Respectful compromise
I AGREE, it is a pity the two parties could not negotiate the best compromise (Letters, December 20). Instead, the only time politicians are respectful is when one dies or someone is seriously ill, when they act like best friends.
Seems silly to me
I HAVE been working in the gaming industry for over 10 years. Labor’s proposed policy would mean I’d lose my job. I specialise in gaming and there would be no work for me here. I’d have to move interstate away from my family. My wife and I welcomed our first child two months ago. I’m now uncertain of my future. One thing is certain, if Labor wins I’ll be unemployed. I’d be unemployed because a small minority of gamblers have a problem. Seems silly to me.
Listen to community
VESTED interests will continue to campaign against the removal of poker machines from pubs and clubs and use various smoke and mirror reasons to do so. WA only has pokies in its casino. Pubs and clubs flourish there. If Glenorchy RSL can’t survive if its 30 machines are removed, why does Claremont RSL continue to exist so well? This RSL never incorporated pokies and is to be congratulated. The Libs are not listening to their community, but appear to prefer their vested interest mates’ view. themercury.com.au readers have a new way to have their say. It’s free to use, just register and have your say. For more details and to register, visit the website.
Time to prepare
CONGRATULATIONS to Labor and the Greens for standing up for the people of Tasmania. The usual scare campaign is happening, but Rebecca White is showing courage and social responsibility. They said the sky would fall in when we banned smoking in venues, but people adapted. There are apparently 8000 problem gamblers, with an annual social cost of $184 million, which impacts on money for food, rent, clothing and education. We need to do far more to help these people. As any change will only happen from 2023, there are years to prepare and restructure and get the economic benefits of life without the negative impacts of poker machines.
Ripple effect
AS an employee of the Federal Group and a hardworking Tasmanian, I voice my concerns on Labor’s gaming changes. It would be naive to think the effect will be limited to pubs, clubs and casinos. I work at The Henry Jones Art Hotel and I have grave concerns my role will be in jeopardy. Labor’s policy dictates how consenting adults should spend their money. This policy is a political stunt to win the election and does not address problem gaming but takes away the choice all Tasmanians should be empowered to make on whether or not to spend their money on legal products. Labor has gone too far. It needs to step back and consider the negative impact this policy will have, before it cripples the largest employer in Tasmania.
Spirit of Christmas
NEVER-ENDING debates: money or spirit, getting or giving, self-interest or care for others? Let’s look outside our immediate concerns, are they really about money or about wellbeing? Wellbeing, a fashionable term, comes with the spirit of Christmas. What about the refugees on Manus and Nauru? We have treated them abominably. I call on all members of Parliament to agree to give the spirit of Christmas to these people we are damaging daily.
Valuable vision
AS an astute investor, would you spend $2.5 million on a townhouse adjacent to a busy railway line in Toorak in Melbourne or on land at Kangaroo Bay with city and river views? Maybe, with even more foresight, you could later value-add and sell your waterfront property for $60 million ( Mercury, December 21). It pays to have a vision.
Enough of fish farms
ENOUGH is enough. The new proposal for fish farms in Storm Bay is beyond all common sense. Salmon industry companies are writing their own Marine Farming Development Plans, and running their own consultation. What if Tasmanians disagree with what is proposed for their public waterways in Storm Bay? Help.
Safety message thanks
I WOULD like to congratulate the police and whoever is involved in the road-safety campaign for the holiday period, especially the double-page spread in the Mercury this week.