Date irrelevant

tal illness, suicide, violence, loss of family, loss of assets, financial ruin and bankruptcy. Those who argue to keep pokies tend to promote the idea problem gamblers are “flawed individuals”. This is far from the truth. I believe pokies are the problem. The Labor and Liberal parties have a moral obligation to get rid of this cancerous element from our communities.

People should decide

GLENORCHY was not the only council that prefers secrecy rather than transparency to the community it was elected to serve. Many instances could be cited in Hobart, Clarence and other areas where public consultation is resisted because there may be some criticism. All new developments and new ideas should live or die on their merits for the community involved. Too late for public consultation when plans are “set in concrete”. original custodians of the land. The elder members of society are also disrespected. Out of touch equals out-of-government. Bring it on. WHY would anyone want to keep January 26 as Australia Day? It is irrelevant. The First Fleet arrived at Botany Bay on January 24, 1788. January 26 merely symbolises the British taking ownership of Australia and dispossession of Aboriginal lands despite the First Nation people having been occupants here for 60,000 years. January 26 is the last vestige of British imperialism. Modern Australia does not need a date that divides its people. It is time for us to move forward. Well done to Triple J and the many councils which recognise the irrelevance of January 26.