Community speaks

THANK you to 1500 people who signed a petition forcing Clarence City Council out of their chambers to a public meeting, and to the hundreds who turned up on a cold and rainy night to vote unanimously against a proposed huge hotel development on Rosny Hill Nature Recreation Reserve. The meeting would not have been necessary if council had consulted properly with their community, instead of trying to push the development through. more balanced commentators, the debate around this significant reform has been hijacked by privacy ideologues, gleefully encouraged by a sensationalist and shallow media. I refuse to accept that someone’s idea of privacy trumps better health care. This system will mean emergency department or after-hours clinicians, or any doctor meeting you for the first time will have immediate access to your key clinical information, and be able to provide better informed and more timely medical care.

Everyone should have a My Health Record. If you are youngish, in good health, the benefits are less likely to be realised at this point in life. However, if you have health issues, or are on multiple medications you absolutely should have a My Health Record. Similarly if you are elderly or have language difficulties.

The process to award the Bruny Island ferry service contract was detailed and robust. Four proponents submitted detailed proposals assessed by a panel including independent maritime and shipping experts, overseen by probity advisers. SeaLink’s proposal was assessed as best able to meet the competing needs of all ferry users and Tasmanian taxpayers. While detail of the tenders remains confidential, it is important to note all tenderers were required to submit a Tasmanian Industry Participation Plan to address the opportunities their proposal offered local businesses.