters and detect offences that may otherwise go unnoticed. People wanted on police matters drive around believing they are unlikely to be caught. The same goes for those driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, transporting stolen goods, trafficking drugs or carrying firearms.
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An operation at Cressy last Friday was primarily to detect people trying to avoid main roads and therefore avoid police.
Cressy is part of a back route between major centres and all avenues to and from the town were controlled to ensure those committing offences could not avoid police.
We are aware of criticism from a civil liberties campaigner suggesting these types of operations are illegal.
They are legal under section 7B of the Road Safety (Alcohol and Drugs) Act.
We stop people for a random breath test, licence and registration checks like we have always done. If the results give cause for concern we question them further.
If we have cause to believe they may be carrying drugs or stolen goods we have the power to search the vehicle under appropriate legislation. If the checks give no cause for concern then drivers simply carry on.
More than 99 per cent of the interactions with police are overwhelmingly positive - brief, polite and no issues. We will continue to work to detect offences and ensure our roads and communities are safe.
Commander Brett Smith, Launceston.
Showing the Flag
TWENTY years ago with gang activity, serious armed robberies and assaults, Launceston was declared worse than New York and Los Angeles, and the police did nothing. Since there have been a number of serious crimes committed, some even involving law enforcement, and the police did nothing. With police being held to account for the things they have done wrong now they decide it is time to show the flag and be seen as doing something about criminal activity with the neighbourhood lockdowns.
They can squeal as a pig stuck under a gate they are necessary, that it is only criminals they threaten. Problem is these raids come across as classist.
The overwhelming majority of good people living in these areas already feel they are guilty until the police prove them innocent.
With these areas being specifically targeted how can they find absolution for having done nothing wrong?
Davis Seecamp, Trevallyn.
Sinking Opportunity
THE HMAS Sydney, Darwin, Success and now Newcastle all share a common destiny - the scrap yards.
The service records of these magnificent ships and their crew will be relegated to memory. Every state in the country, with the exception of Tasmania, has accepted the privilege and responsibility of maintaining the history of Navy ships as an artificial reef and dive site.
The importance of these sites as a touchstone for the men and women of the defence force cannot be overstated.
This option for Tasmania to join this company still remains.
We have the ideal site in Skeleton Bay; the science is in, along with the business plan.
The only ingredient missing is a state government with the skills to negotiate a deal with their federal colleagues and the will to make it happen.
Peter Paulsen, Bay of Fires.
Swan Shooting
SWANS are a symbol of beauty and love and thought to be protected.
However, like many other native birds and animals, they are being culled and will become endangered or extinct.
They are considered a nuisance when in search of new habitats to replace their original ones which have been taken from them.
Are we going to keep up the fastest extinction rate in the world of our native species for materialistic gains or help preserve this gift of diversity we have, protected for thousands of years by Aboriginal management?
Government and councils could help by reconsidering the way farmers are charged council rates on known wetlands.
Marilyn Guy, Dilston.
Tasmanian Unions
HOW much longer do the people of Tasmania have to watch and listen to the one-sided union rhetoric being peddled through the media by union leaders representing health workers, teachers and other government employees.
What a bunch of spoiled brats they're proving to be.
On Monday, June 24, I drove past five placards waving, striking workers opposite the Launceston General Hospital after leaving the eye hospital where my wife had just received an intravitreal injection into her eye as part of her treatment.
Without any complaining, she once again paid $150 (out of pocket) for her monthly needle because the treatment is working in saving her eyesight.
We are both contented to be on the aged pension even though out of pocket medical expenses can become somewhat of a problem at times.
We have no choice but to make do with what income we receive and to see government employees waving strike placards at a major road junction, made me feel sick.
For goodness sake, if you are not satisfied with your present employment, get out and let someone who appreciates such a job to enjoy it.
