OPINION
From time to time Mike submits articles to various media outlets. His articles can be found by clicking the 'read more' links below:
2025
MANAGING THE INTRICACIES OF VOLUNTARY ASSISTED DYING IS RELIANT ON EFFICIENT SYSTEMS -MERCURY NEWSPAPER ARTICLE - 19/06/24 Recently, I received a phone call from an older Tasmanian dad wanting to thank me for the End-of-Life Choices (Voluntary Assisted Dying) legislation as his wife had chosen the VAD pathway. Two weeks prior to that conversation, I was at a social occasion when a person I did not know, spoke about the loss of his 54-year-old partner, who a few days earlier had also chosen VAD. With over 200 Tasmanians already choosing the VAD option and other individuals being assessed as eligible, many Tasmanians know of a family, friend or community member who have been impacted by this legislation. Everyone who has contacted me has (without exception) been very positive of the quality of the experience and compassionate care shown by all health personnel involved. However, it is extremely disappointing that Tasmania is the only jurisdiction not to utilise a portal in the process. In October 2021 Tasmania was the 3rd state to pass and implement VAD legislation in Australia. Victoria was the first in June 2019, Western Australia, July 2021, Queensland, January 2023, South Australia, January 2023, New South Wales, November 2023 and the ACT has passed VAD and accessible in November 2025. All jurisdictions have assessed the situation, and all (except Tasmania) have chosen a portal as the most efficient system. A VAD portal is a secure online system used by Medical Practitioners to manage requests and ensure compliance with VAD legislation. It allows Doctors to complete and submit forms, access training and apply for permits to prescribe VAD medications. I have spoken with medical practitioners and health administrators from other states, and many were genuinely shocked that Tasmania does not utilise a portal. Given that the biggest issue for getting medical practitioners to assist in the VAD space is a non-remunerated administrative burden, a portal should be a priority and ensure our doctors spend less time filling in paperwork. After asking questions in the Legislative Council, I was informed by the Leader of Government (quotes) a VAD Portal “was not viable” and a system “is needed that best suits Tasmanian’s unique needs.” Absolutely ridiculous and ludicrous comments to suggest that our administrative VAD requirements are more unique than other jurisdictions and that a portal would not be viable or advantageous in this State. It should be noted that recently the Tasmanian Government has been very vocal and proactive supporting a new portal for businesses and industry to report regulatory red tape which may be costing them time and money. A Doctor commented, “I have heard about the red tape reduction and hope that can work for us as well. We have overworked doctors doing VAD and the cumbersome process is turning them off. The current One Drive system is clunky, email based and relies on us searching for and downloading PDF forms, filling them out and emailing them to the Commission. Currently, if we miss a field or box, the Commission will chase us and then there are a series of emails to-and-fro to amend the error. A well-designed portal should not allow a form to be submitted unless all required areas are completed.” Another Doctor stated, “We are coming up to our third anniversary and still no portal. How is it government can automatically and instantly accept and justify a $45 million increase for a Centre of Sporting Excellence above its original $60 million budget allocation. Now $105 million in total and say that is viable however, the Government cannot find $1.5 million to $2 million for a VAD portal which is so important for doctors in Tasmanians now and into the future. We have GP’s walking away, stating that they will consider returning to the space when there is a portal.” Health practitioners contact me as they know I have skin in this game, and that perhaps I can assist and inform the public in general, the concerns of doctors. These concerns have impacts on their professionalism, their health and, importantly, Tasmanians and families who gain so much from their support and assistance. I do believe that a rather minimal outlay for a VAD Portal would be money well spent for all Tasmanians especially, overworked Health Practitioners.
CRACKERJACK CHAMPIONS READY TO ROLL - ADVOCATE NEWSPAPER ARTICLE - 03/02/25 We appreciate that positive and energetic communities need to offer lifestyle opportunities for people to interact and be involved. Walking groups, markets, U3A’s, theatre and the arts, sports, churches and recreational gatherings all assist with the health and well-being of individuals; socially, physically and emotionally. One sport which does tick all the boxes and has a very exciting and full agenda is lawn bowls. Currently in Tasmania, there are 67 lawn bowls clubs with 15 of those along the Northwest Coast. Many clubs also offer corporate or social bowls competitions which encourage a midweek fun challenge, usually associated with a bbq and refreshments. Indeed, in 2023 there were 4,269 registered pennant bowlers and 38,950 social bowlers in Tasmania. Previously, lawn bowls was regarded as an ‘older’ persons sport; that is no longer the case. Many of Australia’s prominent bowlers are very young (20’s and 30’s) and have competed in World Championships and Commonwealth Games. Currently, in Tasmania there are approximately 580 junior (U/18) players participating in a variety of lawn bowls programs. The peak body, Bowls Tasmania, plays an excellent role in providing the opportunity for statewide competitions for junior bowlers, para bowlers, bowlers with bowling arms, open age bowlers and senior bowlers (60+). The North, South and Northwest Coast triangular series is of very high standard and is often pre-selection opportunities for our state teams who then compete at the National level. This year Bowls Australia will be hosting the Nationals in Devonport and Burnie from 10 – 27 November. The Nationals 2025 incorporate six of the sport's most revered competitions (the Australian Champion of Champions, Australian Under-18 Championships, Para Nationals, Australian Senior Sides Championships, Australian Sides Championships and the Australian Championships) and no less than thirty-one national titles. The championships feature a variety of events encompassing all ages and abilities, including junior, open-age, senior, para and open events, with more than six hundred and fifty competitors across sixteen days of competition. It will be the largest lawn bowls event ever held in Tasmania. A massive financial and social benefit for our local economy. To entice future generations of lawn bowlers to join the sport there will be a junior carnival held in Latrobe on Sunday 23 February. Coastal high school students and grade 5&6 students are invited to participate. For further information contact your local bowls club, or Mike Gaffney (0409 015 253) or candice.winter@parliament.tas.gov.au
NO FRACKING WAY - ADVOCATE NEWSPAPER ARTICLE - 21/01/25 An issue of concern for me (and hopefully many Tasmanians) is that of fracking. Fracking is short for hydraulic fracturing which is the process of creating fractures in rocks and rock formations by injecting specialized fluid into cracks to force them to open further. The larger fissures allow more oil and gas to flow out of the formations and into the wellbore. The current moratorium on fracking in Tasmania is due to expire this year in March. Frack free Tasmania is calling on a permanent legislated ban on fracking and explains, “whilst the effects from long-term leaks and the releasing of green house gases are unacceptable legacies to pass to future generations, the immediate impacts are often devastating. Firstly, each step of gas production creates risk of contamination to surface and groundwater, secondly with vast quantities of wastewater, contamination can occur through spilling, leaking, flooding and overflow and finally the chemicals released can include heavy metals, phenols, barium, volatile organic compounds including benzene, toluene, ethylene and xylene, radioactive materials, fluoride, polyaromatic hydrocarbons, salt and many chemicals of unknow toxicity. Negative health impacts of fracking have been documented in an ever-increasing list of scientific reports and publications. Of real concern as recently highlighted by a member of the farming fraternity is that most of the category 4 exploration licenses which could be areas to be fracked in Tasmania are across large areas of prime agricultural land (northwest coast, north and east coast) and of further concern is that it also could occur in areas covering Hobarts water drinking catchments. Currently, granting licenses for fracking are at the discretion of the Minister with very little recourse or protection for private landowners. I don’t believe Tasmania can afford for many reasons to accommodate an industry that requires an ever-expanding network to remain viable. A responsible Government should not be tempted, for a relatively small percentage cash injection, to support any mining which has the potential to threaten our health, our advantages of our high-quality soils, food, beverages and produce that promote our beautiful state and natural environment. I ask the premier and Government to review the negative impacts of fracking in Northern Territory, Queensland and the like and to introduce legislation banning fracking as has occurred in Victoria in 2018. Our farmers and people deserve the same respect and security.
2024
MEN, NOW WHAT EXACTLY ARE THEY GOOD FOR? - ADVOCATE NEWSPAPER ARTICLE - 09/10/24 I’m sure that everyone can think of a man in our lives who simply gets on with it, and yet all too often, it’s these quietly kind and capable blokes that come down with a preventable illness of some sort that was discovered a little bit too late. It’s these men that International Men’s Day (IMD) seeks to highlight and acknowledge. Held annually on the 19th of November, with this year’s theme ‘Men’s Health Champions’ to raise awareness of ongoing health issues in men. It’s a movement that started 25 years ago and currently celebrated in over 80 countries; with the aim of highlighting the social, health and wellbeing issues faced by men and boys of all ages. The aims of IMD include promoting positive male role models that are every day men living decent, honest lives, and celebrating the positive contributions of men in society, to their community, life partners, family, childcare, and the environment. It’s a long list and one that I think you’d recognise in the best of men you know. There’s also an emphasis on men’s health, wellbeing, improving gender relations and promoting gender equality where all people can be safe and grow to reach their full potential. Men’s health is an issue I have had a keen interest in for many years and I invite and encourage you with your friends, families and community groups to attend our second IMD family day at Bells Parade from midday until 2.30pm on Sunday 17th November. Bells Parade is a beautiful area for performances and demonstrations for clubs and community groups to be held in a way that can include both men, women, and their families in a range of activities. The free entry family event, ‘BBQ at Bellsy’, will have a range of sporting and recreational activities, health checks and information, live music, the Mustang Owners Club of Australia display, a BBQ lunch supported by the Latrobe Community Shed, with ice cream and coffee vans, or bring your own BBQ /picnic. Indeed, if you think your club or community group would like to be involved to showcase your organisation, provide information or even an activity, please contact Candice (6422 3000) or Mike (0409 015 253) as we’d love to include you in the afternoon’s program.
STRENGTHENING THE PORT SORELL COMMUNITY - ADVOCATE NEWSPAPER ARTICLE - 12/07/24 Like many of us - I have witnessed several, wonderful, community groups develop and evolve to meet their members’ needs. One that is especially close to my heart is Port Sorell U3A; a community of older learned Tasmanians who seek to keep mentally and physically active in a wonderfully inclusive and welcoming organisation. Port Sorell U3A recently celebrated its 10th anniversary with displays of members’ activities, musical performances, wine, food and the launch of a report detailing its history including member reflections on what it means to be part of such an active group. Like many successful groups, there’s an incredible amount of behind-the-scenes effort required from key individuals, essential in establishing and maintaining a community-based entity. Their selfless belief in our community, coupled with irrefutable enthusiasm and boundless energy is the embodiment of what makes Port Sorell U3A so special – and currently over 400 active members agree. If we include the 236 courses and activities, with over 115 tutors and program leaders, it’s been a very busy decade. Acknowledging that when the Covid pandemic struck, it made it impossible for normal activity to continue, however it did highlight the very best qualities of U3A. Undaunted, the Committee stepped up and found new ways to help members connect and engage in what were incredibly challenging times for us all. I strongly believe that U3A helped our Port Sorell community stay connected, with hope and confidence for what is now an enthralling post-covid future. To me, community is everything and I believe Port Sorell U3A to be one of the most successful groups in Tasmania with its all-inclusive culture of openness and goodwill, where every new member is welcomed as an old friend ready to share engaging new experiences, combined with an incredible diversity of knowledge and genuine companionship. Port Sorell U3A is also supporting other emerging Tasmanian U3A entities by freely giving of their time, expertise and energy in a way that will allow an inclusive ethos to evolve and flourish across Tasmania. If I can be of any help, please get in touch, and as a Life Member I do have a keen interest in the ongoing success of Port Sorell U3A.
COMMUNITY SERVICES NEEDS OUR SUPPORT ADVOCATE NEWSPAPER ARTICLE - 28/03/24 With the election come and gone we now await the negotiation of what will be a coalition government of some kind. Within this arrangement there’s a chance to ensure that the imminent state budget covers the real costs in delivering essential community services. For those who are unaware, community service is an all-embracing term for a sector we turn to at different times in our lives for tangible support. This includes assistance for new parents, mental health services, addressing substance use, emergency food relief, NDIS and employment support services, help with independent living as we age, palliative care, youth work and much more. However, the ongoing impact of significant cost increases, especially rent, fuel, food, wages and insurance, puts community service organisations under enormous financial stress and emotional strain, and many have or are having to consider winding back the support they provide, or risk going under themselves. This hurts our most vulnerable Tasmanians at a time when they need these services more than ever. For people in crisis, every delay brings greater risk to their physical and mental health, together with the likelihood that problems and challenges will become more complex and even harder to resolve. I’ve witnessed this firsthand as Patron of Mersey Community Care Inc., which provides excellent home maintenance, transport, social and home support services via a variety of schemes. As with almost all community service providers, fewer volunteers, increasing transport, wages and regulatory expenses are making it exceptionally difficult to maintain current levels of support, let alone meet the ever growing demand for their services with a growing population experiencing an escalation in the cost of living pressures. So what needs to be done? Our Government(s) must recognise the true value that community service organisations deliver, and the requirement for fully indexed, fair and sustainable funding that covers the cost increases over which they have no control. These organisations have the local knowledge, reach and capacity to deliver support and services in ways that Governments cannot, and if the independents and minor parties are to be the coalition kingmakers, now is the time for them to effectively use this power to get a fair deal for our battling community services sector – and address the needs of the communities that voted them into Parliament.
2023
INTERNATIONAL MEN'S DAY 2023 - ADVOCATE NEWPAPER ARTICLE - 12/10/2023 International Men’s Day (IMD) is celebrated on 19 November every year and is marked in around 80 countries worldwide. This year’s theme “Healthy Men, Healthy World” aims to shine a light on the issue of men and boys’ health. While some may ask why we need such a day, we know there are many barriers and inequalities experienced by men, as well as women, and IMD seeks to acknowledge some of these and more importantly, to celebrate the good things about our men and boys together with the positive contributions they make to our society. One key aim of IMD is to highlight some of the social issues that men and boys face, including the surprising fact that 50 Australian men a day are dying from preventable causes, before they reach the age of 75. Australia is one of the healthiest and wealthiest countries in the world and yet men born in Australia still die an average of 7 years younger than women born in Australia. Sometimes referred to as the “gender health gap”, this disparity in health outcomes includes the fact that men and boys account for; 3 in 4 suicides, 4 in 5 heart disease deaths under 75, 3 in 4 alcohol-related deaths, 3 in 4 road deaths, 96% of workplace deaths and 70% of deaths in young people 15-34. These figures are staggering, yet there are few strategies and policy documents that acknowledge men as a priority population - and less than adequate allocated resources towards addressing this disparity. The difficulty in accessing timely health care, coupled with the natural stoicism of men in seeking help, does little to improve the statistics; especially so when chewing concrete and being seen to just ‘get on with it’ is almost the definition of a Tasmanian male. The growing cost-of-living pressure only adds to the reluctance of many men to risk what they might view as 'wasting time and money' to seek help. Research has shown that the best way to improve men’s health is to tackle the underlying social factors that shape our health like boys’ education, our experiences of fatherhood, our working lives, our social connections and our access to male-friendly services. However, its not all ‘doom and gloom’. We can take comfort in that around the state men are supporting each other through local community-based activities such as Men's Sheds, accessing resources through Men’s Resources Tasmania and attending local events such as those organised by the North West Coast based organisation, Man Up Tasmania. Whilst there are a number of ways IMD can be acknowledged, most celebrations will share the common objectives of valuing male role models, improving male health and acknowledging the contribution of men and boys. One such event being held in celebration of IMD 2023 is ‘BBQ at Bellsy’ on Sunday 19 November, 12.00pm to 2.30pm at the Bells Parade BBQ and reserve area in Latrobe. The event is a free Family Fun Day and offers a BBQ lunch ($) provided by the Latrobe Community Shed Group or attendees can bring their own BBQ/picnic lunch. There will be a range of sporting and recreational activities on offer, a display by the Mustang Owners Club of Australia, live music and a great opportunity to connect with your community. On this International Men's Day I also acknowledge and commend the work of the various funded and unfunded, voluntary grassroots and community-based organisations in our community and across Tasmania. I celebrate the mateship these organisations bring to their communities and thank them for difference they are making in working towards improving the lives and health of men and boys. I genuinely believe that today’s Government, and future governments, could bridge the inequity of financial commitments to our men's organisations, which proactively look at bettering the lives of this somewhat neglected section of the community. Indeed, let’s start a conversation about the issues impacting so many men and look at what can be done to improve their mental health and wellbeing. Addressing male wellbeing outcomes is good for all of us so this IMD, stay healthy, take action, check in on a mate and maybe we can all improve male health together.
CANNABIS - THE POLITICAL PARADOX ADVOCATE NEWSPAPER ARTICLE – 18/09/2023 Almost all of us have an addiction of one sort or another, and perhaps for many of us it’s as simple as finding that perfect cup of coffee. For others it’s sugar, a substance described by David Gillespie as a ‘sweet poison’ that’s more addictive than powerful opioid drugs such as cocaine. Launceston based Dr Gary Fettke hit a wall of bureaucratic pain when he dared suggest that diabetic patients could see big health benefits by cutting back on refined sugar in their diets. And yet sugar is very much a part of our daily lives where its effects are seen as a health issue rather than an addictive dependence. However, if you possess or use minor amounts of illicit drugs you can face the full force of the law. Whereas the harm of cannabis is perhaps minimal when compared to the possible impacts of sugar, tobacco and alcohol on a user and their family’s health and wellbeing. Our communities face a dilemma where there is an urgent need to stop the criminal elements involved in drugs, whilst at the same time trying to divert individuals away from the justice system into health services and recovery - a perfect quandary for governments in what is a judicial nightmare. Almost every jurisdiction has investigated the idea of decriminalising minor personal possession, cultivation and use of drugs such as cannabis. Inquiry recommendations including decriminalisation (Queensland and Western Australia) were immediately vetoed by the governments of the day and dare I suggest due to political dogma rather than evidence-based decision-making. Many readers may not realise that the ACT changed its laws three years ago to allow the possession of up to 50 grams of cannabis, and to grow and consume cannabis at your home address. The ACT legislation also contains strong safeguards that prohibit underage and public use, and dealing is still illegal. The outcome has been heartening as in the first year there was a 90% drop in offences, no increase in usage and no increase in hospital presentations. Punitive measures for illicit drugs have failed us and we’re overdue for a fresh approach. With a mainland precedent that’s working well, Tasmania could improve on this, remove the stigma that blights lives and see a lasting benefit for all sides of our community.
MATURE MINOR VOTING ADVOCATE NEWSPAPER ARTICLE – 04/06/2023 Worldwide voting ages vary from 16 to 25 year olds with both optional and compulsory requirements. Whilst most nations choose 18 as a notional default, there are in fact, 9 countries which have a legal voting age of 16. For instance, Scotland initially made a ‘one-off’ decision for those mature minors (16 and 17 years) to be included in the franchise for Scotland’s 2014 referendum on independence and, shortly thereafter for all Scottish elections. Since 2014, mature minors have continued to vote in all Scottish Parliament and local council elections. A 2021 case study undertaken in Scotland, provided evidence on the immediate effects of voting age reform on young people’s engagement with politics. The study revealed a boost in confidence in a youth voice and led to a perceived increase in political efficacy and engagement. Many young Scots said the introduction of ‘Votes-at-16’ gave them a voice to be heard; an opportunity to be taken seriously and a feeling that they had power to affect change. It was found that the newly enfranchised voters developed higher levels of interest in politics that their non-enfranchised peers. They learnt to form their own opinions, and to take responsibility for their political decisions. Political citizenship in one’s formative years is found to be critical in the transition into an informed and autonomous adulthood. Australia’s young citizens today have many diverse matters to consider and address such as social, economic and environmental issues, and deserve a fully inclusive and collective platform upon which to be heard. Young people, in my view, are worthy of voting age reform. Mature minors deserve an authentic voice in our nation’s democratic process and should be given a say in collectively shaping our Local, State and Federal Governments and, the policies, direction and ideals of our truly democratic nation. In 2022 the Minister for Local Government introduced compulsory voting for the October Local Government elections. With State elections currently scheduled for 2025 and the next Local Government elections in 2026, Tasmania can be the first Australian jurisdiction to introduce voluntary voting for mature minors. Our Government should introduce voluntary voting to assist in shaping well-informed, empowered and active political citizens for our collective future, it could also lead to a more dynamically integrated society, and improved societal representation, both of which are critical for a healthy and flourishing democracy.