Take a long hard look at your records China and Russia, you both have got the worst records of humanitarian violation on record and have so for years.

At least Australia is big enough to stand up and be counted for its actions.

THANKS to Barb Baker (The Examiner, November 30) for reminding us that it was Michael Ferguson, via his "flawed study" who decided in 2016, that a hospice was not needed in Northern Tasmania, and that inadequate palliative care services were fine for the next two decades.

Now he tells us that he will vote against voluntary assisted dying.

Mr Ferguson may choose to ignore what the majority of Tasmanians want, because of his own religious beliefs.

He may believe that pain and suffering are the price that must be paid for entry to heaven.

He is entitled to his choice.

It is not mine, nor most Tasmanians.

Our choice is empathy and compassion.

Sad when religion masks humanity.

I RECENTLY called several dental surgeries to enquire the cost of having a full front denture made as mine is beginning to show wear and tear.

When I was informed of the cost $1800 to $2000, I almost dropped the phone in disbelief. How can they justify such a high price? I'd want mine gold plated.

Is it any wonder that there are so many unfortunates in our society who have decayed or no teeth at all. We truly are living in a world of greed and selfishness where the mighty dollar reigns supreme.

I am not in a dire situation as yet, but if it comes to pass I will just have to learn to munch on my gums or suck through a straw, which many babies are pretty good at.

It's a very sad day indeed when people in need are left behind because of profit.

Sadly, it is the sign of the times.

THE most serious forms of pollution in the Tamar River are those which affect the health of life within the water and the health of those who come into contact with the water.

The most common sources include agricultural and industrial waste as well as human waste.

Evidence of this pollution can be seen in the streaks of persistent foam that may be a kilometre long or more and can easily be seen from aircraft flying in and out of Launceston.

This is not a good advertisement for our "pristine" state.

Of greater importance is the fact that this foam increases the chances of being affected by a pollutant by anything up to one thousand times compared with the rest of the river.

In current times where traces of COVID-19 have been found in sewage processing plants elsewhere, it is high time to do something about this disgrace to our valley.

INTERNATIONAL Day of People with Disability is held on December 3 each year.

It aims to increase public awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with disability through the removal of physical, technological and attitudinal barriers.

In Australia, we supposedly commit all governments to a nationwide approach aimed at improving the lives of people with disability, their families and carers.

We are meant to focus on better inclusion for people with disability and seek to create a society that enables them to fulfil their potential as equal citizens.

Well, how can they? Disability pensioners were some of the first to be told they would not be receiving their little dollar incremental increase during COVID-19 while the Reserve Bank continued slashing the cash rate to a record low of 0.25 per cent.

We listened to the health experts and got through COVID-19, now it is time to listen to the disability support group experts and put more money into disability people's pockets.

A new descriptor to describe elderly people living alone (The Examiner, October 9) seems quite apt. We are an ever-growing group fighting a major enemy of old age loneliness. We may have visitors during the daytime and relatives who frequently check on our welfare, but we are on our own for much of each day and most nights. I welcome visitors and overnight stayers, it certainly adds interest to my life.

I REFER to your editorial (The Examiner, December 1) wherein I read the statement that "General Campbell has been widely praised for his way in which he handled the Brereton Report release".

We must be on different planets.

Amongst my ex-military colleagues and contact with the wider community, all I have heard is condemnation for his pre-judgement of Australia's finest based on allegations. In the absence of due legal process, the presumption of innocence remains paramount. The 2SAS should never have been disbanded nor the removal of unit citations from all who had served.