Week of 9 August

Politics - Complaints, accusations, and allegations of wrongdoing. What happened to the presumption of innocence and respect for the accused and the accuser?

Will the construction of a giant concrete runway near Davis Station in Antarctica lead to a competition amongst nations to develop unnecessary infrastructure?

Tasmania, a preferred location for GP training, but will it continue.

That Tailings Dam, the 85-year-old mine and why the Tarkine should receive National Heritage Listing.

And Finally, the word for every occasion - Good. So often the overuse of the word good is not really about goodness all says regular Talking Point scribe Ian Cole.

Week of 16 August

Wind Farms- When is the right project in the wrong place ?

Relocating from the city to the country? Learn what it is like to be ‘Living Next Door to a Farmer’.

Hobart’s Macquarie Point and the next steps in cleaning up from bygone days.

Our Tasmanian Indigenous and Colonial History and the debate regarding memorials that reside in public spaces.

Risdon Prison and the State’s corrections system under pressure and under fire as tensions mount.

Regular contributor Ian Cole says there have been some interesting marathon events over the years at the Olympics, and provides a retrospective look at some lesser known tales.

Week of 23 August

With the Delta Covid-19 variant threatening Tasmania’s borders, the race is on to make sure everyone is vaccinated. How will it happen?

Poker machines, the industry and the State Gaming Tax that is potentially not what it could or should be.

Every Tasmanian has a ‘cancer story’ writes newly appointed Governor of the State and Patron of the Cancer Council of Tasmania, Barbara Baker.

Why do we know so many American Wild West characters, yet remain less knowledgeable about our own Australian pioneers, explorers and frontiersmen asks regular, Ian Cole.

Week of 30 August

If city-centre parking was free, drivers would take all the spots and stay all day! Why Hobart's carparking system is sensible.

State Government programs to get young Tasmanian's active. Motivating children to take up sport has never been easier.

Maintaining Australian content on our screens is essential for thousands of jobs in the arts and entertainment sector. Will there be a watering down of current requirements?

Plan ahead for a 'local' Christmas as Covid is choking the pipeline of goods coming into Australia.A good reason to be supporting local businesses and shopping locally.

A former Tasmanian living in northern Italy experiences life with Covid, the vaccine and the Green Pass.

Week of 6 September

Has a culture of secrecy and a lack of funding hobbled the Tasmanian Integrity Commission, where it is now little more than a toothless tiger?

When the Royal Derwent Hospital closed as a cost cutting measure in 2000, was the funding saved channelled into long-term psychiatric care as promised?

A different view from members of the (TAS) Tourism Industry Council and the Tasmanian Brand. Why do tourists come to Tasmania and are we risking that 'natural attraction' ?

It's rubbish! High winds, wheelie bins and mayhem in the streets!

Be careful what you wish for. Council amalgamations can bring a reduction in your local representation.

Regular contributor Ian Cole enjoys playing at the fringes of good taste when it comes to words that communicate our sense of frustration.

Week of 13 September

Political opportunism recalled from twenty years ago, and what of Australia's current reputation as a generous, honest and fair global neighbour ?

 Tasmania's Expressions of Interest processes for development in the State's wilderness areas  needs an overhaul along with our Right to Information laws.

 Golf - The game that is increasingly attracting players of all ages, backgrounds and abilities. Current numbers to the game are bucking the downward  trend for organised sport in a Covid world. 

 The investigation and subsequent findings with regard to allegations made against former (short-lived) Tasmanian Labor Party Leader David O'Byrne, should be accepted as credible and do subscribe to the rule of law and procedural fairness.

 Regular and entertaining contributor Ian Cole ponders why we are run off our feet looking after grandchildren, and why is it called 'babysitting'!

Week of 20 September

The customer is not always right, with shop assistants subjected to increasing levels of abuse

The internet, algorithms and how reliable are those conspiracy theories?

The Labor Party, the ex Premiers and the factions.

Covid restrictions and just where do we draw the line in the sand?

The Gutwein State budget - Green shoots, but it’s true worth won’t be known for some time

Looking to rent a home in Tasmania? Having a canine member of the family can and does create heartbreak.

Week of 20 September

The expansion of campuses across the state is having a positive impact, and is making UTAS more physically, socially and economically accessible;

Claims in parliament of a 'Pentecostal death cult' draws criticism from followers of the faith;

Life after vaccinations and how will we emerge from Covid lockdowns ?

The Sue Neill-Fraser case and claims the Tasmanian police and crime investigators have been unfairly attacked;

Local historian Reg A Watson recounts the remarkable origins of the Australian flag.

Week of 27 September

The debate rages and contrary opinions expressed over evidence and investigations in the Sue Neill-Fraser murder case.

The rorts and misconduct taking place in Federal Parliament demonstrate there is a need for an Independent Commission Against Corruption, with teeth.

Are small businesses and the less well off suffering disproportionately through Covid restrictions and lockdowns?

Filling more bus seats and cutting down on traffic could be as simple as offering travel incentives for older commuters.

Tasmania’s young people need increased levels of support in this Covid world as challenges build and we look towards the future.

Regular contributor Ian Cole this week looks at the issue of car parking and our desire for the perfect parking space - Is it a thing of the past, or do old habits die hard?

Week of 4 October

The alarm bells ring at your workplace - I think I’m being pushed into retirement but I don’t have to sit there and take it..

Australia’s new submarines and the AUKUS Agreement - What price could we ultimately pay and will we maintain our foreign affairs and military independence ?

The COVID vaccine rollout for all, or is it? The Catholic case to refuse vaccination on grounds of conscientious objection.

Society’s contempt for our planet must end soon.

Prostate Cancer Awareness Month - Early detection can often be the key to escape.

Week of 11 October

Tasmania’s Black War 1823 - 1831 - Despite it’s significance in Australian history it remains the forgotten war;

Poker machines, harm minimisation and political backflips;

The performance of your local Council is ultimately decided by the quality of the elected Councillor;

The 26th January - A day for reflection;

Australianisms with Ian Cole having a fair dinkum look at whether all is fair, and who just who is getting a fair go?

Week of 18 October

How much longer can we afford to run scared of the pandemic, and is the balance of power too one sided?

Those nuclear submarines, unrestrained defence budgets and the likelihood of a khaki election.

Tasmanian aviation workers and inconsistencies in support packages throughout the industry.

Creativity and longevity - Does one lead to the other? 

Farmers for Climate Action - setting the pace for our leaders to follow.

The long wait for a Container Refund Scheme almost over.

Week of 25 October

The JobKeeper Program, who it was designed to assist, but who actually received the assistance?

How some sports succumb to the dollar and the elite, often at the expense of their grass roots origins. Don’t let Australian Rules Football follow the English soccer leagues.

Tasmania’s labour market and the challenges thrown at employers by the nature of the pandemic.

Most of us are law abiding citizens, so why on occasions do we exceed the speed limits thereby breaking the law?

The sad tale of a wildlife carer, two orphaned pademelon joeys and the neighbours cat.

Week of 1 November

A reflection on life in Tasmania during the pandemic - the benefits of being part of our natural environment in this island state.

The plight of the Tasmanian Taxi Driver and the crisis and issues faced within the industry.

Staff recruitment - Seeking the best persons available, what are the ethics around poaching from other organisations?

An increased demand for emergency food relief is being met by an increase in government funding and community collaboration.

Local opposition and community concerns over proposal for wind turbines in the popular township of Stanley on Tasmania’s NW Coast.

Week of 8 November

Remembrance Day and those we need to remember. In this case, Sister Elizabeth ‘Lizzie’ Orr.

Violence in our home, in our society and our need to address the causes.

Tasmania’s new gaming legislation and how the people have been let down by both major political parties in the state.

An introduction to the recently established Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

The State’s building and construction industry is in need of immediate regulatory improvements.

Avid story teller Ian Cole ponders the future of handwriting in this world of technology. Will it become extinct?

Week of 15 November

Decreased funding for Diabetes research as the number of incidences grow.

As we prepare for the re-opening of our borders many Tasmanian’s are nervous about the prospect.

Native forest logging and tourism are worlds apart according to a Southern Tasmanian Adventure Tour operator.

From the shadows of Covid, people are discovering a newly found appreciation of their pets.

Gender law reforms need a broader debate, open and frank discussion.

Rain is generally a good thing, but a lot of it can create unique problems affecting the quality of our water.

Week of 22 November

Macquarie Point development attracts criticism and adds to the view that this historically significant site will fall victim to a lack of vision and missed opportunity.

A local organisation and a program for young people that helps with both career and affordable housing.

The Foreign Investment Review Board has no statutory powers and is not the powerful watchdog over Australia’s best interests, that we may think it is.

The issue of compulsory voter ID - some of the factors for and against.

Ian Cole, regular contributor and story teller ponders whether changing generations still maintain that love and obsession for their cars.

Week of 29 November

Politicians must be held accountable when making allegations under the protection of parliamentary privilege.

UTAS accused of a lack of consultation in their relocation to Hobart’s CBD.

Australian Charities firmly in the sights of the Federal Government.

Christmas - a time for celebration and relaxation, but sometimes the reality is quite different.

Practical tips on how to stay safe on the water this summer.

We owe it to our children to promote climate change education.

Week of 6 December

 Centrelink’s flawed system taking its toll on senior members of our communities.

Reclink celebrates 30 Years and still playing a vital role creating opportunities and changing lives for individuals through organised sport and recreation.

Politicians loyalties should lay with the communities they represent ahead of their own parties.

UTAS - A real estate developer more than an institute of learning?

When it comes to cancer, ignorance is far from bliss.

Week of 13 December

Lies and deception - Nine out of ten Tasmanians want truth in political advertising laws.

Greyhound racing - It's time to call it a day!

UTAS and the proposal to deliver lectures online sees a further erosion of the 'human connection'.

Terry Aulich remembers friend and colleague, the late former Senator Don Grimes.

If Tasmania is serious about reducing road deaths and serious injuries, we must look at reducing speed limits on all roads.

Find time this Christmas to focus on relationships and the people around you. Acts of kindness can make a genuine difference.

Week 20 December

Parklets - Opposed by a number of Hobart retailers but they can help instil a valuable sense of community in our cities.

Tasmania's construction industry is in the driver's seat to lead the state's economic recovery.

Family Law - Too many enquiries and not enough action.

Our police are in the front line but not all are in favour of Covid vaccinations.

Examples of pork barrelling by the Federal Government confirm the need for an integrity and anti-corruption commission say Labor.

The Flintstones - A slice of American life that fascinated adults as well as children.