Parties gambled and lost
POKIES
THE continuous ranting from the Labor Party and Greens over the election loss is nothing less than sour grapes. They lost the election through playing the poker machines, intending to have them removed from clubs and pubs to win government. The electors will not tolerate disorderly conduct by Labor or the Greens. This lot should wake up and become a credible opposition for our state rather than their own self interests.
Fair debate
THIS election’s pokies debate was widely reported on all mainstream media. Having been in contact with many of the journalists I concluded their personal opinions to reflect this issue’s 80 to 20 community divide. With little exception that wasn’t reflected in their journalism. They reported fairly and equally.
The mostly young journalists across all media served their consumers and their profession well. Criticism has been directed at this paper, unfairly. The Mercury opened the debate with its 2015 editorial “Rein in the pokies pain”, an editorial title I plagiarised for my social media page. It then gave consistent and equal access to both sides through access to their opinion pages. Having reached a different conclusion, I disagree with, but respect, Editor Chris Jones’s decision to support the Liberal Party in his final editorials, but his choice had no impact on the Mercury’s journalism. The main barbs aimed at the Mercury have been over the paid advertising, and the look these gave the paper. This shouldn’t reflect one bit on the Mercury. Anger at the imbalance in paid pro- motions shouldn’t be directed at the paper. It should, and will, be taken up in other forums that will include the news and opinion, and editorial, parts of theMercury. Journalism is alive and well in Tasmania.
Vote loser
THE dummy spit that was Ms White’s election concession speech was a very immature effort and not congratulating the Liberal Party was indicative of that immaturity. Let’s hope she learns from her mistake and realises she was the one who started the pokies debate and should have seen that the potential loss of so many jobs was going to be a vote-loser.
Will Hodgman’s speech by contrast was measured and sincere and the Liberal Party and the voting public are to be congratulated for their maturity and intelligence. The win means the Government will have to honour all their promises and in a very short space of time. No procrastination Will, get on with it! If the opposition was to be less obstructive the state would be a better place but the chances of that happening are as likely as their union mates not propping up the Labor Party from union dues.
Adjust machines
NOW the state is run by the gambling industry and their cohorts, why not play fairer with poker machine players? Having just visited the Christchurch Casino, it’s interesting to note the following: The ATM has a limit and all withdrawals are A new way to have your say 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. made in the maximum denomination of $20 notes; All poker machines will only accept $5, $10 or $20 notes when cash is injected; After playing for a while the machine stalls and written advice shows on the screen which advises of total bets made to date; credits back and how you fared (loss or profit); It asks the player whether they want to proceed or not. This short stall gives the punter a time to reflect and play on or leave. Many combinations also gave a return, which in Tasmania they don’t.
Apart from not showing the above advice to the Tassie punter, it’s quite obvious you are being ripped off as well.
Jobs for young
NO one should suffer the damage pokies have. They ruin lives. If only the Liberals would open their eyes and see the bigger picture. The gamblers are not the only ones affected, so are their families and communities. Jobs may be lost from banning pokies but if the gamblers cannot sustain their own jobs the economy will suffer a lot more. Without the gambler receiving money they might ask for money from family members, or even steal. Thousands of jobs can be regained by young talented musicians who can thrive in pubs instead. The Government is always talking about providing young people with jobs and this would be the perfect opportunity. Do you want a healthy community or one plagued with stress and unemployment? No one is winning with pokies standing around in pubs and clubs.
Unfair world
AMAZON CEO Jeff Bezos worth $140 billion, Rinehart children $1.67 billion each, Markle’s wedding dress $700,000. Meanwhile at the Showgrounds in Glenorchy families are living in tents. It sure is an extremely unfair world we live in. Share the wealth, I say. Chances of that happening?
Spooked over jobs
THE Labor Party appears to be spooked by the “we need Adani because we need jobs” mantra. In fact there are other sources of jobs besides coal. Renewable energy, for instance.
Sledging unsporting
WE are still defending sledging in cricket as some sort of art form when it is really just the epitome of unsporting behaviour. It sends appalling messages to young cricketers. It appears valued as an actual skill yet it merely proves an ability to verbally insult an opponent and gain an advantage in a theatre which is tough enough. Appallingly inappropriate.
Still hinting
SURELY, by now, the Greens must have taken the hint.
Bigger worries
AS very concerned citizens for those experiencing homelessness and housing shortages in Tasmania it seems to us the major worry for some is saving Tasmanian football.