Mercury readers having their say on the big issues
The Mercury’s Big Issues Survey is already revealing we’re happy, healthy and somewhat wealthy — but being buffeted by cost of living rises. There’s still time to have your say.
Tasmania
Don't miss out on the headlines from Tasmania. Followed categories will be added to My News.
We’re feeling happy, healthy and somewhat wealthy but Tasmanians are being buffeted by rises in the cost of living and are increasingly distrustful of our political leaders, The Mercury’s Big Issues Survey reveals.
More than two thousand people have filled out the survey so far.
Initial responses have again revealed that Mercury readers are well-informed and thoughtful about the issues that matter.
Responses so far include detailed suggestions for improving traffic congestion, fixing the health system, on easing the housing crisis and on the effect of the rising cost of living.
Among the traffic-taming suggestions received so far was strong support for public transport, including:
* “Park and ride with more frequent buses and cheaper fares.”
* “Big increase in state government spending on public transport and bike lanes.”
* “Public transport firstly needs to be regular, provided to all suburbs and affordable. you currently cannot rely on buses turning up and on time.”
* “More ferries more often. Better connections with buses or trams to outer suburbs.”
Some responses have revealed stark results on questions about support for the racing industry, council mergers, government transparency, climate change and school funding have shown broad agreement about the direction the state should be taking.
But Tasmanians appear to be more evenly divided on population growth, on cycling infrastructure, on the fifth lane on the Southern Outlet and on the overall direction of our nation.
And there are some interesting changes from last year’s survey: a significantly harsher view of the state government’s economic management, an interesting change in perceptions of the opposition’s readiness to form government, a decreasing belief governments are being transparent and a decline in faith in political leadership.
A question about the state’s most admired politician has produced a wide field of potential candidates, the most recent responses include Carol Brown, Rosalie Woodruff, Andrew Wilkie, Jeremy Rockliff and “Jacqui” among a surprisingly wide field.
The responses will be tabulated after the survey closes and will be features in the news pages of the Mercury in early January.
The Big Issues Survey runs until the new year, then we’ll share the answers on our pages and at themercury.com.au.
There are 85 questions and many require simply a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ response. It should take a little more than 10 minutes.
Originally published as Mercury readers having their say on the big issues
Surf life savers gear up for busy summer on Tassie beaches
As surf life savers gear up for a busy summer, hordes of people are expected to flock to Hobart’s beaches on Boxing Day, with warm weather forecast across the state.
Inside the resignation of convicted judge Gregory Geason
Email exchange over the resignation of convicted Tasmanian judge Gregory Geason included a final ultimatum from the state government. An RTI reveals how it happened.