I question whether Dr Lowenthall has ever suffered from a debilitating disease, or been in constant pain. As an elderly person, I was recently diagnosed with life-threatening cancer. A major operation and six months of strong chemotherapy left me in an almost vegetative state. I had no will or motivation to carry on. Fortunately, I have survived the experience for now. However, if cancer returns, is predicted to be terminal. I want the choice to end my life on my terms. Why should my family and friends go through all the trauma of watching me face death in pain and anguish?

Those facing death of intolerable suffering should have a choice as to how their lives end. The majority of Tasmanians support the provisions of the Bill, and I hope that all politicians are allowed a conscience vote, do not just follow party lines, but respond to the clearly expressed wishes of the large majority of their electors.

ON ANY given day while driving the busy road between Margate and Hobart, numerous sights are seen.

You see bullish tradies tailgating at dangerous distances. Mothers in SUVs are texting and turning around to look at children while driving. Before COVID, at least once a week or at least fortnight a pile-up would occur because people are tailgating in 100km zone and not leaving two to three-second spacing, thereby having nowhere to escape to when said texter or non-observer suddenly notices traffic coming to a halt at the top of Tolmans Hill. Police could easily enforce the tailgating rule and fine heavily if they were serious about road safety. It's easy-pickings on any morning and would increase revenue until the "stupid" feel their savings diminish.

Mobile phones are I believe another real reason for distraction. I feel this is under-reported. All new vehicles should be fitted with a screen disablement or some other smart app to only allow voice calls with a factory fitted phone system or an aftermarket unit. You should not be able to see your screen until your car engine stops or better when your ignition is off. Someone will make millions out of this technology. I rarely use my in-car phone as I notice I do not concentrate as well on my driving whilst talking to someone.

I'm sure studies are done on this.

It's an opportune time to thank all the staff who looked after me during my time as a patient in 2008. I was a terminally ill patient with inoperable large B cell brain lymphoma (tumour) and was given six months to live. The patient then received palliative care treatment for 18 months for the terminally ill disease (brain tumour). Prior to this diagnosis, the patient had a near-fatal heart attack where the paddles were used to kick start the heart, which the patient was unaware of at the time. Fortunately, I am still alive and kicking to share this experience has been on death's doorstep twice. You never know what you are made of until you are fully tested. There is only one place to be when you are seriously ill - LGH, where the staff are helpful and courteous.

HAVING worked for eight years with P&O rising to deputy purser at sea and more than 10 years as a manager with Travelodge I feel qualified to comment on the new Spirits.

Firstly the new route to Geelong is, I feel a mistake because if the ferries were to travel to Hastings about three hours would be saved in travel time and many dollars saved in fuel costs both ways.

One of Mr Clifford's new ferries of 212 metres should be chosen just for the jobs alone it would create here in Tasmania.

These new bigger vessels are a huge difference in stability and comfort to the old Devil Cat of only 74 metres that ran at 40 knots to George Town, additionally, they have a computerised system which further enhances a smooth ride.

For the second vessel, I'm sure there are many bargains to be had in Europe due to many being laid up because of COVID-19, and then this might be replaced at a later date again by Mr Clifford's vessel so that two new ones are not purchased at once - then there would be ongoing employment at Mr Clifford's yards for a longer period as I doubt two could be built at once?

Perhaps even a third vessel should be considered for a daylight crossing only with no accommodation (saving huge crew costs, linen, mattress costs etc). This would be aimed as a real ferry, prioritising passengers and their cars, caravans etc as a cheap alternative with substantially more economical fares similar to Jetstar in the airline business.

Of course, it would have plenty of reclining seats, packaged food outlets (to avoid the use of cutlery, crockery and possibility of bribery and corruption in restaurant type service (which I know goes on in respect to supplies etc) and even a suitable area for displaying Tasmanian food, services and tourist "must-sees" suitably manned for inquiries. The first two vessels would have accommodation to suit the early morning arrivals and cargo requirements and the third vessel (aimed as a "real ferry" prioritising passengers). I'm sure in the current circumstances this might be funded by the federal government in view of the push for jobs. Of course, Mr Clifford himself would be the most experienced person to advise on all these aspects.