Comments
The 17% poll is a very convenient get out of jail card. Lennon knows the Mill is dead in the water. Lennon is getting out now to save face.
Posted by Duncan Grant on 26/05/08 at 08:16 AMLennon is gone. The pulp mill is dead.
One hopes that this is not a premature judgement. There are a lot of cogs in the machine and a lot of unwinding to be done. Because A is true, it doesn’t necessarily follow the B is also true. Certainly much of the incentive has gone, but you can bet that the interested parties are discussing their options and preparing their lobbying.
I wonder what Paul was actually doing in New Zealand, but that’s probably commercial-in-confidence.
Posted by Gerry Mander on 26/05/08 at 08:55 AMLet us hope that the Pulp Mill is dead and that we now have open and transparent government with the new players down south. Is that too much to ask?
Posted by Glennis Sleurink on 26/05/08 at 09:09 AMWell, my horoscope did say that an era was over, but I hadn’t imagined this, not yet, at any rate. Hodgman might see it as a “bolt from the blue,” but in reality, this shouldn’t be so surprising.
The big question now is whether or not Bartlett change up the scene. For what it’s worth, I know a lot of people will be asking him to, but at the end of the day, it’ll be very easy for him to slip into the ways of his predecessors. Those are some damn convenient ways.
One thing that struck me as strange is just how recently Bartlett became Deputy Premier, and indeed, if when Lennon nominated Paula for the position, he knew that would make her Premier elect in a few weeks.
Either way though, it’s going to destroy the storyline of the Uni Revue.
Posted by Django on 26/05/08 at 09:19 AMThe Titanic has sunk. It ran into a pulp mill. A new ship is about to be launched with David Bartlett as captain. It would be foolish in the extreme to name that new ship Titanic 2.
The only way Bartlett and the Labor Government will get any support from the people of Tasmania is to do a U-turn on its support for the hopelessly uneconomic pulp mill. Ignore Michael Polley and the Old Guard (shades of Honneker’s East Germany) and listen to the people for a change. If Bartlett fails to give the people what they demand there will be no peace in Tasmania and there will be no peace for his short lived government.
What does it take to end this idiot pulp mill project?
Posted by Bob McMahon on 26/05/08 at 09:45 AMOne of the early tests for Bartlett will be whether he ditches the idea for the State government to fund the pipeline for the mill.
Posted by David Mohr on 26/05/08 at 09:54 AMOur ‘naked emperor’ has been exposed by so many, for so long and now it seems his closest advisors have told him the truth; he has not a skerrick to hide behind.
Finally he knows this to be true; that he is exposed.
What a powerful metaphor for Tasmanian governance!
Posted by David Obendorf on 26/05/08 at 10:01 AMI cetainly have grave fears for the future of tasmania with the goings on that have and will occur between now and the next election.The labor party (the government) have lost the experience of Lennon,Cox has signalled his intention to leave,Green and Kons are on the back benches for their various indiscretions and this leaves a very small pool of people to be our government over the next couple of years.Sure they may find a new leader in Bartlett and a deputy in Giddings or Wiredt or a recyled Llewellyn but there has to people promoted to ministers for the various govt depts ae well.The gene pool is not big enough or strong enough to cope with this.Ministers will be oversighting 3,4 or more depts and probably failing to do any of them any justice.Decisions will be based purely on public servant submissions as ministers can not possibly keep up with several depts and the decisions that are required.If ever anyone needed proof that the size of our parliament is far too small ,this is it.Why should we,the people have to be subjected to a understrength,underperforming govt who will spend the next couple oy years preparing for an elction,as compared to running the state ,is beyond me.We desperately need a chance , as the people,to have a say in whats going to happen in the next few years,not leave it to the labor party to try and rebuild their stocks whilst in government.Crikey,a premier,two deputies and a long term minister(Cox) effectively gone or neutered out of a house containing only 14 players(many who have never been heard of)is a disaster waiting to happen in Tasmania
Posted by larch on 26/05/08 at 10:11 AMFascinating weeks ahead, folks.
The new premier has been mute on the pressing issues that affect most Tamanians, including the pulpmill, but he needs to be given the space to perform. Not too much space, mind you.
One advantage of Lennon is what-you-saw-is-what-you-got. His governance was anything but transparent, but he didn’t hide his intentions.
A smarter cookie, like Bartlett, could pursue the very same agenda as Lennon but with far more political acumen. In any event, he may be titled as Premier, but he will have no power to drop the pulpmill.
Our best hope is that Lennon knows the impending demise of the pulpmill would be his ultimate demise.
Forget Lennon now. His legacy is as relevant as that of John Howard. Both are yesterday’s men.
Posted by Chris Harries on 26/05/08 at 10:31 AMIt will be interesting to see with the change in leadership whether the rate of document leaking from public servants cowered into submission by Lennon increases.
Posted by David Mohr on 26/05/08 at 10:44 AMBrenton Best for Premier!
....
... no… seriously…Posted by reuben on 26/05/08 at 10:48 AMDespite the welcome news of Lennon’s overdue political demise, it’s doubtful that much will change with Bartlett at the helm, or with Will Hodgman winning he next election.
Tasmania has become like Sir Jo’s Queensland under Bacon and Lennon’s toxic leadership. The stench of corruption wafts over the new Moonlight State and it gets more overpowering the closer one gets to Parliament House.
However, the electorate would do well to remember that the Tas Liberals have fallen over themselves to support nearly all of Labor’s dodgy deals, including the fast tracking of the pulp mill.
For now though, a rare feeling of immense pleasure is being felt across Tasmania with the downfall of one of the most embarrassing political leaders Tasmania has ever thrown up.
Good riddance!
Posted by Neil on 26/05/08 at 10:52 AMGoodbye Lennon, I’ll not wish him well!
Welcome? Bartlett, time will only tell?
Goodbye Mill. I am not so sure
that removing the lemon will be the cure.
This cancer is far, far bigger
than any Premier. So go figure!
Posted by (Rocky) on 26/05/08 at 10:52 AMO.K. ! mission accomplished ! that’s three down ! and i say that because , without the dissent of “caring people” and their input these latest events (corruption) would have continued ! and now ! an ( unknown quantity) for us to consider , and take on !
We need to keep our eye on the ball Kiddies ! because the forestry investors ! (big end of town) are not particularly concerned ! as Lennon had reached his use by date and they needed to embrace new tactics , now !~ my guess is that the battle is just beginning !d.d.
Posted by don Davey on 26/05/08 at 10:55 AMAll dictators eventually fall on their swords…
Posted by Nemo on 26/05/08 at 10:57 AM-
This is the forum for burying Caesar and not to praise him, BUT I hope there is some acknowledgement of the positives of Lennon’s Premiership such as in the areas of indigenous affairs and social policy.
Bartlett should make a fine Premier - smart and articulate - not unlike Rudd but perhaps a little untested in the policy arena. WIll be good to have Bartlett and Hodgman as party leaders - both are well mannered, ethically minded and cluey. Now is the time for Peg Putt to stand aside for Nick McKim, and we could have a triumvirate that could take the State forward in interesting ways.
Posted by Tomas on 26/05/08 at 10:59 AM Of course, there is one other factor in this ... there will have to be a buy-election. Oops… typo.
Interesting to watch!
Posted by Gerry Mander on 26/05/08 at 11:01 AMLarch, indeed the gene pool is lacking. Except for maybe Polley and Aird, the rest are all very much light weights. They remind me of little boys and girls playing dress-ups in mummy and dads clothes.
Then again maybe thats because I am getting older, but I am sure the previous generation didnt consider their elected representatives boys and girls playing dress ups?
Posted by Robert on 26/05/08 at 11:10 AMYes, finally the end of Lennon. But if there is any justice, Tasmanians must be given an ICAC. Then we might have a chance of learning some of the truth behind years of governing for corporations - not for the people.
I have for many months seen the Pulp Mill as dead - if for just one reason - the wheels have come off the global finance system. The economic house of cards is collapsing. In one year we have gone from a lunatic era of easy money for just about anything (if you have the right connections) - to the present where only the clearly lucrative deals are going to get off the ground. Stand by for all the claims for credit for the demise of the mill. All rubbish! It is the inability to get finance that has nailed on the coffin lid.So where to now?
Tasmania is now reaping the rewards of the too clever by half step by the Lib/Labs to isolate the Greens. For Labor at least, they are left with few feathers to fly with. Surely there is no choice now but to go back to seven members in each electorate.
What do we get if we wind up with a Liberal government?
This has long been something to feel gloomy about - but after witnessing Jeremy Rockliff’s dismal performance at the Tasmanians for a Healthy Democracy rally on the Tamar a few weeks back . . . .
How can any thinking Tasmanian vote either Lib or Lab?
For Greens it is easy - but for rusted on Green loathing Lib/Lab voters - what a terrible choice!
The only way to break this nexus is for Bartlett or Hodgman to cast off the past. To break from the disgraceful unity of position on matters forestry. One or the other MUST bite the bullet and set out a plan to unwind the web repulsive legislation that has been put in place at the behest of the forest industryIs it possible that today might mark the beginning of the end of the blatant corruption arising from Gunns (and FT) control of this island of ours?
If it is, we must make sure that the future is taken into OUR hands - for we simply must NOT allow a repeat of the Hydro era, or the FT/Gunns (now in its death throes) era.Posted by Paul de Burgh-Day on 26/05/08 at 11:12 AMThe people are fed up with the politics of deceit and denial.
First Howard and now Lennon, with Iemma and Bligh battling against the storms.We will remind Bartlett and company that we now have the upper hand. We will not be bullied, we will not be lied to; we will not have our money spent on ‘your’ pet projects. We WILL demand accountability and a state-building governance.
If you do not listen you will have no job, of that we can assure you.We now HAVE the upper hand!
Posted by John Wade on 26/05/08 at 11:16 AMThe TT’s warning is well taken. While we are losing the most openly thuggish standover man in Australian politics, we are left with a deeply rotten public sector which will be mortally threatened by any genuine reform or renewal.
If you have dealt with the Tasmanian courts, tribunals, ombudsman. government departments, police, or other statutory authorities in any way that involves the logging industry you may appreciate the depth of our systemic disease.
While Bartlett may have a more civilised veneer than his predecessor, he has shown no evidence that he stands for anything beyond himself. This is no time or a honeymoon.
John Hayward
Posted by john hayward on 26/05/08 at 11:19 AMThe balckout in Parliament House last night was explained by one of the electricians as being due to a certain type of office equipment over-heating.
Posted by Gerry Mander on 26/05/08 at 11:29 AMSo good to see the back of Lennon. Let us hope that the tide turns for the better.
Posted by PeterJF on 26/05/08 at 12:36 PMNo need to speak ill of the dead.
I think Lennon has done the right thing by the Labor party in taking the step now and giving Bartlett time to establish an alternate record. He might have survived a spill today, but we all know how the dance ends.
Taking his resignation speech, we can see he had a good record as Deputy Premier, under Bacon, and that’s that.
Timing wise, the other big news of the week is the ‘ANZ Pulp Mill said no murmurings’ and logic suggests the a new leader does not want to inherit this odourous chalice. One wonders whether the Pulp Mill will continue its meandering bush fire, call it a day (blaming the credit crisis) or announce they’ve sold out to a Chinese paper co. that can cut the cost of construction by using cheaper valves, larger modules and 457-visa Chinese construction labour.
If it won’t quit gracefully like Mr lennon, a smart move might be to send it back to the RPDC to do a proper investigation of Hampshire, another Braddon coast location or the Tamar, effectively winding back the clock two years. The trees will still be there and Gunns can blame the credit crisis for necessitating a big delay. Bartlett can then claim process is back in charge and hint strongly that Braddon is the preferred location, ready for the next election.
Posted by Alex Wadsley on 26/05/08 at 12:54 PMMy only other comment regarding Lennon’s departure is that, it will also be the end of any more investigation into the workings of that regime, for instance ! much has been made in the past of supposed and substantial renovations having been carried out by a Gunn’s subsiduary on his abode , and much comment has been made as to whether it was carried out at no cost by Paul Lennon ! which if true, reeks of what ? (payment for services)? and will this , like many other discrepancies regarding political figures just disappear and be forgotten along with could appear to be an opportunistic resignation.
d.d.
Posted by don Davey on 26/05/08 at 01:06 PMA-Pauli-ing that he gets to leave of his own accord. Sad to say that even in this moment of “YES!! The bullet meant for Yoko finally found a better mark!” I must pragmatically agree with Neil.
Unless something dramatic and near impossible happens - like a majority coalition of Greens, genuine independents, and Terry Martin, or a state Labor government growing a spine (sorry, stuck in NSW) - then it will simply be business as usual with a less fat, less red, less stupid head.
Whether Liberal or Labor, any Tassie Government that gets in as the result of anything other than a full Royal Commission will continue to function as a sort of rubber-stamping Hydra (without the charisma one might expect from a many-headed serpent).
Solution? Stuff the lot of them - John Gay included - up Tomas’ arse and fire the whole retarding lot into the Sun (the burning ball of gas at the centre of our cosmos, not the equally retarding newsrag).
Posted by Typingisnotactivism on 26/05/08 at 01:10 PMAn interesting coincidence is that a seat on the board of Directors of Gunns came up this weekend - http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/05/25/2254963.htm
Posted by Modest Mouse on 26/05/08 at 01:41 PMWonder what Sue Neales reckons about the humiliation Lennon handed her on the way out?
Posted by Robert on 26/05/08 at 02:10 PMAnd, heaven help us, we have the lighter than featherweight Giddings as Deputy Premier…has there ever been any Government so short on brains?? And the thought of her being Actg. Premier at any time is driving me to drink - right now…................
Posted by greenwitch00 on 26/05/08 at 04:22 PMhey look - the mill’s price just changed again.
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,23758042-643,00.html
Guessing The Oz got it wrong, unless somebody’s now proposing a billion-dollar disaster because a 2-billion-dollar disaster is too difficult to finance.
Posted by Tomasbathesinmonkeyjunk on 26/05/08 at 05:33 PM“Tasmania has become like Sir Jo’s Queensland under Bacon and Lennon’s toxic leadership. The stench of corruption wafts over the new Moonlight State and it gets more overpowering the closer one gets to Parliament House”.Posted by Neil
Obviously you haven’t sniffed around the Meander Valley Council chambers. The stench of arrogantly undemocratic process there is enough to make one vomit.
Getting rid of the busted sav won’t change that.Posted by Dismord on 26/05/08 at 05:35 PMDear Editor,
Why haven’t you put up a link to The Examiner which broke the story? TT puts up links to many other stories, so why not this one? It was a ripper by new Examiner editor Fiona Reynolds. She told Tim Cox on ABC Local Radio after her appointment had been announced, that she hoped that the ABC would soon be following Examiner stories, not the other way around. She has had everyone following her lead today, but I haven’t heard any acknowledgement of her scoop by my fellow hacks. Okay, so the State Government would have enjoyed tipping off the Examiner at the expense of the Mercury, the Australian and the ABC, but she got the inside running. No, she’s not a mate - but credit where credit’s due.
Posted by Margaretta Pos on 26/05/08 at 05:35 PMLook. I know he’s an Aussie, but shouldn’t his picture be on its side rather than hanging from the ceiling?
Posted by Gerry Mander on 26/05/08 at 05:58 PMSo on Friday, Lennon was in a fighting mood - nothing, not even the fact that 83% of the electorate would rather have a budgie representing them in parliament, was going to move him. He was there for the fight. Bartlett had gone to ground to “bide his time”.
Then hey presto by Sunday night Lennon has changed his mind - clearly enough lead time for Gunns-favourite “The Exaggertaor” to lead the story on Monday Morning (but not the Merc!). So what caused this suffen change? A sudden bolt of lightening, the realisation that he is despised by all and sundary, a desrire to make way for the new guard, being worn-down by the pulp mill debate???? RUBBISH.
As per ususal, the horribly pathetic Tasmanian media have made no attempt at real journalism. Behind the hard hitting analysis of what the Premier was wearing at the press conference and had he achieved all his aims for Tasmnania (govell, grovell), NO-ONE bothered to ask the question - why? and what will you do now?
So what happened between Friday night and Sunday? Simple. Gunns Board Member and former Rouse henchman, David McQuestin, deid in launceston - making way for an immediate vacancy on the Gunns Board which must be filled soon for ASX compliance reasons. As usual, the reporting of McQuestins death by the Tasmania media was almost non-existant. So the real reason for Lennons resignation - the Pulp Mill? No. Just plain old greed and power. Keep your eyes peeled in the next few months for Lennons appointment to the Boards of Gunns Ltd, Hydro Tas and Forestry Tas (all the same thing really). Nice little earner that one!
Posted by The Wheel of Karma on 26/05/08 at 06:01 PMUnnameable sources very, very close to the Parliament of our mighty State say that shiny new Premier Bartlett has made his first tentative gaffe by describing himself as feeling a bit like Scuffy the Tugboat. This is a superlative opportunity for satirical Tasmanians (assuming that such entities exist) and it is passed it on to you in the hope that it will stick more firmly than earlier attempts to characterise our former jovial, rubicund Great Helmsman as Aunty Jack. It is understood that literary researchers are delving frantically into the provenance of Scuffy the Tugboat to see if any hilarity can be extracted from the reference.
Posted by jim crint on 26/05/08 at 06:41 PMAt this rate they’re going to be forced to promote someone with honest talent. Or should that be a talent for honesty?
I tend to agree with DD above. Lennon was an easy target and his own worst enemy. It’s possible that the battle may just be starting…Posted by Steve on 26/05/08 at 06:53 PMIt is a day for rejoicing, albeit a short party. Before we do celebrate though, can somebody impound Lennon’s Passport, before he makes a run for South America.
Time to start building a new political party (this is happening in conservative factions on the mainland) Greens have polled well and could be drawn into a coalition, there are many able people within Tasmanian circles, who are far better qualified to run Tasmania than the incumbent government. Think about it guys.David Leigh
Posted by David Leigh on 26/05/08 at 08:49 PMBest and Sturgo, the dream team. Premier Bartlett from the left will have to watch Brenton Best on his right. Best, a man of unbridled ambition, will be plotting the coup d’etat as I type, aided by his enterprising numbers man ‘9 toes’ Sturgo, they are planning an action immediately so that this overlooked pair of ALP intellectuals will take full control and dominance of all policy and descision making in caucus and the PLP.
Watch out Bartlett, Best wants to be education minister and reform, school holidays first.
Sturgo needs to get his teeth into something quickly or he will have to give Brenton back all the well thumbed comic books they constqntly re-read. As Minister for Federal Hotels, Sturgo can be the PR front man with Federals now that Gunns have lost their representative in Parliament and their stars are fading fast, leaving Federals in charge.The Uni review lives.
Posted by Gazza Jones on 26/05/08 at 08:57 PMIt is somewhat amusing to read these posts from the disenfranchised and powerless. And already the character assassination has commenced on the successor and the new team. The haters and conspiracy nuts that plague TT will, by the evidence here, likely never be happy. But that is where they derive their pleasure in the venting (and venting and venting..) of the spleen. Misery and being set upon is their cup of tea and cake on the side. Optimism never to be entertained. All is smug gloom and doom.
My hope is that Bartlett, Hodgman and McKim (c’mon Peg P, time to step aside) will resist the tide of negativity and forge new and interesting directions for Tasmania, and resist the dead hand of vested interests and the never-say-wells.
Posted by Tomas on 26/05/08 at 09:33 PMCome on all uni students and lecturers. Political change could be in the wind. It’s time to do your sums and release some solutions.
You can help change the fundamental tenets of leadership in Tasmania. If you are researching and modelling per limited parameters, our political leaders will change but leadership will not.
It’s time to start modelling the true potential of our forests. Analyse the potential of fine Tasmanian Oak per cubic metre in the futures market. Look at the low cost ratio of sea-freight for high value exports in a carbon-costed economy. Tally up all of the costs of shipping bulky low-value pulp and chips. Don’t forget the carbon emissions for roading, felling, dozing, burning, baiting, spraying, trucking and pulping, with its attendant power supply, airborne and marine waste. Repeat these emissions every fifteen to eighteen years.
Have you been allowed to include all entries on both sides of the ledger? Have some emissions been omitted? Have omissions been prescribed? Where is our university’s public information centre? Where is the shop-front? Where is public access? Why isn’t it on-line?
Your research may not be accepted per curricula guidelines. You may not be permitted to report openly. There are vested interests in a stacked ledger.
But don’t forget, you can use the skills you are learning to feed the real figures to those with less to lose. You may think your future is at stake. It is.
Such are the tendrils of a corporate state. They reach deep and wide when economies are underpinned by one core growth engine. Far-reaching influence permeates the public service, halls of learning and allied media. The tendrils of a mega-project reach from headwater and enscarpment to estuary and marine sump; from subsoil to stratosphere. Impacts land on forest, farm, village, town, roadway, resident and visitor.
This is a plea to the university. By yesterday’s rules, today’s students won’t be allowed to talk in public or corporate service. Contracts will forbid any talk on leaving. However, the best chance there will ever be to collect data, compile inclusive models and release them is before entering any public or corporate allegiance.
Will you be fearless with information that we have been denied? Without it, there will be no real change of leadership on this overburdened island. We will never realize our potential assets. Our heirs will live with our emissions and omissions alike.
This is a plea to all those with something to say at the University of Tasmania: keep us openly informed. We need you as never before at today’s crossroads in our leadership.
PhilPosted by Phil Lohrey on 26/05/08 at 09:33 PM(3)
Onya Glynis !
you made the EX. again on saturday ! what a pity , so many are so lazy !d.d.
Posted by don Davey on 26/05/08 at 10:33 PM(25)
As a postsript ! I just watched Bartlett on Lateline ! and when Tony asked him as to whether a look into Lennons house restoration’s would come under list of the supposed new (open govt) criteria, he neatly sidestepped , refusing to answer and changing the issue.
Lennon has taught him well ! and it leaves me in no doubt as to who will be pulling his strings.On guard kiddies, the fight has just begun !
d.d.
Posted by don Davey on 26/05/08 at 11:07 PMThere is one stupid (!) working for one of the major newspapers (sic) in this state, (as senior political reporter, for christ’s sake!) who is so wide of the mark on so many occasions that she really should take a long, hard look at herself. She gets an idea in her head, has not the capacity, capability or the willingness to check it out properly, and then proceeds to embellish it ad nauseum, to the point of looking completely stupid, especially to those who know the truth of things. The sad part about it is that you often can’t correct it without causing unwarranted damage to third parties.
This same reporter had better not contemplate seeking to attend a certain party conference in September unless she feels imune to robust criticism and ridicule that might come her way. Perhaps she should meanwhile contemplate the fact that the Greens run a closed state conference. That is, no media are permitted to attend the deliberations. Never the hard questions are asked in those quarters by our feerless and competent journalists, such as how can a party make such a call for open-ness and access in government, and then run a closed state conference???? Talk about a soft run! What a pathetic bunch of suck-holing arse-wipes!Posted by woodworker on 27/05/08 at 12:01 AMMost Tasmanians I know living on mainland Australia have just breathed a long collective sigh of relief.
Posted by Paul Arnott on 27/05/08 at 08:23 AMOh Tomas, here we go again. Disenfranchised? I think not. Powerless? Why do you think Lennon had to resign? Mr. Seventeen Percent did not earn that title through diligence and hard work for the Tasmanian people, let alone honesty. If it were not for the authors of these columns and others in the Mercury, Tasmania would have continued to bluster along its blissfully ignorant path to total eradication as an economy and irrelevance as a state.
Why is it conspiracy when some ask for honesty and transparency in government?
Mr Bartlett, incidentally, is the latest puppet for John Gay to play with - Punch and Judy are old hat and as such, retired – It is the same party, the same rhetoric, just a different, less worn interface with Gunns (and the media).
I guess I can speak for many of the authors here in saying we are pleased these columns amuse you. Keep reading, you may actually learn how thinking people, those outside the employ of the Labor Party, reason for themselves.D L
Posted by David Leigh on 27/05/08 at 09:43 AMDon’t pop the champagne corks just yet. As long as the C.M.F.E.U. has Rudd by the balls, the pulp mill, and anything else this cashed up union wants , will go ahead.
Posted by Dismord on 27/05/08 at 09:46 AMRe 43
Onya George. There is a simple cure for your problem.
Stock up on kleenex, shut the doors, take a packet of laxatives, lie down and think of Lennon. Wait.It will clear your mind and you’ll feel so much better.
Posted by Jasmine on 27/05/08 at 09:55 AMAnd why, pray tell us Mr Woodworker, would the truth be presented by your good and well informed self “without causing unwarranted damage to third parties”.???????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
Posted by eagle eye on 27/05/08 at 10:17 AMThe most important first move that our new Premier must make in the healing process, is to rid himself of the political appointments made by his predessor. Evan Rolley and Daniel Leesong have to go!
These kind of provocative appointments have to stop. One is an apologist for ecological vandalism(Gunns), the other an apologist for social vandalism(Federal). They were symptoms of the kind of division that Lennon’s vision represented.
I suggest that the right honorable Mr Bartlett M.H.A should imitate his federal counterpart and call a summit titled Tasmania 2020.Invite the the best and the brightest in Tasmania to an open public forum in the parliament. A talkfest for those Tasmanians who don’t wish for political careers but have ideas and opinions about where we should be headed. And then use the ideas that come up for creating “policy”.I think the constant instability that this government has suffered from has been because of the lockout of our best and brightest. What we need from you David is a consultative inclusive framework, rather than division and exclusion that your former leader created.Posted by james Williamson on 27/05/08 at 10:40 AMWhy won’t those bloody journos just write what the spin doctors tell them to write? It would save a lot of the spin doctors’ time and effort (not to mention taxpayers’ money) that could otherwise be used making up more spin rather than having to respin all the unspun spin that they went to the considerable trouble of making up in the first place.
Sheesh.
Posted by the flipper on 27/05/08 at 11:34 AMThe writing was on the wall, the impending resignation of Lennon was made obvious by himself when he dumped all his portfolio’s on other members of Parliament, It looked to me as if he was clearing the path for a quick get away,
His unpopularity was widespread. judging by the amount of phone calls I received last night, with comments such as .. Isn’t it great news, and . are you going to hold a getting rid of Lennon party ? most of these calls originating from the mainland.
Maybe his passport should be confiscated (re: comment David Leigh) I’m sure there will be all sorts of skulduggery unearthed in the weeks to come,pity if he was out of reach.
But I have the feeling there will be a warm chair waiting for the busted Sav.in the board room at Gunns.
Can we dare hope for an transparent governance, or is it going to be more of the same, perhaps it will be the JohnDavid alliance.. who knows? hopefully the voice of the people will be heard.
Freddi Mazoudier
Posted by Freddi Mazoudier on 27/05/08 at 11:43 AMLarch post #8 writes: “The gene pool is not big enough or strong enough to cope with this. Ministers will be oversighting 3,4 or more depts and probably failing to do any of them any justice. Decisions will be based purely on public servant submissions as ministers can not possibly keep up with several depts and the decisions that are required. If ever anyone needed proof that the size of our parliament is far too small ,this is it.”
It is the unelected SES management elites in the upper echelons of State Departments that need reforming and retraining (in westminister democracy, civil ethics & decency) because they have, as Premier Bartlett described on Tim Cox’s Morning program today, “a 1950’s & 1960’s command and control culture”. David Bartlett says he wants this to change… and good luck to him, because if we think its only the business oligarchy that runs Tasmania we would be leaving out the essential component that facilitate their arrangements with State Government - the Tasmanian State Executrive Service (bureaucracy).
Reform is needed in Tasmania because as in the ‘Yes Minister’ BBC series it is the Sir Humphrey Appleby’s that have it all over the egotistical or ignorant Jim Hackers of Tassie’s politician gene pool.
Posted by David Obendorf on 27/05/08 at 12:25 PMIt should not be forgotten that Bacon cut his political teeth in the BLF. Nor that he supported the faction in the BLF that conducted a very thuggish, nasty and protracted campaign against the whistleblowers in the BLF that exposed Gallaghers corruption. The legacy of Bacon’s regime can be summed up in three words “Whatever it takes!”
It never ceases to amaze how in the last ten years under the helm of two former Secretarys of the Trades and Labour Council that the undermining, at the behest of industry, of the powers of the Workplace Standards Authority has led to such disastrous consequences for workers in this state. Coroner Don Jones recent decision over the tragic and unneccessary deaths in the mining industry and the need for immediate reform of mining industry regulations that already exist in other states, is a shocking indictment on this governments track record of protecting corporate interests above the safety and long term security for all workers.Posted by Isla MacGregor on 27/05/08 at 12:33 PMWoodworker,
None of us are privy to facts of the matter or ‘truth’. All we get is a 2nd or 3rd hand personalised and often biased perspective in the vast majority of cases. This is as good as it gets I’m afraid but if it wasnt for certain journalists we really would be completely in the dark. Live with it.
Posted by Jon Ayling on 27/05/08 at 01:32 PMIt seems poor old Sue Neales is coping it from a few within the Labor Party she has upset. All part of the business.
However, let’s stop for a quick breath of perspective. The decision by the Premier to leak his resignation exclusively to The Examiner is his business. Good luck to the paper, and to Fiona Reynolds who is one the best journos this state hs produced.
The appointment of Fiona is timely. The Examiner has completely lost its clout as an independent commentator on Tasmania politics. On a daily basis it appeared to confirm the perception it was a mouth piece for the Lennon/Gay Alliance. Those sorts of perceptions can hurt sales of newspapers as much as they do opinion poll for pollies.
The Examiner has a long way to claw back in the credibility stakes. It began that by appointing Fiona, who from memory is feisty with a capital F. Any Rural Press lackey who thinks he or she can dictate to her is in for a shock. She will chase stories as hard at Denholm or Neales, not sit back and wait for the wink from on high.
It was good fortune that she got the Lennon story, but we all know the harder you work, the luckier you get.
We might indeed all be fortunate if The Examiner returns to robust reporting of politics in Tasmania. If the gloves are off between the two major locally-based dailies, then we will get a lot more info out and about rather than having to wait for young Denholm to convince his editors to run it. Was it just my edition, or was there nothing at all on Tasmanian politics in The Weekend Australian?
Go Fiona, bask briefly in the glory of this moment, and keep going for the jugular, whether it’s Jelly Bailey’s, the new premier’s, or Gunn’s.
The reputation you earned so richly as a fierce current affairs reporter at the ABC is now at stake. My belief is your pride won’t allow it to be dented by pressures from above. If the rural press folk didn’t know that when they employed you, my guess is they’re about to find out.
The Lennon/Gunn/Gray alliance might have been chuckling to themselves on Monday morning when they saw the errant headlines in The Mercury, but they may not be so smug when they pick up The Examiner in the future.
Well that’s how I am reading it at the moment and I will be dreadfully disappointed if in the future, Fiona doesn’t vindicate my observations.
Posted by Nudger on 27/05/08 at 02:07 PMRe #43 “the fact that the Greens run a closed state conference” is not a fact. The media are always invited to Greens state conferences. Only sometimes are some portions of the conferences closed when there are particularly sensitive/strategic matters being discussed.
Posted by Barry Brannan on 27/05/08 at 03:25 PMHey deputy Dave ! (Bartlett)
Youre next.
Posted by Richard C Butler on 27/05/08 at 04:03 PM(43)
I have been guilty of using the odd profanity at times, however i have drawn the line at personal description of individuals such as (suck holing, arse wipes) and i don,t believe it is conducive to whom we presume to be! to lower ourselves to that level, in the case of the “woodworker” perhaps it was a case of upbringing !
d.d.Posted by don Davey on 27/05/08 at 04:44 PMUnless the new Premier announces a Royal Commission into the pulp mill fiasco he is just another ‘make-over’ of state Labor.
Besides, what has he & the new Deputy been doing for the last few years while Lennon ran roughshod over democracy in this state? Are they going to claim they were forced to let Lennon trash democracy. ‘Just doing what they were told’ were they?
For those saying ‘let’s give them time’, i think they have had enough time already. Besides, day one in the job & the ‘new’ Premier is already giving more of tax-payers’ money to Gunns by the bucket-full. When questioned by the Green opposition, he announces he’ll (we’ll) pay for their roads, wharves & pipelines.
Same old, same old…Will the ‘new’ Premier announce a Royal Commission into how this pulp mill was pushed through parliament or will he call an election so the people of this state can decide who’s telling the truth & who in our parliament is there working for all Tasmanians, not just a select group of companies?
ALL PIGS FED & READY FOR TAKE-OFF!
Posted by Christopher Purcell on 27/05/08 at 05:14 PMSame game,different pawns.
I have tried for three months to get a response out of David Bartlett and Michelle O’Byrne on a certain matter, discussed previously in this forum… what do I have to do embarrass them into correcting something that is blatantly inncorrect?Posted by Ian Rist on 27/05/08 at 08:14 PMTalk about poor old Sue Neales copping it… bullshit,Sue Must be one of only a few journos that hasn’t been tempted by the spin department.
Please Sue don’t become a quisling.Posted by Ian Rist on 27/05/08 at 08:20 PM-
I have no real intention of defending Lennon to any great degree, as he certainly was not a great political performer and was somewhat thuggish in his approach. However, I might only add that Lennon had many positive accomplishments in social and indigenous policy that will have a sustained positive effect on the State. He also grasped the nettle on initiating required changes in education and health. With all of the bile and small-minded crap rolling through this comments section, I can only ask if any of the self-righteous can say that their positive contributions to Tasmanian society can match Lennons? Pulp mill fetishism, pan-negativism, class hatred and small-brained elitism don’t count as accomplishments by the way.
Posted by Tomas on 27/05/08 at 11:18 PM Call me a pessimist ! but think on this ! Lennon’s decision to quit was made within hours of David Mc,Question passing away and despite his denials , it will be only a short time before he takes his place on the board in my opinion, and also after having neatly and installed “his man” the same one that he has been grooming for the top job, in the case of such an eventuation ! it,s all ! just a little too convenient and cosy for my liking !
d.d.Posted by don Davey on 28/05/08 at 12:33 AMTomas, the same defences were made for John Howard.
But you are correct, we do have to celebrate victories but we belittle ourselves if we succumb to hatred. Lennon and Howard were simply people through which the power elites transmitted their whims. They were accidents of history.
They both caused immense damage to the fabric of national and state governance, but they were simply front men.
Our understanding of politics should go deeper than blaming them for everything and appreciating them for nothing.
Posted by Chris Harries on 28/05/08 at 07:43 AMTomas, where is your evidence that Lennon contributed anything positive to this state. Apart from managing to still fool 17% of the dumbest. That is clearly and obviously was not an achievement. Paying a few million dollars to the indigenes community is not an achievement either, he payed a great deal more for Elwick, again not an achievement by any standard. Is the Tasmanian community any more reconciled with indigenous Australians than it was four years ago? Who are you kidding! What positive social policy has he implemented in the same four years? You must mean PAL, right!
These pages are his legacy to this state. And dickheads like yourself still sniffling around his fat ass!
Posted by Tom on 28/05/08 at 08:03 AMClass hatred? Small brained elitism? Please explain Tomas. Lennon may have achieved some positive outcomes whilst premier, although I can only hear you applauding.
There are many fine minds in these columns, with fresh ideas. A political change is sweeping through Australia today and Tasmania has not been left behind in that regard. Time to finish with “Weather House” politics and you would be better putting your support behind something positive instead of supporting the old guard in a new uniform.Posted by David Leigh on 28/05/08 at 09:08 AMLong live the `king’ indeed. I am afraid Prince Charming has failed at the first hurdle given his performance in parliament yesterday. However, it is his reference to the `Tasmanian brand’ that I find disturbing. This neatly illustrates the connection between Labor and big business, Gunns in particularly. He has reduced our State to a commodity with imagery of `brands’ and `maximizing returns’ on resources. This is precisely where Labor has gone wrong. It was once a party representing communities, families and ordinary working people. Now it sees its way as smoothing the path for big business, greasing the wheels (and palms) so to speak. Unfortunately, many ordinary Tasmanians, have been brainwashed into believing that their futures are tied up with big business, NO MATTER WHAT THE COST. Bartlett has already revealed his mindset through the language he uses. Yes, the language may be kinder, but the words betray yet another politician who has lost his way.
Posted by Duncan Grant on 28/05/08 at 10:00 AMWake up Tomas, Blind Freddy could have stumbled over the same amount of positive contributions if he was given the same amount of time in leadership as Lennon had.
And I know of many ‘self-righteous’ who, also given the same time and authority that Lennon had, would indeed, have given far more to the positive outcomes of this State than Lennon ever would have dreamt of.
YOU ARE the “pot (boiling over with bile and small minded crap) calling the kettle black”! At least Lennon went out on 17% rating….wonder what yours would be at the moment????
Posted by (Rocky) on 28/05/08 at 10:02 AMNudge, thank for the comments in #55. Re: The WeeKend Australian of 24-25 May and the lack of Tasmanian political content. PLEASE go back Nudger and read the front page piece by Matt Denholm and Irma Salusinsinsky on the state of play of ICACs across Australia and then a longer, in-detail article on the three state that have one (WA, NSW & Queensland)and the three states that don’t (Tasmania, SA and Victoria). It also refers to the Ethics Commission model being proposed by Max Bingham and Jeff Malpas.
Tasmania’s political culture is defnitely on the national agenda and Lennon’s shameless approach to upholding proper standards of behaviour in public office will be his lasting legacy.
As Isla MacGregor highlights in her comment, Lennon like Jim Bacon came through a union schooling of “whatever it takes”.
Posted by David Obendorf on 28/05/08 at 10:30 AM-
Not that many of you are listening but let’s look at the positive aspects of the Lennon Premiership (the negative being well covered on TT)
Aboriginal reconciliation
Same sex relationship legislation (and related programs in Schools)
Compensation for abused state wards
Recognition of demographic challenges ahead
Support of the TSO and TMAG
Establishment of a social inclusion unit
Instigated health reform and commitment to a new RHH
Set up a climate change office (waste of money to my mind)
Record exports and strong business confidence
Though no fan of this personally - he has developed sporting facilities around the state. Beneficiaries of this are unlikely to comment on TT
So there are few to munch on. I would admit that I am glad that Bartlett has the reigns but the pissy mean-spiritedness that sadly dominates TT really needs to be challenged. Lennon was not a huge success and was damaging in many areas, but he also succeeded in improving the State in many ways.
Posted by Tomas on 28/05/08 at 11:55 AM Tomas has occasionally contributed to the cause! if only having engendered a modicum of humour into the equasion, however, do i detect a distinct tone of despair in recent postings ?, perhaps some were right in supposing he was being paid for adverse comment ! and perhaps with Lennon’s demise the well has dried up !
heh,heh,
d.d.Posted by don Davey on 28/05/08 at 12:27 PMTomas, I forgot to add this: It is an Indian giver who hands the indigenous community cash with the left and logs the Blue Tier with the right. Ask Gloria Andrews if she appreciates that sort of gift.
D L
Posted by David Leigh on 28/05/08 at 02:13 PMAs I see it there are four kinds of Labor voters.
The Champagne Socialists
The Red Neck Bogan Socialists
Red Neck Bogan turns Champagne Socialist, a hybrid of the two ie Paul Lennon (not a particularly viable one and never accepted in true champagne circles)
The Fence Sitter Socialists
The ones that would have fallen somewhere in the middle and have now become confused.
David, Davo or Dave depending on which group you think he falls into takes off the thumb ring and dons Jim’s tie, says one thing one day and the opposite the next. Poor factionless soul doesn’t know which way to jump but one thing’s for sure, the hoops are lined up and he doesn’t have time for training. The circus returns to town, bring it on!
CathranPosted by Cathran on 28/05/08 at 02:49 PMbartlett could do well to get rid of all the lennon/gunns minders who were seconded from the examiner newspaper.they were put into the premiers dept.for one purpose,to look after john gay.
Posted by crud on 28/05/08 at 03:22 PMHaving read Fiona Reynolds on the passing of Lennon I got the impression she was a sycophantic Lennon admirer of the first order.
With phrases like “How does a Premier stand up publicly and say ‘I’ve had a gutful of my colleagues’ appalling errors of judgement and public criticism for doing what I think is right’? and ‘.......after the leadership aspirations of Bryan Green and Steven Kons imploded.” There is clear implication here that Lennon had nothing to do with either of those implosions, yet he would appear to have known about the Green document at the time and, either Linda Hornsey took it upon herself to tell Kons to scrap the Cooper appointment, or she did it on the orders of her boss. No matter which spin you put on these events to imply that Lennon was an innocent bystander, falling on his sword because of the actions of others, is laughable. My previous respect for Fiona Reynolds and her impartiality went straight out with the compost.Posted by greenwitch00 on 28/05/08 at 04:47 PM(62)
“I can only ask if any of the self-righteous can say that their positive contributions to Tasmanian society can match Lennons? Pulp mill fetishism, pan-negativism, class hatred and small-brained elitism don’t count as accomplishments by the way.”Doesn’t say much for Tomas’s social life ,when he is reduced to having deal with so many cretins ! you would think he would seek out more worthy opponents of his intellectual superiority ! the problem is of course that they are all too bloody busy “SHAFTING DECENT RIGHT THINKING PEOPLE” to be bothered with him.
Go and have a shave Tomas ! and have really good look at yourself while your about it.
Oh ! by the way a simple yes or no answer will suffice ! are you, or are you not, associate professor “Tomas Brown” whom you professed to be on the 20.2.2007 and if so, do your associates agree with your views ? for more info others may google “Brown Laboratory Home Page” Wright State University. nice photo too.
d.d.Posted by don Davey on 28/05/08 at 05:12 PMLab rat tommy works on G M gum trees DONT YOU LAB RAT..
Posted by steve on 28/05/08 at 06:47 PMTomas, lets look at that list shall we…
Aboriginal reconciliation - Logging the Blue Tier.
Same sex relationship legislation (and related programs in Schools) - Who really cares.
Compensation for abused state wards - I thought anyone under state care would be compensated for abuse anyway.
Recognition of demographic challenges ahead - Now this one is interesting - Depopulation of the North East by 20/20 - Diseases and general health problems caused by chemical spraying and unclean water - Birth defects from endocrine disrupting chemicals - Death from same.
Support of the TSO and TMAG - And?
Establishment of a social inclusion unit - Wow.
Instigated health reform and commitment to a new RHH - This is no doubt to combat the extra burden on the health system due to forestry practices.
Set up a climate change office (waste of money to my mind) - I agree it is a waste of money to talk about climate change whilst allowing Gunns to emit carbon at the alarming rates they do. Nothing short of hypocrisy.
Record exports and strong business confidence - Record exports of what… Wood chips? The export of timber for furniture making and construction would far outweigh the practice of dealing at the bottom of world commodity prices and at what cost to Tasmania and the environment? A landscape that will not produce food or water, that will deter tourism? A fishing industry (exporting to the world) in decline? No skilled jobs ... No real jobs at all?
You are deluding yourself Tomas.
D. L.
Posted by David Leigh on 28/05/08 at 07:54 PM-
Don - I am not sure why you think I am some bloke from WSU, but, as they say, whatever!
Don, I post here because I love you. I spent too many years away from Tasmania and now that I am (mostly) back, I want to spread my love for Tasmania and Tasmanians (even the NIMBY, greenie, blow-in, gaia-loving ones). Let’s duke it out here on TT and hopefully good ideas, new ideas, understanding of different views and a will to better Tasmania may yet coalesce and contribute to improve an already glorious State. At the end of the day, my oft negative reaction is based on my perception that there are too many ‘knockers’ on TT, too quick to criticize the State and their fellow Tasmanians.
I am delighted that we now have fairly positive local political leaders such WIll Hodgman and David Bartlett. Now if only Pep Putt would make way for Nick McKim and we could be in for a new era.
Posted by tomas on 28/05/08 at 08:21 PM Tonight Bartlett ruled out funding for the pipeline. Therefore, if Gunns has to finance the pipeline themselves, then they are going to have to acquire the land themselves. After all, State funding was really a way of forcibly acquiring land. There is no way Gunns are going to be able to do this without litigation stretching into the next century. I think Bartlett has stuffed this up. Phone call from John Gay tonight. Retraction tomorrow morning. Any bets?
Posted by Duncan Grant on 28/05/08 at 08:27 PMISLAND ANTHEM
Tasmanians all let us rejoice, for we are Lennon free
The Busted Sav, he is no more, and no more thuggery
May rational debate, it now prevail
And favoured mates, be beyond the pale
As we return to real, and robust democaracy
Andrew Neeson
Vanuatu
Posted by Andrew Neeson on 29/05/08 at 08:37 AM(79)
answer the question Tomas ! yes or no !d.d.
Posted by don Davey on 29/05/08 at 09:18 AMDon’t be fooled by Bartlett’s “No public money will be used to help Gunns” strategy. There was a hint of a jetty in the same sentence almost… What jetty?
There was also talk of roads, but only if it improved infrastructure for Tasmania. Do I hear a carpet slippers approach happening?
People, it is the same agenda, different interface.D. L.
Posted by David Leigh on 29/05/08 at 09:38 AMWhat do we make of Bartlett’s apparent categorical ruling out of state government funding of the Gunns pipeline?
Is there a cute way round this, such as channeling funding through one of its corporate bodies, Tas Ports for instance?
Here are some questions for the Premier the people of Tasmania want answered.
1. Does Tas Ports have the contract to build the port at Longreach. Who pays?
2. What is Tas Ports involvement in the pipeline construction?
3. Is it true that under existing legislation Tas Ports can compulsorily acquire land thus removing the biggest hurdle to the pipeline going ahead?
Bob McMahon TAPPosted by Bob McMahon on 29/05/08 at 09:42 AMDavid
I think the fact that it was a compilation story which touch on Tasmania supports my point. The news folk at The Australian need something more than the reasoning that it’s a good Tasmanian story to run anything on the politics of this state.
To be fair though, Denholm has done a mighty job since arriving in the state as the new Monty.
Though the old Monty had a certain, umm, air, about him that young Mattie just doesn’t possess yet.
I hope the old Monty got a lot of money to go over to the otherside. I often see him still cavorting around town in the company of other ancient hacks, recalling the good old days, whenever they were.
Nudge
Posted by Nudger on 29/05/08 at 01:13 PM#21 writes “If you have dealt with the Tasmanian courts, tribunals, ombudsman, government departments, police, or other statutory authorities in any way that involves the logging industry you may appreciate the depth of our systemic disease…”
John, it’s not only the logging industry that cops the systemic rot in decisions and related activities, from the agencies you list. It is a mind-set entrenched across many sections of the bureaucracy. These practices have been allowed to continue partly due to the small size of the parliament and lack of appropriate and real representation of constituents by MHA’s and MLC’s.
I truly believe that some Ministers and perhaps their minders, do not know the truth of what is happening in their own area of responsibility due to their being so far removed from the the real decision-making process. It appears that by the time a matter reaches the relevant Minister, it is reduced to a couple of paragraphs on a briefing paper at the end of which is a strategically prepared recommendation requiring the Minister’s signature.
Frightening uncontrolled control — in my opinion. Something has to change. The introduction of an ICAC would force a change of internal operation and would force Ministers to be more in control of their own agencies, or they would be exposed and outed.
Posted by Geraldine Allan on 31/05/08 at 10:19 AM#49 — James so for so good.
“The most important first move that our new Premier must make in the healing process, is to rid himself of the political appointments made by his predecessor. Evan Rolley and Daniel Leesong have to go!”They’ve gone.
Next is ...Posted by Geraldine Allan on 31/05/08 at 10:38 AMAlso Geraladine he needs to flush out some of the well rusted on apparatchiks that comment on this site but always under psuedonyms. Particularly ones that express so much hatred for one good journalist that is not afraid to do her job in what appears to be one of the few fearless news papers.
Posted by Ian Rist on 01/06/08 at 01:15 PMTomas,
I am doubled over in fits of laughter of not just the inevitable demise of the busted sav HA HA HA HA HA but of your pathetic justificatin of Lennon achievements.
Aboriginal Re-Conciliation-a bronze plaque and a handshake with no eye contact? Where is the land handback on Bruny Is? Oh hold on, the place is still in control of Jack Sparrow!
Same Sex Reconciliation! Can I marry Rodney Croome in Tasmania?
Recognition of demographic challenges ahead! I didn’t know that Lennon had established a futures fund in Tas!
Support of the TSO and TMAG? Who are they when their at home?
Record exports and strong business confidance. John Gay will no doubt be sending you a dinner inivation
Have you considered a career in comedy. I might actually pay and come to see you! Ha Ha HaPosted by andrew on 01/06/08 at 08:39 PM
