Where is our government?
CLIMATE STRIKE
CONGRATULATIONS to all the people, and especially the young people, in Tasmania, in Australia, and around the world for coming out in force on Friday to make their voices heard. The message from people around the world is undeniable: governments must enact climate change legislation now. No more beating around the bush. No more excuses. People around the world have spoken and the youth of today say that we are not doing enough.
I would have thought the Government would take heed and thank the people for their input and their passion to make the world a better place. But no — here in Tasmania there were no words from Premier Hodgman at all. Does he think so little of the people that he would ignore the biggest rally Tasmania has ever seen? leadership to transitioning to a sustainable future for our children. Economics should not be tied to the very industries that are disappearing whether we like it or not. This is Luddite thinking.
Fair go for workers
I AM curious about the response to the climate strike — a chance for the media “to see how they got there and what they are willing to sacrifice” (Letters, September 19)? We need to address transport emissions, but shaming kids for coming in a vehicle is not useful. Electric vehicles, public transport and, even better, active transport are great, but it is essential to demand system-wide changes. There are sacrifices to make but not just for young people. Many changes are not even sacrifices — renewable energy is cheaper and cleaner. The future of transport will be cheaper and less polluting. The way we transition is important — and part of the strike’s demands — a fair transition for workers affected by inevitable wrap-up of the fossil fuel industry. The push to make the change, while strong in the economic sector, is missing from the Government.
Forced to take notice
WE have a government that sits on its hands, bizarrely bent on irrational support for projects and policies that 98 per cent of climate scientists say can only make matters even worse. The Morrison Government claims to be better at managing the economy, so why is it so complacent about what will be massive costs due to bushfire and destruction. Who can blame students Secrecy surrounds $450 million in state budget cuts Under RTI who gets to decide what information is blacked out or redacted? What are the guidelines regarding secrecy of information which is not released? for their decision to walk out of schools, colleges and universities and strike for the climate? And to keep doing so until governments are forced to take notice. Students are rightly concerned and angry at government inertia and are fighting for their future, but everyone, young and old, is in this together.
Unless urgent action is taken that future will be very bleak, very uncomfortable and likely to involve considerable social unrest. No responsible government should be willing to take that risk.
Action will cost us
WHY are the criers for action on climate change so shy about the likely consequences? These include higher costs for electricity, food and transport together with a weaker economy. Let’s call on them to nominate the sacrifices they’re already making to inspire us to do the same. Remember, action speaks louder than words.
Coal currency
I WONDER if our PM would still choose to take a piece of coal into Parliament to mock those who believe in climate change? You and your like, Mr Morrison, are dinosaurs who profit from this one planet we have to share simply because you think you have the power to ignore climate science and those who believe. The young people who rallied, who will they vote for? Those who support and accept massive donations from the fossil fuel industry? I don’t think so.
Parliament strike
OUR Federal Government is critical of children taking strike action in support of the future of our planet. Yet the Government had no problem shutting down Parliament to resolve leadership issues.
Newstart bonus
WHAT would you do with an extra 23c a day?
Not bugged by dogs
RELAX Jack Bell (“Dogs in trolleys,” Letters, September 18). While I certainly don’t want your grandson to be bitten by a dog, kids play with them all the time without picking up nasty bugs. Besides which there is evidence that playing with pets like dogs actually boosts the immune system, to say nothing of the emotional benefits of the interaction.
Dinner with Trump
IN exchange for sending our Navy into the Gulf, Morrison gets a free meal at the White House, maybe even a lump of coal for dessert. That Trump sure knows how to never give a sucker an even break.
Cats steer clear
NO cats in my garden (Letters, September 21) after a few drops of tea tree oil in a 500mm spray bottle topped up with water. Spray twice weekly and after rain.