Bad behaviour not the cause
HOMELESSNESS
TASMANIA’S $157 million to the Commonwealth does not represent “bad behaviour by state government” as Senator Abetz is quoted as saying ( Mercury, June 19). Over the years all the states were lent money by the Commonwealth under Commonwealth State Housing Agreements. The loans were made for 53-year periods at interest rates favourable to the states. This enabled the construction of public housing for both renters and purchasers. Many publicly built houses were sold to purchasers with again, a 53-year repayment period. In most cases there was no deposit but a few were sold on a lowdeposit basis.
These measures were designed to provide decent, low-cost housing to people on low incomes and they worked well. Unfortunately, what was a generous interest rate when the loans were made would now seem rather onerous because of our now record low interest rates. The South Australian situation shows it is possible for the debt to be waived by the Commonwealth. Tasmania will have to wait and see. tiate something nearer to that 2 per cent investment rate, bringing Tasmania’s annual interest payment down to $3.4 million. As for the credit card rate of 18 per cent, it is blatantly clear the banks and their peers are gouging cardholders six times their borrowing base of say 3 per cent or less. We do not need another royal commission, we just need Prime Minister Scott Morrison, who expounds “Building our Economy”, to expect financial institutions to also give a hand to “Building our Economy”, which would be most advantageous to all Australians.
Well done everyone
CONGRATULATIONS everyone on the positive steps being taken with homelessness in Hobart. The State Government has stepped up with a sensible, achievable plan of action. Community assistance is also positive with knitted blankets and reused coats. This same practical approach is most helpful with beggars. Give them food, clothes or a drink, not money. Would you expect anyone in such a desperate situation like homelessness to be able to manage money? This would also discourage a couple of “professional” beggars.
Churches by day
THERE is an easy way to solve the homeless crisis in not only Hobart, but all of Tasmania, and it won’t cost the government of the day anything. There are so many churches, each usually having a hall that is for the most part empty, except for the occasional sporting/religious use but never overnight, and they could be opened for the homeless to rest their weary heads. These halls which in most cases have kitchens, are heated and have outside toilets, would be a welcome place to rest, and I am sure parishioners would love to help out. Homelessness would suddenly end, with exception of the people who would prefer not to be included, because I am pretty sure there will still be people who, no matter what is provided, would not want to be looked after. There are a lot of reasons for being homeless, but everyone had a home in their start to life, until they walked away or were thrown out.
Emotional connections
MANY conversations about homelessness seem to assume this comes about through domestic issues, job loss or other unforeseen occurrences. The link with relationship problems seems to go unnoticed. Many have emotional difficulties affecting relationship and employment stability. The origins of emotional problems, an insecure attachment experience, can be a catalyst in not maintaining supportive relationships and becoming self-sufficient in adulthood. Some people seem to lack an ‘inner core’ of self-preservation; they have not ensured basic needs of shelter and supportive networks are met. If this group is growing, perhaps attention needs to be on secure parenting to prevent generations of disorganised and damaged people. There are increasing rates of mentally ill people attending hospitals. While a lack of accommodation and unhelpful social policies can add to the dilemma, the issue of being unable to socially interact and organise one’s life may need attention.
More fun at the cricket
I THINK the AFL players and administration should toughen up and play local cricket. Fun police don’t exist and everyone has a laugh after the game and a good time with a snag and a barbecue. AFL currently sucks, when you get thrown out for over-barracking and making too much noise. Toughen up, princesses. PC world gone mad.
Richmond blow
A SAD day for Richmond. Its heart has been torn out. RIP Richmond medical centre.
Deeming rate explanation
WITH the current cash rate at 1.25 per cent, pensioners should contact their local federal member to find out why the current deeming rate on most of their financial investments remains at 3.25 per cent. To quote one of their colleagues, “Please explain?”
Hospitality trainees
KANGAROO Bay development to include education facility to provide tertiary qualifications to the hospitality industry? This already exists. It is called an arts degree.