I realise that it can appear to be pure selfishness when it is often way more complicated than that.

I am not immune to the frustration felt when seeing people act against their self interest and that of the wider community, but understanding is needed, as are incentives probably, along with a more concerted effort to be consistent with messaging around COVID-19 and the vaccines, if we want things to improve.

One clue to the cause of hesitancy may well be the appalling literacy levels in Australia, including Tasmania, as the figures tell us that around 40 per cent of us struggle to engage in many literacy tasks and so are likely not able to critically assess the risks fully.

Shame is one particular stressor that can often create a barrier to learning new information.

The flushing out that is needed is of the virus and the less than equitable attitudes that have helped lead us to this polarised situation we find ourselves in.

LYONS Labor MHR Brian Mitchell and senator Helen Polley's recent calls for a $300 cash for jab are ridiculous and, frankly, condescending towards the more than 50 per cent of Tasmanians who have already received, at least, their first COVID-19 vaccination.

This is just the typical political splash for cash that the Australian Labor Party, Senator Polley and Mr Mitchell are used to doing; it is just another ploy to buy votes and expend $6 billion of taxpayers' money (using Mr Mitchell's figures). We are seeing record daily numbers of Tasmanians going out and getting vaccinated.

Nationally, 14 million doses have been administered, with more than 1 million doses being administered each week.

A cash for jab program is unnecessary.

Tasmanians have been doing the right thing getting vaccinated to save lives and make our community safer. Mr Mitchell and Senator Polley only believe the value of a life is a paltry $300.

LENIN described the Australian Labor Party as a "Liberal, capitalist party". Policies such as support for offshore detention, taxation incentives for the rich and beholden to the fossil fuel industry and other large corporations, suggest that his comment was indeed present and that voters must look elsewhere for a political party that is in tune with progressive political ideals.

THE IPCC report made sober reading, as the serious ramifications of rising carbon emissions become clear. The finer detail of the findings reinforce how climate change is a global problem with local impact. Of particular significance was the recognition that as carbon emissions increase, carbon sinks decline in effectiveness. The premise of Tasmania being net-zero relies not on industrial reduction in emissions (which continue), but on the sizeable Tasmanian forests acting as a natural 'sponge' to soak up carbon. In the face of rising global emissions, and a savage assault on native forests by the state government, it will be harder for Premier Peter Gutwein to retain this much vaunted but often exaggerated status. We need our state representatives, of all parties, to fight for our future, calling on the federal government to make the safe transition to end fossil fuel use. Without this, genuine net-zero aspirations will dry up as quickly as the air in an ever-warming climate.

THERE should only be one office supply shop in Invermay and if everyone is worried about traffic they should build a bridge from Riverside to Invermay-Mowbray to decrease the traffic flow through town. Also, a Bunnings store would be great in the Legana area this will also help traffic.

WHY do we make it so hard to become an Australian citizen? Not only must those desiring citizenship spend several years here, but much of it in areas also termed regional. They must also pass quite stringent written tests at standards many Australians would fail. And if that wasn't bad enough, they must pay quite substantial amounts defraying any costs. Why, when Australia is in desperate need of additional workers, are we placing so many impediments in the pathway to citizenship? This pathway must build feelings of resentment which surely is the opposite of what we would all hope for, a joy in gaining citizenship and an eagerness to contribute to one's new, adopted country. I urge those in authority to look to demands and procedures and make the pathways so much more client friendly.

NOW that Environment Minister Sussan Ley has refused national heritage listing (against Heritage Council advice), might she next give the go-ahead for MMG Mining to take the cheap option to dispose of their mining sludge in the Tarkine. There is to be an assessment under federal and state environmental laws where anything could happen. World's best practice please MMG.

Turn your slush into solid paste and store.

Yes, it will cost you more, but your plan will cost us more for a long time.