Focus on world-class education
WHAT a cracker of a column from Simon Bevilacqua (“The shameful pimping of Gough’s plan for free uni”, Mercury, May 30). Harsh words, but oh so true. Successive ministers (both state and federal) have fiddled with our education systems and in my opinion only for political point scoring. We have lost our way and now have a system that is more costly but has lost the international prestige it once enjoyed.
UTAS seems more intent on real estate investment than basic education, but has had a reality check with the fallout from the coronavirus. If government investment is ramped up, it must come with strict conditions as to how it is used. Get back to providing world-class education and restore pride in our institutions. S. Ireland Bellerive
Tougher on gun theft
FIREARM storage laws were upgraded in 2017. If firearm theft is in fact increasing (“Bid for tighter gun control”, Mercury,
May 29), perhaps now is the time to introduce minimum mandatory sentencing. Almost without fail, firearms recovered have been in the possession of drug addicts. In the US, any convicted felon found in possession of a firearm is subject to a minimum five-year jail term. It is high time we introduced a similar deterrent here for firearm theft, with a premium for offenders who have convictions for hard drugs. Carlo Di Falco Forcett
Tasmanians shut out
WOW! Well the Premier has given a masterclass in active disingenuity while apparently accusing another MP of indulging in the same (“MLC pleas for state scrutiny”,
Mercury, May 28). The deadpan irony in the Premier wanting to deny Tasmanians the chance to participate in a public parliamentary inquiry into how COVID-19 has impacted them, their hopes and aspirations, lives and livelihoods on the grounds committees already exist is gobsmacking. MPs have already raised frustrations that the Subordinate Legislation Committee does not have the powers to look into the powerful Directives that have imposed daily restrictions on Tasmanians. The Premier knows this. Similarly, the Public Accounts Committee has a limited remit.
Why doesn’t the Premier want elected representatives to do the job they are paid to do on the electorate’s behalf? Mr Gutwein has earned leadership kudos for his day-to-day handling of the COVID-19 pandemic crisis, which would only be enhanced by a collaborative approach with fellow parliamentarians rather than trying to shut them down, and by extension shut ordinary Tasmanians out. A true statesman wouldn’t be threatened by being held accountable, or by the thought of giving everyone the opportunity to tell their story, and have a say in our rebuild efforts. Cath Hughes West Hobart
Reflect on reconciliation
I AGREE with Bill Lawson, the COVID-19 crisis gives us time to reflect on why we have not made significant progress in reconciliation with our First People (Talking Point, May 28). Like Bill, I find it ironic we proudly exhibit Aboriginal and Torres Strait culture as Brand Australia yet show so much racism and hostility. We should be proud we have the longest continuous culture in the world. Like Bill, “I encourage all Tasmanians to use confinement time as a time to reflect on these issues”. Ike Naqvi Tinderbox
TasTAFE stays practical
SUGGESTIONS that TasTAFE will reduce face-to-face trade training are incorrect. Like every part of our global community, this year we have had to do things differently. TasTAFE has risen to the challenge and operated throughout the COVID-19 period. When Tasmanians were asked to stay home, our teachers connected digitally with students and rescheduled practical learning. When the Premier announced the Road Map to Recovery, we were ready to introduce small group practical sessions on our sites that same week. We know the next six months are going to be challenging, but are committed to ensuring students are safe during small group sessions. When we can resume larger practical classes on campuses we will, and we will also embed the innovations gained. That will never mean a reduction in practical learning. Jenny Dodd CEO, TasTAFE
Jobless workers stand up
AS unemployment and underemployment reach record highs, it is crucial all Australians help each other cope with the financial, emotional and practical effects. People are suffering, not only because of the effects of the pandemic, but because of actions of past and present governments. Income support below the poverty line, punitive mutual obligations, long application processing, Robodebt, understaffed phone lines — the list is endless. To mobilise Tasmanians in standing up for our rights, the Australian Unemployed Workers Union is starting a new branch in Tasmania, to be launched today via Zoom. Liz Charpleix Snug