Good time to borrow and build

STATE POLITICS

WITH record low interest rates and forecasts for them to remain that way perhaps this may be the opportunity for the Hodgman Government to borrow the required billions of dollars and at last begin building the infrastructure, hospitals, education facilities and other services required and really put Tasmania on the map in more ways than one. The benefits in the long term would be a testimony to the grand vision of a government elected on promises to do so much for this state that so far has delivered very little. Money well spent for the benefit of present and future Tasmanians would place this current government high in the political annals of this state. of government but there are too many vested interests and radical proposals will not be contemplated. To expect the Westminster system to work effectively with a small population as in Tasmania, ACT and Northern Territory is fanciful, as we keep experiencing and as the Sue Hickey fiasco will inevitably continue to demonstrate.

Half are wasting time

THE supporters of increasing the number of politicians must bear in mind only about half are working for the benefit of Tasmania at any one time; the remainder spend their time concocting situations to embarrass or disrupt them without contributing. If all worked on solutions, there would be more than enough. Before any thought of an increase there must be an extensive examination into improving efficiency. This does not mean just listening to proponents for and against, but examination of all options including other government systems. All politicians must be obliged to provide solutions, not spend generous taxpayer-funded salaries on time wasting (eg hours of press interviews and hours of unproductive disruption in parliament) and extraneous matters.

Energy jobs

BRAD Stansfield’s article echoes former premiers Reece and Bethune who protected the state’s family silver, ie its Hydro generation to create jobs ( Mercury, July 20). Brad predicted a Cabinet reshuffle and I was disappointed the energy portfolio did not revert to the Treasurer as with Reece and Bethune. Bell Bay Aluminium former general manager Ray Tasmania’s car theft hot spots Not surprised Kingborough does not appear here … suppose car thieves have realised there is nothing to gain by pinching a car in the southern suburbs because traffic congestion means they can’t take advantage of their ‘newly acquired vehicle’— Mostogl has said the state should be attracting industries because of the advantage of clean power. If Tasmania wants an AFL side it must have jobs. Ray Mostogl, UTAS pro vice-chancellor David Adams, Brad Stansfield and Peter Gutwein would be able to take on tunnel-vision councils particularly in the North which have not embraced the initiative of David Adams and former minister Warwick Smith to upskill our youth. At least Gutwein can see the advantages of electric vehicle charging stations which will be an insurance against any fuel disruption with dispute in Iran.

Vibrant economy

THANK you to John Lawrence for his thoughtful piece on the economy (Talking Point, July 23). Providing a surplus is not the only criteria for sound economic management! Repetition has just made it seem to be. I would have thought a vibrant economy benefiting the populace might be a better aim for more beneficial growth as outlined by Mr Lawrence.

Set affordability in stone

I HAVE read the Draft Housing Supply Order that proposes fast-tracking nearly 500 houses at Huntingfield and there is no guarantee any will be affordable. It may just supply more unaffordable houses. The community is right to question the State Government’s motive for fast tracking — is it for affordable housing or just to prime the state’s economy? The Mercury has rightly questioned the Government’s approach. Call it out on this sly strategy.

Liberal legacy

WHO can forget the army of Liberal politicians, enlisted from every level, that packed the forecourt of the Glenorchy RSL to launch the party’s 2018 election pokie policy? Surely funds can be “diverted” from somewhere to save this icon of contemporary Liberal strategy and values (“RSL club selloff looms”, Mercury, July 23).

Macquarie Point truth

I AGREE with Greg Lehman that any development at Macquarie Point must be founded on the Mona vision for a Truth and Reconciliation Art Park inspired by our history (Talking Point, July 21). This is a special opportunity to come to terms with our dark past. Surely the time is overdue for future generations to know how we have treated our Aboriginal community. Our leaders should show some imagination.

Look in Wade’s eyes

HEY coach, Matthew Wade has had that look in his eyes and has been making runs for a long, long time ( Mercury, July 23). Here in Tassie we could see it. Why has it taken you so long?

Leaders on a mission

NOW here’s a moon mission I’d like to see — Trump, Putin, Kim Jong-un and Boris Johnson blasting off into the wide, blue yonder, on a one-way ticket. That would surely have the whole world glued to their tellies again. GPO Box 334, Hobart, Tas 7001

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