Ken Bacon’s performance at the Government Business Enterprise hearings has given new depth to the ongoing allegation that he’s been asleep at the Tourism wheel.
Since being caught out dozing in parliament last year the pressure’s really been on our gaffe-prone Tourism Minister to perform, especially given the difficulties faced by TT Line.
And he’s not been very impressive, has he?
His comments about his recent two-week trip to Europe were bizarre to say the least, while yesterday’s revelation that he hadn’t even read the Treasury report into Spirit III before attending GBE hearings should spell the end of his stint as Tourism Minister.
Word on 7ZR talkback is that David Bartlett will be the new minister within weeks.
The lack of talent in the parliamentary ALP means there really is no-one else to take up the Tourism reigns, er, except Brenton Best or Graeme Sturgess. But promoting those with lesser skills led the Tasmanian Government to the current situation, so Bartlett will be the new man … and soon.
At least his background in IT is a little less inappropriate than Bacon’s career in the forestry, mining and transport sectors.
Unfortunately, performances such as Bacon’s give rise to the perception that the current parliamentary ALP were selected on the basis of their loyalty, rather than their talent. I think Minister Bacon would be the first to admit that sometimes loyalty just isn’t enough.
Jason Lovell is an acerbic social and political commentator on www.oldtt.pixelkey.biz.
phill Parsons
March 4, 2005 at 11:22 am
Deck chairs to be reshuffled
The Minister’s siesta has been south of the border.
In the North West tourism has died a natural death with the low cost flights going to the 2 old rivals for capital. We can see from 3’s performance and belated review of fares and services (3 to now carry freight, it was cheaper to send it to Melbourne and truck to Sydney. Brilliant price structure Nick.) that the great captain has been asleep in the office as well. Never mind I am sure he will continue to wine and dine on the backbencher’s pay.
Jason Lovell
March 3, 2005 at 4:14 am
Maybe “Goodbye Ken, Hello David” would have been better titled “Goodbye Ken, Hello David … or Terry”.
Ellen Whinnet has reminded me in today’s Mercury (3/3, p7) that Terry Martin is now emplaced as an ALP member of the Legislative Council. Martin has major links to the Tourism Council of Tasmania and is also the owner of a motel in Hobart’s northern suburbs.
Obviously, he is the more appropriate choice as Tourism Minister, although Bartlett is a better public performer/speaker.
We’ll see ….
Jason