In one particular study, older women were shown to be 1.5 times more likely to be victims of psychological abuse, two times more likely to be victims of physical abuse, 2.3 times more likely to be victims of physical injuries, and 2.1 times more likely to be victims of neglect than older men.

Evidence indicates that abused older people are more likely to be female, cognitively impaired, in poor physical health, and dependent on other people. Elderly vulnerable women will be most at risk of coercion to accept euthanasia if it is legalised. If euthanasia is legalised in Tasmania, "granny dumping" will become a much more ominous term.

CAN I suggest that all Australians, in particular our school children, teachers and politicians, read the inspiring address given by Chief Scientist Alan Frankel on February 12 to the National Press Club?

He clearly explained a science-based pathway for Australia to transition to a low-carbon nation with the ability to export clean energy.

He explains that energy production creates three-quarters of world Co2 production and that the majority is generated from coal, gas and oil.

He explains why it is not possible to suddenly shut down these energy options but that science and technology will improve existing and develop new processes, to convert our abundant potential for solar and wind-generated energy to an energy source that can be stored, transported and used to meet base load supply. It can be used to generate electricity and heat to power cars, trucks, trains, ships, industries and cities with almost no resultant CO2 production.

This energy source is hydrogen. With advances in technology, both coal and gas will also be used to produce hydrogen and there will be a large export potential.

Our young people need to understand that instead of the doom and gloom being promoted by activists, they will have an exciting future as the scientists, technicians, engineers and even politicians that will make this transition possible.

I WOULD like to thank and congratulate those essential workers at the front line, for example, those dealing with demanding and potentially infective customers in supermarkets, pharmacies and bakeries etc, for their resilience and composure.

All the customer service operators I met on my foray into Launceston for one last shopping trip impressed me with their good humour and professionalism under extreme pressure.

We should acknowledge their valuable contribution to keeping society going by respecting the new rules of social interaction with kindness and patience.

PERHAPS the state government could develop a set of virus containment protocols for businesses who have direct customer contact whilst this virus. The protocols would describe sanitation and hygiene cleaning methods to be adopted to minimize the risk of infection to customers. Complying businesses could display a sign or let the public know that their company is compliant. Perhaps this may create some confidence for consumers to spend money, and assist businesses through this troubling time.

EVERYONE calling for FIFO workers to be allowed to come home and interact with their families, I understand having been one for 12 years. But remember if the FIFO workers interact with their families, then their families must self-isolate also. That means no coffee with your neighbour, no kids going to school, no going shopping, no going to the hairdressers or fitness club. Wake up! Isolation means just that and if we have to cause hardship then so be it. But stop being selfish, at least the FIFO workers are still working and earning good money. It's better than a growing number of their friends and family.

THE term "granny dumping" is used by staff when elderly women are brought into hospital because relatives can no longer cope with looking after them or wish to go on holidays without them. In contrast, there is no term "grandad dumping". Studies have shown that older women were more likely to experience elder abuse than older men.

In one particular study, older women were shown to be 1.5 times more likely to be victims of psychological abuse, two times more likely to be victims of physical abuse, 2.3 times more likely to be victims of physical injuries, and 2.1 times more likely to be victims of neglect than older men.

Evidence indicates that abused older people are more likely to be female, cognitively impaired, in poor physical health, and dependent on other people. Elderly vulnerable women will be most at risk of coercion to accept euthanasia if it is legalised. If euthanasia is legalised in Tasmania, "granny dumping" will become a much more ominous term.

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