BRADDON BEAGLE

DO WE HAVE A “DO AS I DO” or “DO AS I SAY” GOVERNMENT? YOU DECIDE

Posted on March 4, 2025March 4, 2025 by Carol-Ann Fletcher

Minister Felix Ellis emphasized personal responsibility in fire safety during the launch of Tasmania’s “You light it, you own it” campaign on January 20, 2025. He highlighted the extreme bushfire risks in Tasmania and urged citizens to prevent reckless fires. However, concerns arose about the government’s plans to expedite renewable energy projects, including high voltage transmission lines, which may heighten bushfire risks. The connection to past disasters, like the 2009 Black Saturday fires, raises questions about accountability and safety in light of community opposition to these developments.

CROSSROADS: The Fight for Fairness in Tasmania

Posted on February 26, 2025February 26, 2025 by Adam Martin

Adam Martin, an Independent Candidate for Braddon, highlights the growing influence of oligarchy in Australia’s democracy, particularly in Tasmania. He asserts that the wealthy are manipulating the political landscape, pushing aside local farmers and businesses for profit. Martin calls for a return to economic fairness, prioritizing small industries, affordable housing, and accessible energy for Tasmanians. He demands transparency in politics to reclaim democracy from corporate influence, urging the community to stand together for their values against increasing oligarchic control.

PROTECTING OUR OCEANS, OUR FUTURE

Posted on February 17, 2025February 17, 2025 by Robin Weare

In an impactful reflection, Robin Weare discusses the detrimental effects of overseas-owned fish farming on Tasmania’s coastal ecosystems, particularly Parsons Bay. After relocating from Nubeena, she expresses concern for future generations, questioning whether they will experience clean oceans and vibrant marine life. Despite the industry’s claims of job creation, it contributes marginally to local employment and taxes, while profiting greatly from Tasmania’s resources. Weare urges Tasmanians to unite against this exploitation, advocating for environmental preservation and local interests in the upcoming elections.

TO CELEBRATE OR NOT CELEBRATE: THAT IS THE QUESTION

Posted on February 14, 2025February 14, 2025 by Belinda

Valentine’s Day evokes mixed feelings; romantics embrace it while cynics dismiss it as commercialism. It’s a day to express love amidst life’s chaos. The author reflects on personal growth in appreciating mutual affection. Celebrations vary globally, and love can be celebrated in many forms. Ultimately, it’s a day for love in all its expressions.

A MAJOR PARTY ‘STITCH-UP’ IS UNFOLDING

Posted on February 12, 2025February 12, 2025 by Belinda

A major party stitch-up is unfolding right now.

Within hours, Labor and the Coalition could lock in a backroom deal that cements their dominance –shutting out independents and everyday people from fair elections.

This bill was meant to clean up politics – introducing stronger transparency measures like lowering the donation disclosure threshold and measures to curb the influence of Big Money on elections.

But instead of proper public scrutiny and real debate, Labor and the Coalition are rushing through changes that weaken key reforms while protecting their own interests. This bill doubles the donation cap to $40,000 and keeps loopholes that let major parties shift their $90 million war chest while independents are capped at $800,000 per seat.

This isn’t what we were promised. Labor is cutting a deal with Dutton that benefits major parties while locking out challengers.

ENVIRONMENTAL CORNER – LET’S TALK ABOUT TREES!

Posted on February 9, 2025February 9, 2025 by Geoffrey Curtis

Environmental Corner with Geoffrey Curtis is a regular feature on the Braddon Beagle. Trees play a crucial role in providing oxygen and absorbing carbon dioxide through photosynthesis, a process that has existed for about two billion years, initially due to cyanobacteria. Notable discoveries include the Bristle Cone Pine, the oldest known living tree at nearly 4,800 years, and the Wollemi Pine, over 60 million years old, which reproduces by cloning. Furthermore, ancient trees demonstrate remarkable interconnectedness, communicating via root systems to support each other. The article invites readers to appreciate and connect with trees in their natural habitats.

ON THE RUN

Posted on January 31, 2025January 31, 2025 by Geoffrey Curtis

The article compares athletics and politics, highlighting the evolution of race measurement and the fairness of candidate funding in elections. It argues for equal financial resources among candidates, criticizing the current system for lacking transparency and morality. Recent attempts at electoral reform are deemed insufficient to ensure accountability and fairness.

PEOPLE LOVE FICTIONAL HEROES

Posted on January 26, 2025January 26, 2025 by Adam Martin

The article highlights the admiration for fictional heroes like Superman, Captain America, and Captain Picard, emphasizing the qualities they embody—integrity, courage, inclusion, empathy, and compassion. These characters inspire a longing for similar traits in real-world leaders, particularly in Australian politics, where many perceive a lack of genuine representation of the people’s needs. It calls for politicians to adopt these heroic values to foster a fairer society, inspire hope, and provide a vision for a better future, emphasizing the importance of moral leadership.

WARNINGS OUR SOCIETY’S AT A DANGEROUS CROSSROADS

Posted on January 21, 2025January 21, 2025 by Adam Martin

Bret Weinstein’s recent interview highlights the urgent challenges facing Western societies, including Australia. He warns that governments have grown ineffective, prioritizing short-term solutions over sustainable change, leading to systemic decay. Issues like soaring living costs and housing unaffordability are symptoms of a failing system, exacerbated by the unchecked power of tech companies influencing public discourse. Weinstein advocates for a “Unity Coalition” focused on accountability, transparency, and adaptability, urging Australians to unite for a better future before freedoms are irretrievably lost.

HENRY HELLYER

Posted on January 19, 2025January 19, 2025 by Malcolm Ryan

Malcolm Ryan reflects on his family’s history linked to Hampshire Settlement in Tasmania, founded by Henry Hellyer in the 1820s. Hellyer, the chief surveyor of the Van Diemen’s Land Company, was instrumental in establishing sheep grazing lands. Annie Carty, Ryan’s great-great-grandmother, was born there in 1841 as the first white woman. Ryan emphasizes Hellyer’s significant legacy, evidenced by numerous places named after him, and laments the lack of recognition for his contributions compared to the widespread acknowledgment of their historical importance.