TASSIE BORDERS
THE Tasmanian government is opening the borders too soon.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Opening the borders before Christmas is a disaster waiting to happen, with Christmas being the busiest time for Tasmanians to be travelling around our beautiful state.
The Tasmanian economy is performing extremely well without the borders open, and I have never seen the whole East Coast busier than it is at the moment.
Accommodation all over Tasmania is fully booked out and has been for months.
If 40 deaths were predicted on our roads in 200 days we would all be instructed to drive around the state at 40 kilometres an hour. We do need to get back to some form normal but not during the Christmas period and while Victoria is still getting close to 1000 COVID cases a day.
The authorities can't stop unauthorised travellers entering the state now, so God help us when the borders do open.
Also, how hard is it to put some procedures in place in mainland airports to stop unauthorised travellers getting on a plane in the first place, before entering Tasmania putting hundreds of travellers at risk.
I hope someone in a position of power in Tasmania reads this and takes it on board, otherwise we are in for a world of hurt.
There is no rush to bring COVID to our beautiful state and risk the our lives.
Paul Digney, Launceston.
CLOSING THE BORDER
I'M so sick of Australia and Tasmania. We haven't seen our family in over two years while Scott Morrison and all the upper echelon are going wherever they want.
We are fully vaccinated and boosted, this is heartbreaking. Get it together Tasmania.
Marie Almeter, US.
OPEN UP THE BORDERS
International borders should open up to double vaxxed people as of February 2022.
Australians need to get their lives back and move forward. Australia is one country, not seven individual countries.
Karen Richardson, Ocean Vista.
BORDERS OPENING IN TASSIE
I THINK the borders should stay shut until next year like they are going to do in WA.
I find it ridiculous that after taking so many measures to keep us safe all this time, that because it's Christmas all measures are thrown out of the window.
The wellbeing of Tasmanians should come first before the economy .
Lindy Lane, Westbury.
REAL ESTATE TACTICS ALARMING
I AM increasingly alarmed by the current practice engaged in by most of the real estate firms.
It appears that the vendor decides on a selling price (assisted by the real estate agent), it is then advertised at "prices over" a figure way below what the vendor requested (ah, why?)
Next, through open homes or interest shown by potential buyers, those potential buyers offer a price, often well over the original price (which begs the question, why bother with the lower price if it is not acceptable?).
So buyers offer a figure, which is taken back to the vendor.
Additional buyers put in figures (without having any idea of what the vendor actually wants, or the figures offered by other buyers). Everyone is operating in the dark.
It pushes the prices up artificially (more commission of course for the real estate agent). The potential buyers should be made aware if someone has outbid them so they can offer a bit more. Then the market finds its level at a much more realistic price.
And, hey, what about the concept that the vendor decides on a price and the first one to sign a contract is successful?
Used to work well and no danger of being gazumped at the last minute.
And if the vendor wants to test the market, have an auction. Much more fair, equitable and transparent.
I checked with a couple of real estate agents to check the practices I have written about are real and actual.
Dianne Scetrine, East Launceston.
ABC PLAYS INTEGRAL ROLE
AUSTRALIA must definitely be heading for a federal election as the coalition once more tries to denigrate the ABC, this time led by a political nonentity from Queensland, Senator James McGrath. Australians of any political persuasion should be encouraged by the ABC's ability, along with other media organisations, to expose the rorts, rip-offs and other appalling behaviour that our politicians feel is their right.
It is not surprising that they are petrified at the idea of a federal ICAC.
For a great many Australians, it can't come soon enough. Because as Bridget Archer discovered this week, in a very public keelhauling, as a message to others, integrity and honesty are two words to be erased from the Coalition's vocabulary.
So much for their "broad church".
Brian Lee, Riverside.
THANKS, FRANKLIN HOUSE
AS a form of respite after losing a valued loved one, a visit to the National Trust property of Franklin House, Youngtown, for afternoon tea and to enjoy the lovely gardens, was very therapeutic for the soul.
The dedicated and caring volunteers who basically keep the property open are an ostensible example of what maintains the fabric of a civil society.
Thank you for your humanity and dedication to Tasmanian heritage.