UTAS Not Delivering
IT SHOULD come as no surprise that mainland universities are interested in establishing in Launceston, particularly for niche programs.
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The reason is quite simple and should have been obvious to the City of Launceston council and Chamber of Commerce for some time.
Basically, UTAS has abandoned courses and programs in the North and that has accelerated a further decline in offerings.
The cannibalisation of the Northern campus has seen the loss of over 1000 staff positions over the past eight years which has profoundly checked the Northern economy as well as gutting academic offerings.
It is not surprising that 25 per cent of all year 12 graduates seeking further education now go to the mainland, an indictment of course delivery by UTAS.
Understandably, mainland institutions will attempt to fill the gap left by local neglect. All this has been pointed out before by many others but the message has always been ignored.
Dr Michael Powell, Springfield.
National Audit Office
THE Australian National Audit Office report indicating that the Morrison Government gave out $100 million in targeted Coalition seats has to lead to the resignation or sacking of the responsible minister Bridget McKenzie. Almost 75 per cent of $3.1 million in sports grants handed to Tasmanian clubs and local councils in the lead up to the federal election went to three target marginal seats.
I feel so sorry for all those hard-working community people and community groups who would have put hundreds of hours into their research and preparing their submissions to make their community spaces better in the genuine belief the process was fair when in reality it was not and no matter how in need they were not going to get a cent.
The Australian National Audit Office report is scathing and highlights instances of where community projects that were ranked most in need did not get a cent.
If the Morrison Government is allowed to get away with this then sadly our country is very broken.
Rob Soward, Launceston.
Sustainability Index
PERHAPS we should no longer use economic growth as our sole criteria for success but rather create a Sustainability index.
At least it would give our children a fighting chance of survival.
Ian Broinowski, Hobart.
Phones Crime Watch
THE use of mobile phones whilst driving is a very irresponsible action that could cause grief to all in an accident. I feel those caught should have their phone confiscated immediately. No ifs or buts.
Ken Wheeler, St Helens.
Metro Bus Changes
I WRITE in support of the letters from Paul Murphy (The Examiner, January 18) and G. Long (The Examiner, January 10).
A similar situation has occurred at South Norwood; the previous route going through Charlton Street is now bypassed for the saving of two minutes. The new bus stop is too far for many people and impossible, due to the uphill climb, for others who are elderly or handicapped. Total disregard has been shown towards previous and loyal patrons.
As the Department for Growth (the decision-makers) is a public service, it is incumbent for them, as our servants, to assist the public, not make decisions that make life difficult. I was of the understanding that the use of public transport was encouraged but it would now appear not so.
I am sure our local politicians will support our need for accessible public transport.
H. Parry, Norwood.
Coroner's Findings
I WRITE on behalf of the extended family of Guy Redman Clark. The Coroner (The Examiner, January 21) presented his report, findings and comments into my dear brother's death in 2015.
The Coroner commented adversely on Work Safe Tasmania's investigation into his death. We trust that WST, will, through its external channels, apologise to us specifically and to the public generally for its inadequacies, and in addition advise all Tasmanians what procedures it has implemented since to ensure that there is no repetition of the failures pointed out in the Coroner's report.
I commend both the Counsel Assisting and the Coroner for the diligence they exhibited in the inquest and to the Coroner on his final comprehensive report which everyone should read as a case study into work health and safety issues that may but should never arise in any workplace.
I hope that no family in this state or elsewhere will ever have to experience the news, which we did, that our loved one who went to work in the morning was never to come home again. I fully support the Coroner's recommendation that switchboard circuit breakers be made mandatory in Tasmania.
I also ask on behalf of the family that the Tasmanian Government and the new Premier Peter Gutwein should review the level of funding for all the regulatory, safety and the emergency services in this state so that all Tasmanians, quiet or otherwise, may feel safe and secure in their workplaces and at home. My understanding is that such funding is currently inadequate.
Dennis Clark, Launceston.
New Northern Premier
I MUST express my delight that Peter Gutwein has become our new premier.
Mr Gutwein was part of the Irish transformation all those years ago. He undoubtedly has skills which will serve Tasmania well.
The state's present rosier financial situation is a reflection of his sterling work as state treasurer. The last Northern-based premier (Robin Gray) led the state in a period of considerable development.
A model Mr Gutwein could well follow.