Letters to the editor | January 27, 2020

It was an effort to try and give addicts hope for a better life. To hold out an understanding hand to those who cannot help themselves. And it is absolutely disgraceful for those who try and play the race card.

No matter whether you are Indigenous or white whatever religion, it is to try and help the most vulnerable people of our society.

People who without question need our help; it was never designed to be restrictive, but to help those who are totally incapable controlling their lives gripped with addiction to drugs, alcohol or cigarettes.

Without some sort of assistance they are trapped, they do not need sympathy, they need direction and guidance and strict rules, without choice, as they have no control, none whatsoever, and all their welfare is spent on their addiction. Isn't any system worth trying?

The trouble is do-gooders and anti-politicians try and relate it to themselves, but they do not understand what it is like to struggle with an everyday controlling addiction and for that matter neither do I. Of course they will resist because they are forced to spend welfare on food and not addiction. At least it is worth a go, or come up with an alternative.

IT WOULD be great for the agricultural industry in Tasmania if some of the 1500 international fruit pickers that the Tasmanian Government is going to hotel quarantine in Hobart on behalf of the Victorian Government could stay here instead.

Farmers are crying out for help across the country yet those cries are falling on deaf ears especially those ears of those on JobSeeker who rather get their government-funded payday every fortnight rather than actually work.

OH YES, Anthony Haneveer, I too find those Forage signs annoying.

They are empty and such a waste of space. Who thinks up and gets paid for such absurdity? I think we all get it that we are on a drive journey and should know the direction we are going. When I first saw the sign I thought it was suggesting that I get out of the car and start foraging for food that might be in short supply in the region. Then I wondered if the signs were meant for children to follow and solve a problem. Regardless, the signs are meaningless and without context.

IT'S really a very generous offer that the Spirit of Tasmania now promotes free transport of a car between Melbourne and Devonport.

Sadly, that same generous offer is marred by price gouging.

For several years, my wife and I have managed to travel, with car and cabin, for around $800 per return trip (that's approximately $90pp + $90 per vehicle + $130 per cabin).

Now, my daughter can't get a return fare for less than $1200 for 2 adults, my 18-month old grandson, a cabin and a free car!

So much for encouraging "stay-at-home" (within Australia) holidays.

CAN someone please explain why in Tasmania we can spend millions of dollars on a racetrack and in North-West Tasmania there is a family of six children plus mum and dad who have excellent rental references and a need for their school age children to be enrolled in school and be close to amenities, but they can't find somewhere to live?

IN LAUNCESTON, I have noticed quite a lot of youth problems. Young kids I have met and seen ranging from ages as low as 11 and to as high as in their 20s have nothing to do.

This then causes many youths to fall into a trap. Drugs, alcohol and running about causing havoc. I come from personal experiences as well. As I've grown older I've heard many young kids ask me what is there to do in Launceston other than going to the skate park, Gorge or the new Riverbend Park. And the simple answer is there's just nothing. You can say get a job, yes. But what if you can't? Many don't think about the problems youths face. Yet we see in many other places around the world where there's many things like arcades and all sorts of things to do.

Fun parks. Rides. Lots to do. But I find it myself to go to town and find something to do. The town seems to forget the youth. No wonder many kids get into trouble and just run amok. If we want less trouble around town then give people something to do because, if you don't, they're going to want to find their own things to do and most likely a lot won't agree with what they do. Kids who are bored in town simply want something to do where they can meet mates and hang.

IN REGARDS to Anne Noy (The Examiner, January 24). I love this country for its free speech and rights to an opinion but I was enjoying my paper until I came across this letter.

Families, including me, worry enough about their imprisoned loved ones without having to read this rubbish. Be a different story I think if your son or grandson was locked up in prison.