Letters to the editor | March 20, 2021

As tourists from WA we found it almost impossible to secure accommodation (for three) when booking some six weeks ago.

I cannot secure a rental car.

None until April. I am continually failing to secure restaurant bookings.

And the concept of booking a few days ahead when touring the state is impossible. Trust me, the only assistance required is more facilities within the industry.

All that said, what a wonderful place.

We can't wait to return, but next time we will be pre-booking right down to sandwiches for lunch.

I TOTALLY agree with the article by Peter Whish-Wilson (The Examiner, March 16) describing "reckless forestry actions" by our government.

He describes logging of the rainforest beside the Blue Derby Mountain Bike Trails as "brazenly stupid" which of course it is.

These ancient rainforest trees can never be replaced and ought to be permanently protected and preserved.

They are far more valuable to tourism and to the prevention of further climate change than any proceeds from the timber they provide.

WE would like to jointly acknowledge and congratulate the 18 women and three women's organisations who were inducted into the Tasmanian Honour Roll of Women last Friday. Each of these women and organisations embodies leadership, selflessness, courage and creativity in making their significant contributions in Tasmania, and further afield.

The Tailrace Centre in Launceston was filled with inductees, accompanied by their proud families and supporters for what was a true celebration of their achievements.

It was however very disappointing to note that Greens Leader Cassy O'Connor boycotted the event and cast aspersions on the Honour Roll's judging process.

Not only was this attack unfounded as the judging panel is independent, but her claims diminished the extraordinary contributions made by the Tasmanian women that were recognised on the day.

A VERY interesting police report (The Examiner, March 9).

Statistics released refer to the last long weekend from Friday night, until Monday afternoon, across the North, whereby police attended 23 disturbances of which 11 (48 per cent) were domestic violence incidents.

Just pondering how often that occurs? No further offerings from here, leaving that to the experts.

WHY should I buy Australian? Building replacement Spirit of Tasmania ships overseas, you've got to be joking. The sooner we get rid of this government the better.

EARLIER this year, the Tasmanian government encouraged individuals and organisations to put forward a submission to "Our Healthcare Future", allowing for meaningful engagement to help develop the framework for Tasmanians into the future.

Our group, The Friends of Northern Hospice, have contributed a submission outlining our plans and goals for a hospice and improving palliative and end of life care services and facilities.

In most health areas, this is happening; for example, a pregnant woman will be engaging with her obstetrician or midwife, and a plan will be put in place for the safe delivery of her baby. When birth is imminent, the mother will present to the appropriate entrance at the LGH; she will be met by specialised staff and escorted to the maternity unit where she, her baby and support person will be cared for as they would expect to be.

Now take someone who is terminally ill, maybe wanting to die at home, but for whatever reason, this cannot happen.

It is highly likely the family will call 000; an ambulance will take that person to the ED at LGH. They may be ramped or remain on a trolley for many hours and may die on it.

If we had a dedicated hospice with a 24/7 phone assistance service, and if the terminally ill patient could not die at home, they could be admitted directly to that facility and receive the same professional and specialised care as they prepare to depart this world as they would if they were entering it.

Let's make it happen. We have the plans ready to go. All we are asking is for a commitment to ongoing funding.

AGED care has become a big business in Australia, attracting large investments in building facilities and providing employment for an ever-increasing workforce.

Training courses are available to adequately skill that workforce, but it would seem that this is largely skilling in the physical side of care.

Just as teachers in our schools need to be able to initiate and guide learning programs, so should those employed in aged care as they do more than just keep an eye on the physical wellbeing of inmates.

Most aged care homes are well provided with a range of facilities, but I believe they lack the ability to initiate their best use.

I make these comments after spending five boring days in respite. I would have welcomed some direction and urged to take an active part. It was all too passive.