I believe climate change is real and happening. I want all levels of government, and particularly federal, to take urgent action for my children and their children if not for us.

I want Centrelink benefits raised by $75 a week. I want an Indigenous voice to Parliament, not just the government.

I want the environment and ecosystems to be treated with dignity and respect. Our health and well-being depends on the world around us and our place in it.

I want big business and their interest groups out of politics. I want a progressive tax system so we can afford the things everyone needs, proper health and education systems.

I want a society that is inclusive and compassionate and working towards community good. Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.

Edwina Brown, Launceston.

THE Tasmanian Liberal government wants to introduce anti-protest laws to stifle public outcry over any matter that brings unwanted attention to itself.

Most protests are for a very good reason. Tasmanian Aborigines took to the streets in the 1970s holding numerous protest rallies and held sit-in's on Crown land at Oyster Cove for years.

The government response then was to acknowledge their wrongdoing and thus returned land to the Aboriginal community in 1995.

Under the proposed anti-protest laws all of us involved would've been arrested and jailed. And no land.

Graeme Gardner, Aboriginal Land Council of Tasmania.

MINISTER for Energy Guy Barnett misleads Tasmanians by stating that if Tasmania were a country it would "be top three in the world on clean energy" (The Examiner, December 6).

Tasmania producers about 90 percent of its electricity from renewables and aims to lift that to 100 per cent, which is only possible due to a century of Hydro development and little to do with the current government.

But 'energy' wise Tasmanians are using petrol and diesel in record and increasing amounts in their cars and trucks and pumping out carbon emissions that warm up the planet.

ABS figures show that Tasmanians are more addicted to using cars to get to work and education that other states.

It is time to stop hiding our contribution to global warming behind our renewable electricity production.

Next time The Examiner journalists speak to the minister can they ask if he means energy or electricity?

Peter McGlone, Director, Tasmanian Conservation Trust.

TELEVISION images of West Australian members of Parliament going into what was predicted to be a long session armed with pillows, sleeping bags and what appeared to be a sophisticated swag sends a very poor message as to their intent.

The extremely important and sensitive issue of Dying With Dignity was meant to be debated and legislated upon and here were members fronting up, grinning as if it was a kids' sleepover and publicly declaring they were going to ignore any of the arguments put forward by sleeping on the job.

How arrogant. How rude.

No wonder politicians are held in such disrespect.

Rod Fenner, East Launceston.

I NOTE this year's responses to the Tasmania Report.

Usually we get a serve of ideological slogans: "29 councils is too many"' and the government should force amalgamations".

Unhelpful and totally out of touch with community thinking. However this year saw at least one change.

The CEO of the Launceston Chamber of Commerce, Mr Neil Grose has responded in a more positive way. Local government reform is more complicated than a simple matter of amalgamating councils.

Reducing the number of councils does not reduce the rubbish bins to be emptied or stray dogs to be caught. Very welcome comments.

If the local government change process starts by respecting residents and acknowledging their right to decide, then progress can be made. Respecting current progress being made would be a good start.

Recognising the establishment of TasWater as major reform (Some would say it is also a warning to hasten slowly).

However if it is amalgamation or nothing, then it will be nothing. A case of not making the perfect the enemy of the good.

Peter Kearney, West Tamar Councillor.

PERHAPS we need to take a look at ourselves.

If we would reign in our excessive use of alcohol, tobacco and drugs (illegal and prescription), then maybe we could reduce the need for hospital beds by about 25 per cent.

It is puzzling why so many Tasmanians carelessly harm themselves and their families.

Acceptance by our peers should be possible without joining them in reckless behaviour.

Horst Schroeder, Devonport.