Roadside Litter
WE ARE two cycle tourists from Germany who are riding in Tasmania.
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We have enjoyed the beautiful natural landscapes of Tasmania, the rainforest and the coastline. A highlight was the rail trail into Scottsdale, one of the best we have ridden. It would be wonderful if this was extended to Launceston. We could tell other riders in Germany to come for a wonderful experience. We have enjoyed the friendliness and the hospitality of the people.
However, we never expected to see the rubbish and litter on the side of all the roads we have ridden.
We had the expectation that Tasmania would be clean and fresh and unfortunately, we have been disappointed. In Germany, the introduction of a container deposit scheme has virtually eliminated litter. We hope that we can raise awareness of the problem so that this beautiful island can meet the expectations it has created for visitors.
Lea Kaiser, Lubeck, Germany.
Wage Theft
WITH the contagion of wage theft enveloping the casual, low waged employment market of Australia (particularly retail, hospitality and tourism), the doyen of the ubiquitous supermarket, Woolworths, is the latest example of this exploitative practice.
When shareholders question the remuneration afforded to directors (often not publicly available), and management of public companies, the predictable retort is "one of attracting and maintaining people of a high business calibre."
Recent business malpractice, self-interest, and possible criminal activity exposed by the Banking Royal Commission, for example may present a business case where this nation simply cannot afford the excesses and governance of corporate Australia?
Kenneth Gregson, Swansea.
Indonesian Aid
INDONESIA'S economic growth is humming along quite nicely at 5 per cent, while Australia's is struggling at about half a per cent.
We give them almost $1,000,000.00 per day in foreign aid.
How much do they give us?
Jack Sonnemann, Lucaston.
Code of Conduct
I FEEL Dorset Mayor Greg Howard is one compelling reason why the code of conduct should remain (The Examiner, October 28).
If anything, it should be strengthened not got rid of as he proposes.
In The Examiner, November 29, 2016 " Dorset Council mayor Greg Howard appeals code of conduct decision."
The panel found that Cr Howard's comments, "are insensitive and disrespectful towards some members of the public, showing lack of respect." In The Examiner, February 19, 2017 "Three Dorset councillors (Greg Howard, Dale Jessup, and Steve Arnold) found to have breached code of conduct over the support of Forestry Tasmania".
"Any conflict of interest must be declared because of the absolute necessity for transparency and the alleviation of the perception of self-interest".
A few loud councillors go into local government for the wrong reason, and quite frankly I believe they deserve all the stick they get from their voters. To call for increased remuneration for any job done badly or for acting badly is laughable.
Clive Stott, Grindelwald.
Racism
MR ASHAN'S experience of overt racism in Launceston is deplorable (The Examiner, November 2).
Figures from across the world show time and again the social and economic benefits of migration and it is to be encouraged in all parts of this multicultural nation.
Having lived in Australia for seven years now, the last six months in Tasmania, I have found the vast majority of people to be friendly, open and welcoming.
Now and again some idiot will spew up 'top of the morning' in a faux Irish accent to me. Which is generally fun as I get to use the comeback, Scottish, but I know you Kiwis can never tell. Perhaps that's where the difference lies. Being a white native English speaker allows confidence in response perceptively denied by and to other migrants. The unwarranted and public comments of idiots can and do cause damage.
I think Mr Javaid's comments are not only thoughtful but fundamentally right. Change takes time and it is coming. We should, locals and migrants alike, embrace it.
Ian Neilson, George Town.
Immigrant Man
I USED to live in Launceston some years back. I can say I haven't heard of anyone abusing any immigrant. This astounds me to think that a place that I lived would do this kind of behaviour. If the man were to come here where I live in Queensland he would be more than welcome. Any immigrant should be treated the same as any other human regardless of race or colour or creed.
Lorraine Carpenter, Queensland.
Skilled Migrants
YOUR skilled migrant story is a gross exaggeration, while some will experience racism, you are just as likely to experience bogans if you are fat or female, have a disability, there are idiots everywhere.
The reality is the great majority of migrants have no intention of staying in a regional area it's just a necessity required to get a PR, similarly for international students.
Most of these immigrants come from large cities in highly populated countries with support within easy reach, the comfort zone of their own culture and fellow countrymen is an obvious attraction.
And before you draw any conclusions, I have first-hand experience of skilled migrants and international students, I'm married to one.
In my experience, it's a resistance to integration, comfort zone and a lack of jobs that makes them go away.
Peter Hodge, South Launceston.