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.
Category: Political
CROSSROADS: The Fight for Fairness in Tasmania
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.
A MAJOR PARTY ‘STITCH-UP’ IS UNFOLDING
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.
ON THE RUN
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
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
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.
MILLENIAL & GEN Z AUSSIES and HEALTH INSURANCE
In Australia, Millennials and Gen Z are increasingly questioning the value of private health insurance due to rising premiums and limited coverage. As costs outpace wage growth, many young people feel financially squeezed. They often face additional out-of-pocket expenses and are penalized for delaying enrollment due to the Lifetime Health Cover loading. The government’s significant subsidies to private insurers contribute to their profits, while public healthcare suffers. The call for change stresses the need to invest in Medicare and reduce coercive penalties, advocating for a healthcare system focused on accessibility over profit.
NEWS HEADLINES AT A GLANCE
At A Glance, where our eagle-eyed subscribers noticed something they thought readers would be interested in.
PRESS RELEASE – MARINUS LINK
While we were all enjoying the holidays in early January, too occupied with other things to notice, Marinus submitted a Development Permit Application with the Burnie City Council. The proposal involves the construction and operation of two converter stations and one switching station located in Heybridge, Tasmania.
SNIPPITS
Geoffrey Curtis’ goal is to be informative, interesting, diverse, probing, and, when necessary, controversial. His aim is to give readers insight into Local, State, National, and Global topics.