Letters to the editor | February 7, 2020

It's fine while we pay our taxes so they (the politicians) can give themselves huge pay rises and deny the essential service personnel such as nurses, police, firemen and so on what they deserve. They're the ones that are there when we need them, not the politicians. I am sure if any of them (politicians) were in need any of the services provided by these hard working people they would throw money their way.

From first hand experience, I can honestly say I would not cope if I had to look after my loved ones at home until their end.

Yes there are a lot of organisations that you can get home help from (that I have received help from before) but when you know the end is coming you need compassion and support too, and it helps to have such as nurses and doctors on your side to help make the process as comfortable as possible for everyone. I could not fault the staff here at St Luke's Melwood Ward for their compassion and caring for myself and my family at such a stressful time.

If palliative care has funding cut or denied an increase in funding, then I am sure there will be an increase in demand for hospital stays until the end, which I am sure would cost the government a heck of a lot more than what palliative care organisations need to operate. Palliative care is a lot more comfortable and dignified than the other alternatives. When is the government going to wake up and make good decisions for the good of the people that pay their wages and not just so they line their pockets.

Any wonder the newer generations are so negative toward the government, I for one have become very cynical of everything the government does.

THE editorial (The Examiner, February 3) hit the nail on the head over donations to Tasmania's largest political parties.

Tasmania's political donations laws are the nation's weakest.

They only require individual donations of over $13,800 to be disclosed - someone could donate $13,799 every day, and nobody would know.

To fix the system, we need a much lower disclosure threshold.

It should account for donations accumulating through the year, and disclosure needs to happen in real time.

Ideally, there would be limits on both donations and election expenditure.

Until these reforms are implemented, the major parties should follow the Greens' lead.

In addition to meeting compulsory AEC requirements, we voluntarily disclose all donors who have given us more than $1500 in a year, and we update our website with this information regularly.

If the Labor and Liberal parties refuse to do this, it begs the question - what are they hiding from voters?

IN response to John Beswick's letter (The Examiner, January 31), I would like to say that I do agree with his comments about Sue Hickey and the fanfare of Australia Day.

It is akin to Christmas, Easter, birthdays and our favourite sports, all celebrated in our special way.

Some prefer the fanfare and others just lay back and enjoy the atmosphere.

However, the celebration of Australia Day is quite different for the Indigenous community and that is for very good reason.

Imagine losing your home, identity and way of life.

Would you join in with your oppressors and celebrate on this specific date?

I think not.

The Indigenous people are still fighting tooth and nail for the right to be acknowledged as the First People, and to be recognised in their land, a country that they had inhabited for tens of thousands of years before white settlement.

Surely it is not too much to ask that the date to celebrate our national day, be one that appeases all parties.

I WAS reluctant to attend this year, not saying that the food stands or the abundance of alcohol were inadequate, but for the reason of all the drunk young adults stumbling around City Park and there is no responsible serving of alcohol standards.

If you were acting like that in a licenced venue they would cut you off. Last year, I was appalled to see a young girl being carried out onto the street, and it was only 7pm.

Also, my question is to the committee and the chairman. After walking around all the alcohol sites, I was asking the vendors do you sell bottled water? Their answer was no, I could not believe it. Why not? I know that it is an alcohol and food fest, but until it is made mandatory that vendors can offer bottled water I will not be attending again.

SURELY the easiest way to tackle veteran suicide is to stop sending our young people overseas to fight in wars that have nothing to do with us.

It's that simple.

IT IS unfortunate that some folk still remain uninformed or ill informed about the ticketing process despite the publicity and negativity around last year's event.

Knowing that I would be overseas when the box office opened and despite a four hour time difference, I set my alarm, went online and booked tickets.

Just like that - easy.

Event management is not so easy and I am glad that the planning team is embracing change to ensure the best experience for those attending.