Turnbull got things done

TURNBULL got things done. He negotiated his policies through Parliament but was seen as weak for compromising. Abbott got nothing done. He refused to negotiate and made captain’s calls but looked strong for not caving in. The conservatives are chasing the rabid Right Hanson vote as if the world needs more Trumps or Boris Johnsons who claim defeat as victory and label inconvenient facts as fake news. I’m liberal (not conservative) but if Abetz doesn’t put up any moderate candidates then, as Barbara Bush said of Trump, none of the above. loose with) and banning motorcyclists from public gatherings, clubhouses or wearing clothing and logos, seems more about politicking than prosecuting criminals. Nowhere does the minister explain why current drug and criminal laws are inadequate to prosecute drug-pushers and wrongdoers, whether they ride a bike or not. The minister even admits bikies have been convicted and sentenced for serious crimes under existing laws. If so, why do we need a new law? It is poor justification to say that because the other states have done it, Tasmania should follow suit. Coast Track: if the powers- that-be want to sanitise the track, put in decent toilets. Six private huts, why? The track is an incredible experience, a tent, backpack, carry your food and prepare for all that the West Coast weather can throw at you. Why would you want to make a profit out of that? If the Government is so intent on huts why not put in public huts for all Parks and Wildlife subscribers? Is that not why we pay those fees? Then there is the Halls Island proposal and its helicopters, a private venture that would destroy the ambience for the hundreds of anglers and backpackers.

And let’s spare a thought for the inhabitants of South Hobart, and those of us, bushwalkers, climbers and birdwatchers, who enjoy the peace and solitude of the Wellington Park tracks. The cable car would change all that, South Hobart and the mountaintop will become tourist meccas, with all that entails.