Letters to the Editor, March 23, 2020

In your Letters to the Editor today: Centrelink relief, birdlife at beaches, and coronavirus crackdown.

Linda and Justin Fry, who operate stall Salamanca Woodcraft at the Salamanca Markets and have done for 29 years. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

In your Letters to the Editor today: Centrelink relief, birdlife at beaches, and coronavirus crackdown.

Centrelink help such a relief

AFTER dreading the prospect of dealing with Rosny Centrelink after being told about the market closing, I fronted with all the things I thought I might need and over two visits I was helped through the masses of detail putting in a claim.

They were so helpful and understanding I still can’t believe it. Thank you very much. That was my wife and I on the front page of the Sunday Tasmanian. Just thought it worth telling some good news.

Justin Fry , Acton Park

Pulling kids out of school

AFTER much thought I am pulling my kids from school from Monday. I strongly believe government should be making the call to close schools and all non-essential businesses for the next four weeks. I know that this is difficult for many people and I work in a vulnerable industry myself, but I think Tasmania is in the best place now to halt the spread of the virus, but in a terrible place to manage it if it takes hold here.

Colette Goyne , Mount Stuart

Thrilled at the servo

THE most amazing thing happened to me. I filled my car up with petrol, and as I was standing in the queue getting out my money, a young woman came up to me and said, “Don’t worry about that, I’ve already paid for your petrol”!

I was blown away at such a kind and generous gesture, especially after hearing so many stories of greed and hoarding. As an older person, my faith in our caring society has been restored.

Helen Vojacek , Bellerive

But can I buy breakfast?

AS a Tasmanian about to return to Tasmania I have been unable to get answers from Biosecurity Tasmania as to whether I am allowed to obtain breakfast after disembarking from the Spirit of Tasmania and more importantly can I enter a supermarket en route to my home to stock up on essential supplies for the next 14 days of self isolation, especially fresh vegetables and fruit? Please explain, Biosecurity?

Harry Hunter , Tranmere

Canned fruit, gone

A VISIT to a major supermarket has reinforced the presence of a class of Australian previously unknown and unsuspected. If raiding the meat section, flour, sugar, pasta, etc, wasn’t enough, the vultures have now grabbed quantities of canned fruit and ready meals so that not a can of humble baked beans or spaghetti could be had. At a time when so much generosity is being displayed by so many, this behaviour shows clearly that despite the presence of layoffs and underemployment, there are those who definitely couldn’t care less if others are left to go hungry.

Harvey Bullen , Glenorchy

Virus needs one name

THE pandemic sweeping the globe is dominating lives in a fashion like never before. Countries closing their borders, sporting events in empty stadiums, employees encouraged, where appropriate, to work at home. There is a lot of information being passed on to people as to how best to protect themselves.

All forms of media are rightly giving priority to the latest, however I am frustrated the virus is labelled with two names, ie, coronavirus and COVID-19. The virus is bad news without naming it twice

Dennis Lourey , Howrah

Intensive care dismay

HOW can I express my dismay at reading “Severely ill patients may not be admitted to intensive care units if they have chronic health conditions that mean it is unlikely they will survive COVID-19” (Mercury, March 18)? Rules made by Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care Society … They are not only prejudging hypothetical cases but almost playing God in virtually saying certain people won’t survive! Some people do survive against all odds. While I recognise the awful dilemma the medical team face on who will be given intensive care and who refused I grieve for the sick because all life is precious. I trained as a nurse in Gippsland, qualified after three years and worked in the medical ward until I married. We as a team always fought the good fight and I felt privileged to be at the bedside. I wish I was young enough to put on a uniform and go back to the wards, but I’m too old. Crying as I write … Never forget, hope springs eternal.

Margaret Nicol-Smith, Blackmans Bay

Cashless card horror

CHEERFUL words from Jacqui Lambie (“This is no ordinary enemy, so it’s lucky Tasmanians are tough,” Talking Point, March 21). Senator Lambie says she understands those below the poverty line on Newstart and pensions. She will likely exacerbate their horrid situations by voting for the plan to ultimately have all Centrelink recipients on cashless debit cards, which allow only 20 per cent as cash, the rest to be spent at “approved merchants”. Research shows it does nothing to achieve its objectives. Stories of people forced onto these cards are heartbreaking.

If she votes for it, it will be a career-ender. Think about the hundreds of thousands of Tasmanians whose lives will change from really hard to unbearable.

Suzanne Cass , Old Beach

Mind your feet in others’ sandy homes

LIFE on the seashore, as Dr Eric Woehler writes, can be a precarious existence for any shorebird (“Your beach is a dying species’ home,” Talking Point, March 21). It is potentially a treacherous place to raise a family. Plovers, oystercatchers, dotterels, sandpipers or terns nesting in sand hollows are at the mercy of human feet or inquisitive dogs. Beaches of course, continue to be drawcards for us all, whether we are surfers, runners, playing ball games or just beach combing. Yet, in our enthusiasm, we forget the little fragile sanctuaries and nesting creches tucked away under tussocks or hidden in the lea of windswept beaches.

While we are having fun, birds are sitting on eggs or guarding their broods. As we enjoy nature, let us keep our eyes peeled, and be considerate where we walk. Keeping our distance and controlling our pets are such important measures. The seashore etiquette of always being mindful is imperative.

By exercising such diligence, there will be a greater assurance that the next generation of birds can be allowed to soar into our open skies.

Jack Buzelin , Taroona

HOT TOPIC: VIRUS CRACKDOWN

Quick to judge the shoppers

I FIND it interesting that everyone is quick to judge others for bulk-buying and label them as only thinking of themselves, when we live in a society that is fast paced and we have everything at our fingertips. This virus has set us back to the days of old and maybe people are bulk-buying out of fear rather than greed.

We have given our children everything and proven that when Australians are in need we band together, but now find ourselves thinking we need to prepare for the worst. This is a new experience and fear causes people to do things they wouldn’t normally do, like get angry.

I at times stop and think maybe I should be hoarding loads of food and supplies when I hear of empty shelves, in case there is nothing left when I need it. It’s not that I’m not thinking of others, it’s a kneejerk reaction to the unknown. Regarding ration tickets for groceries, we are not at that stage but it’s not a bad idea. The thought I would get an even share of what we have makes me feel more relaxed.

Sharon Jackson , Granton

Retirees left out

AM I mistaken or have self-funded retirees been done over again? I can’t see that any of the initiatives deal with this large group of Australians. Our funds are in bank accounts earning pathetic interest so our capital continues to decline exponentially. Reduced deeming rates have no impact as we are getting no government benefits. Jobseeker arrangements have no effect as we are not employees nor do we run small businesses. Revised super arrangements have no impact, we don’t have super balances any more! I just hope governments leave aside some funds for people in this class to be paid a pension when our financial resources disappear. I hope I’m wrong and I’ve missed something.

Peter Ontatzis , Old Beach

Check the isolators

FOR those people sent into self-isolation, self-quarantine, who is checking? Making sure they are staying away and keeping us safe? Is anyone? It is vital we know they are doing the right thing, otherwise shutting the door is pointless. Many might think they are OK to pop to the shop.

I am hopeful Tasmanians meant to be isolating are decent honest people who will do the right thing by fellow citizens. But we have to be certain. Police make unannounced visits to juveniles under court-ordered curfews. The same must apply. If we don’t have enough police, perhaps the military or police in training could be used. Tasmanians need to know we have contained this disease to the current number.

Keitha Granville , Copping

Moat marvels

“WE’VE got a moat and we’re not afraid to use it” — a brilliant front-page headline (Mercury, March 20). And great to see our Tasmanian parliament functioning as one in heeding scientific evidence and medical advice to mitigate coronavirus risk and protect our health and wellbeing. Please can we have more of this approach. Evidence-based decision-making works.

Glenys Jones , Blackmans Bay

Young still partying

AMONG the most disturbing responses to the coronavirus emergency is the attitude of many young people. A few short weeks ago, they were among climate alarmists claiming the world faced a climate emergency and wanting governments to take immediate action, without clarifying this action. What do we find now we have an immediate emergency? Many young people still wanting to eat, drink and be merry, to go to the beach and have coronavirus parties. To think there are calls from time to time to give under-18s the vote! Think carbon emissions have been high? Just wait until the world recovers from CV and industrial production is cranked up.

Rodney Quinn , Bellerive

QUICK VIEWS

Weather eye on schools

IN keeping with the Federal Government’s response to the coronavirus and the decision to keep schools open, I would ask the following question. Do you dress according to the weather as seen out the window, or the forecast from the Bureau of Meteorology?

Leif Shea , New Town

Taking control

WELL done Simon Bevilacqua (“Panic is a virus,” Mercury, March 21). It was a pleasure to read about the linking of John Lennon, the Kennedy brothers and Martin Luther King in the days when we had no control over such atrocities. Hopefully today, tomorrow, or in the near future we will develop a cure for this disease.

Bob Geeves , Glenorchy

All heading to the Huon

Of the attempts to boost tourism by government and the like, the coronavirus has done it in the Huon Valley. On Saturday there was a huge influx of motorhomes, caravans and tourists travelling in car coming down to breathe fresh air and the amazing scenery. With the shutdown of a lot of events, people are seeking nature.

Jo-Anne Bateman , Strathblane

Protect children

CHILDREN travel to school on public overcrowded buses, the PM thinks children cannot pick up germs and spread them around. We the people of Tasmania need the schools closed to protect our young. Most other countries have closed their schools down, we need the Tassie Government to act now. It showed what it could do when it closed our borders, so now protect our children.

Harold Fahey , Claremont

Keep the refund, Spiegeltent

IF you value Spiegeltent and want them to come back in future years, when you are offered a refund on your tickets, tell them to keep it. I’m sure they will appreciate the gesture and the cash.

N.D. Hutton , Sandy Bay

Cats really are in charge

A CURSORY examination of the empty shelves housing cat supplies at my local supermarket revealed that cats do rule. When it comes to panic buying, cat owners are well ahead of those who possess a pooch by securing a never-ending supply of their needs. On the upside, my dog Wolfgang continued to have access to his favourite food and treats — at least for now.

Ed Sianski , West Moonah

Ripped off, together

THE Woolworths ad says, “We can only do this together” and “In the spirit of fairness to all Australians”. Yet the wholesale oil price has plummeted and you have kept the retail price up and continue to rip us of at the bowser.

Steven Kellett , Warrane