Poor and selfish excuses
IT is all very well for the opposition and some federal politicians applying pressure to the state government to reopen the Tasmanian borders. But those applying the pressure have yet to give a feasible reason for doing so.
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The tourism industry and small business is hurting is in itself a very poor and selfish excuse. What would be the consequences of opening the borders too soon under pressure?
Would it not be a better plan to wait until the other mainland states have had an extended period of time without any new cases. Will those applying pressure stand up and take responsibility if it goes wrong? I don't think so.
Better safe than sorry.
Richard Forrester, Gravelly Beach.
Renewed support for paramedics
THERE were some supportive words from Hellen Polley in (The Examiner, May 18) regarding paramedic work in the era of COVID-19.
I would also like to add that a great deal of ambulance cases attended in more rural areas is supported by ambulance volunteers.
These volunteers go through similar stress and anxiety as their paramedic colleagues, whilst providing emergency care to their local communities.
A job that is greatly appreciated but often understated in these testing times.
Peter Mulholland, Windermere.
A massive error in mathematics
THE latest monumental blunder in the COVID-19 saga demonstrates the appalling lack of mathematical skills of everyone, from the cabinet down.
A primary student could figure that six million is between 20 and 25 percent of the entire population of the nation.
This includes everybody between one day and 100-plus years.
If such a percentage were without work the nation would be in deep strife. But rather than pondering on this, we had the Prime Minister and Treasurer rushing to the media with $130 billion (yes, the word was emphasised on all occasions) JobKeepers program. .
So now we have the sleazy exercise of finger pointing. Bring back the GFC, at least that was handled humanely.
D Palmer, Newnham.
What makes a happy workforce
ANOTHER casual health worker cannot afford a loss of pay when off work sick, so goes to work. There are consequences from employing casual workers.
Would a permanent worker who has sick leave be a less risk? Some businesses forced to casualise their workforce by government policies, could find they are at risk. Secure, permanent, empowered workforce a happy workforce.
Geoff Lyons, Riverside.
Reducing the number of councils
COUNCILS are controlled by councillors with vested interests and have improper influence over council decisions.
We desperately need a reduction in the number of councils to unseat the dead wood and self interested exploiting members and make way for fresh young blood.
There's 35 members in Parliament, no house of review and three councils. What do others think?
Andrew Gardner, Longford.
No glory in 2020 AFL Premiership
MAYBE Richmond coach Damien Hardwick was trying to drum up motivation for the restart of this year's AFL competition by stating: "This will be one of the greatest premierships ever won in the AFL".
Die hard footy fans know full well that this year's shortened competition with Western Australian and South Aussie teams forced to relocate in other states, along with empty stadiums, is not a basis for a 'great' premiership, In fact, it's far from it.
Yet of course the Richmond coach would say that, after his team last year played 11 of the clubs last 14 games on their home turf, the MCG.
It remains to be seen if anything has changed this year.
Robert Lee, Summerhill.
Risks of financial recovery
NOONE in their right mind could possibly doubt or criticise the extraordinary leadership shown by our Premier Peter Gutwein.
His quick decisive action without question have reduced the possible death toll in Tasmania during this pandemic. I am so proud to be a Liberal, but Mr Premier your next task is our recovery, and it must be done now.
Your health advisers have also done an incredible job, but now they also must face the reality of financial recovery with risk. One of our major Industries in Tasmania, tourism is now on its knees. To prolong or delay any further the opening of our borders and relaxing the restrictions will damage this industry beyond repair. Mr Premier you have often referred to, your aim was to save lives at any costs. A bold and wonderful statement. Of course life is important, but also how we live it is also important.
We cannot be protected indefinitely, open the borders now and let us show responsibility with our own social distancing. Respecting it is still with us and dangerous. The pain is real and the time is now.
Thank you for your leadership during this pandemic, but please see the need for your quick action. The economy is now in your hands.
Peter Doddy, Trevallyn.
Leave it to the Premier
TASMANIAN Liberal Senator Eric Abetz may regard himself as the godfather of the Liberal Party in Tasmania, but he needs to leave running the state to the very capable Premier Peter Gutwein.
Maybe helping constituents with their problems would be a better use of Abetz's time? If he wants to be premier he should stand for the position, then voters can see how good he really is.