Why sell off properties?
HOUSING CRISIS
THE Housing Commission has come in for quite a bit of adverse comment for selling off properties when we have a considerable number of homeless people. It was reported that one property had four bedrooms, a pool and a tennis court ( Mercury, April 2). How come the Housing Commission ever came to have such a property? Beats me. for 18 months and I have been on two waiting lists at the RHH just to see a specialist for six months. I emailed the minister a month ago about housing and they got back to me the same day and said they would look at my file, nothing since. These problems won’t be fixed unless they take the band-aids off and deal with the real problems. Housing needs more properties and health need more doctors, nurses etc. Now we have four more years before anything changes as the new minister for housing has shown no interest in even meeting people at the showgrounds.
West Coast move
THE housing problems could possibly be alleviated by the relocation of some of those affected to the West Coast town of Zeehan (for example). Towns such as Zeehan have numerous vacant three-bedroom homes and I am sure the businesses and schools would appreciate more residents. Zeehan has all the services required for families and children, however I understand this option might not be suitable for everyone. There would need to be funds allocated for relocation and perhaps the provision of furniture, however this could be a lesser financial burden to the government than having to construct dwellings. During the tourism season I am told businesses in nearby Strahan have difficulty in finding staff, bringing a possibility of employment for those in need. It is anticipated that the mine in Queenstown could open in future, thus providing even more employment opportunities.
Subversive at Games
I WON’T take it on myself, but I do think that a grand bit of subversive theatre for the Commonwealth Games would be to strut about in a T-shirt boldly emblazoned, “We Australians are cheating professionals — sorry!”
Ceremonial moan
HOW refreshing to hear this morning’s early ABC Radio report on the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony. And how sickening to then hear the Australian Government’s Minister for Sport and Tourism refer to that event as the opening “ceremoany”.
Left off another map
THE Commonwealth Games have arrived and Tasmania has been left off the “map” again. This time it seems that Woolworths do not have any room in this week’s catalogue to put one of this state’s athletes picture and story in with those from the mainland states. The territories have been ignored as well. No shopping at the fresh food people until after the games or until they start selling fresh produce.
Real-life experience
WITH the upcoming election for two seats in the Legislative Council for the divisions of Hobart and Prosser, can we please see candidates with experience in the real world? We certainly don’t want political staffers, who will just continue with the same old theoretical ideology of their masters and not actually achieve anything of substance.