Readers lay out issues that matter

WE asked Mercury readers to tell us the issues they wanted political leaders to address before and after the state election. Here is a selection of your responses. Full results are online at themercury.com.au. “Clearly articulate a vision. Show leadership. Be clever. Be respectful. Don’t give industry anything they want for a handful of jobs. Tassie’s great, but it can be better!” “It would be good if our state could pay its own way and not be mendicant.” “Increase wages and welfare to increase spending. Locally driven regional development that includes whole of community.” “The lack of support for families [with/without children] who don’t earn high incomes but are not eligible for any support despite just being above the minimum wage.” “Invest in Derwent river ferries from New Norfolk down to Woodbridge. It’s a no-brainer. Great for tourists and locals, and will provide plenty of jobs building ferries etc. Reduce traffic around Hobart.” “Regulate the cost of fuel and stop the monopolies from dictating the fuel price around Hobart.” “Stop the crap talking about minority govt. The will of the people is final, it is up to the politicians to make it work.” “Merging with an economically viable state, probably Victoria.” “Introduction of a statewide universal basic income.” “More funding for drug and alcohol rehabilitation. Build accommodation for people with mental illnesses who need support and who are not able to live on their own.” “Stop logging native forests. Drain and restore Lake Pedder. Return House of Assembly to 35 members. Abolish Government Business Enterprise model. Shift child protection investment to prevention strategies.” “The lack of equitable rental accommodation.” “Expand the parliament back to 35 members, and abolish local councils and create a new government department to

manage local services, we are grossly over-governed.” “Stop all the talk about pokies and concentrate on the real issues.” “Reduce the harm caused by poker machines, which are making a few people very rich at the expense of many vulnerable people.” “Cost of living: power bills going through the roof, buying a home in a competitive market with interstate investors and houses selling practically before they go on the market.” “There is only one issue — climate change. Tasmania needs to electrify its transport system, increase its forest carbon sinks and plan for sea level rises of multiple metres on top of investment in large scale renewables.” “Sell state-run businesses and assets to fund investment in infrastructure, e.g. developing Macquarie Point.” “Stop cars speeding in 50km/h areas. Stop foreign ownership, more bus travel and charge a bridge toll to reduce congestion.” “Council amalgamation. We pay too much for a crap service because most of the rates go to paying councillors and managers.” “Plastic pollution: introduce a container deposit system ASAP. Reduce plastic packaging on produce in supermarkets. Ban single use, disposable plastics used for takeaway food and beverages statewide. Support groups and businesses taking steps to reduce waste and plastic pollution. Support local plastic recyclers.” “More frequent Metro bus services in both Launceston and Hobart.”