Letters to the editor | May 3, 2021

Gross mismanagement, and complete lack of regulation, accountability and governance. Successive Liberal and Labor governments have sold off and knowingly ravaged Tasmania's priceless waterways, which once were part of our collective public wealth. Now the question hangs in the air - will the Liberals or Labor be the first to commit to real action to clean up this toxic industry?

WE HAVE the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia, which at this time of writing has caused less than 900 deaths.

In 1995, the then-Health Minister Carmen Lawrence, informed us that 18,000 preventable deaths had been caused by an error in the medical fraternity.

Carmen Lawrence also sadly expressed that it would be most likely this trend would increase in each coming year.

It would appear that we have a far more serious matter on our doorstep with poorly trained medical professionals.

Why is there no outcry from the public and society?

ON BEHALF of the of the Launceston RSL Sub-Branch and the Veteran Community of Launceston I would like to thank all those who participated in this year's commemoration of ANZAC Day.

Your support of the dawn and civic service was greatly appreciated. For those that bought RSL badges during our earlier fund-raising activity we thank you as the funds raised will help support Veterans in our community.

I would also like to thank all federal and state politicians whose continued bipartisan support of the Launceston Anzac Day commemoration allowed our services to proceed with minimal restriction and maximum participation. Last year's "Light Up The Dawn", while a necessary expedient during COVID, should not be seen as the new normal. The cenotaph is where our traditional commemorations occur and this should be the case into the future. Without the ongoing support of the City of Launceston council our Anzac Day commemoration would not have the logistic and material support needed for it to proceed.

The council provides this support at no cost to the Launceston RSL. The support provided includes a significant donation, media advertisement for the march and services, chairs, lighting, road closures and our excellent audio equipment plus much more. For that they have our heartfelt thanks. Lest we Forget.

I wish to add my support to the community campaign to save the native forests in NE Tasmania - the Mutual Valley and Derby area. Although I don't live there I have seen this wonderful natural treasure, and believe it should be preserved for the sake of the creatures that live within it, and the people who enjoy it while camping, hiking and mountain biking.

I would like to thank Ivan Dean for his work as a member of the Legislative Council. On a personal level, he was instrumental in having land protected that is important to my family. He also chose Matthew Silas Venn as Tasmania's First World War soldier, for the opening of the General Sir John Monash Centre at Villers Bretonneux, ANZAC Day 2018. Having the story of my great uncle told on that day was a momentous event for my father's family. I wish Ivan all the very best in his retirement.

If Sue Hickey fails to get re-elected after the Hare-Clark, onerous counting in the state election, it illustrates hubris, hiding behind her claims that she holds true Liberal values. I'm amazed sometimes by the lack of perception people have, to understand that quite often those people with large egos attempt to masquerade as altruistic. If you join a party, and receive the boost in votes that brings, and get elected, correspondingly you are required to abide by the rules, and keep within those boundaries.

I think if anything that this election confirms Tasmania's transition into a Liberal state. That bodes poorly for federal elections where marginal seats are lavished with largesse. If both major parties see Tasmanian electorates as firmly Liberal, they will not be putting up much of a fight here.

It was an absolute privilege to attend and witness democracy in action at the state tally room on Saturday night.

With all of Tasmania's media represented, it was an interesting contest in the electorate of Clark, where an outside chance of both independents Kristie Johnson and Sue Hickey may be elected. Both Liberals' Peter Gutwein and Jeremy Rockliff (who is predicted to retire during the forthcoming term of Parliament) have emulated former Premier Robin Gray, with a very strong vote, ensuring distributed preferences will elect fellow Liberal candidates.

Leaders of all respective political parties: Rebecca White (ALP), Cassy O'Connor (Greens) and Peter Gutwein (Liberal) espoused dignified end of night speeches, respectful of each other and other parties.

Premier Peter Gutwein's claim of "an overwhelming majority" may be interpreted as a form of misplaced optimism in the euphoria and excitement of election night.