PRESS RELEASE 7-4-05
Federal Minister intervenes on approval process.
The Tamar Residents Action Committee has welcomed the intervention of the Federal Minister for the Environment and Heritage Senator Ian Campbell in the approvals process of the proposed pulp mill at Longreach.
His intervention is outlined in the Draft Scope Guidelines for the Integrated Impact Statement (IIS) to be undertaken by Gunns Ltd, released today by the Resource Planning and Development Commission
TRAC coordinator Mr. Les Rochester said that on Page 29 of the draft the Minister has decided that his approval would be needed under the EPBC Act for the project to proceed and the proponent must therefore address the matters required under that Act in the IIS.
“TRAC welcomes the long overdue release of the document and is heartened by the additional scientific testing that will have to be undertaken by the proponent.
“The additional tests will have to be undertaken in the areas of stack emissions, health and environmental impacts and the necessary modeling of the dispersal zone of the mill’s effluent outfall pipe.” Mr.Rochester said.
The Tasmanian public has 28 days to send in submissions to the RPDC with the deadline being the close of business on May the 9th.
“TRAC’s scientific committee’s are now going through the draft document to see it if can be tightened up further to ensure that what Tasmanians were promised they’ll get, and that is, a mill that uses the latest technology and is World’s Best practice.
“TRAC has maintained all along that it is NOT against a pulp mill for Tasmania, but it is against the mill as proposed because it uses chlorine dioxide as a bleaching agent, which we don’t regard as World’s Best Practice,” Mr.Rochester said.
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Thursday April 7, 2005
Flight cuts disappointing
The Federal Member for Braddon, Mark Baker MP, said today he was disappointed by the decision by Qantas to cut the number of flights between the North-West Coast and Melbourne.
Mr Baker said he understood that Qantas had decided to cut a Monday to Friday return flight between Burnie and Melbourne and also to replace two daily return flights between Devonport and Melbourne with one return flight utilising a larger aircraft.
“I understand that Qantas considers that its existing flight schedules were unsustainable, but the decision to cut services is disappointing and it will impact on the local community,” he said.
“Fewer flights result in less choice; and decisions such as this will only fuel uncertainty over air services on the Coast, raising fears of whether we may see more flights cut in the future.”
Mr Baker said he recognised that Qantas and its competitors had increased the number of flights to the North-West last year, and that the airline needed to operate on a sound commercial basis.
“I would hope, however, that Qantas also recognises the tremendous support that the people of the North-West Coast have shown the airline over many years,” he said.
“I will be seeking a meeting with Qantas in the near future to discuss the reasons behind its recent decision and its long-term plans for services on the Coast.”
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MAKING ANZAC DAY THE DAY FOR MILITARY AND BRAVERY HONOURS=
Thursday, April 7, 2005
Senator Guy Barnett today called for the centralising of military and bravery awards on Anzac Day.
“As a nation we have been missing superb and historic opportunities to enhance Anzac Day and Australia Day as the profound sentiments of Australian nationalism that they deserve,” Senator Barnett said.
I am mystified as to why the purpose of Anzac Day cannot be broadened in its nature and construction to formally honour and commemorate those deserving a bravery award, as well as honourable recognition of our Defence Force personnel and veterans with the appropriate accolades,” he said.
The 1995 Report of the Review of Australian Honours and Awards noted that there were two sets of announcements each year, one on Australia Day in January and another set on the Queens Birthday in June.
““…It would seem appropriate that these should be moved from the Queen’s Birthday to Anzac Day. Public Service and civilian awards could be announced on Australia Day and military and bravery awards on Anzac day.” The report recommended.
The report believed that the Defence-related awards announced on Anzac Day would enhance the day and give it a greater and dynamic significance, with greater focus on Anzac Day.
“Why not combine the Queen’s Birthday and Australia Day Honours for Australian Day, and ensure bravery awards and medals of a military nature are announced on Anzac Day,” Senator Barnett said .
“I am sure both moves would gain wide acceptance. In the case of Anzac Day my own grandfather was a World War One veteran and like so many other Australians I am immensely proud,” he said.
Senator Barnett will attend the official Anzac Day ceremony at Gallipoli on April 25. He is also exploring possibilities for erecting a memorial in France to commemorate the life of the late Lt Col Harry Murray of Evandale in Tasmania who remains Australia’s most decorated soldier ever.
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Media Release
MICHAEL HODGMAN, QC MHA
Her Majesty’s Shadow Attorney General
Thursday April 7, 2005
Victims of crime should be represented on Parole Board
Shadow Attorney General Michael Hodgman QC today called on the State Labor Government to amend the Corrections Act, to allow a victims of crime representative to sit on the Parole Board.
Mr Hodgman said the time had come for victims to have a greater voice in parole board deliberations, particularly in light of the Attorney General’s disgraceful disinterest in ensuring the Parole Board is fully briefed on the concerns of the Police Commissioner before it considers the application for freedom of child killer James O’Neill.
Ms Jackson’s so-called refusal to intervene is in stark contrast to the 11th hour decision of the State Labor Government to ask the Parole Board to revoke the parole of Gerald Wayne Hyland until a victims impact statement was considered from his victim’s mother before the last State election in 2002.
Legislative changes were also made to require judges and magistrates to set a non-parole period, and to ensure the Parole Board was not able to make a decision on whether to grant parole to a criminal without obtaining a statement from a victim listed on the Victim’s register.
But Mr Hodgman said he was concerned that not enough weight may be being given to these victim impact statements.
Mr Hodgman said as a result of community concern over recent high profile cases, it was high time to give victims of crime a stronger voice in the decision making of the parole board.
“Tasmania has three full members of the Parole Board one of whom must have legal experience, and the other two who must be experienced in matters associated with sociology, criminology, penology or medicine.
“There is nothing in our Corrections Act that requires that a member of the board who represents the interests of victims of crime; and it is high time that changed.”
Mr Hodgman said the Northern Terrritory, and South Australia have both moved in the past to ensure their Parole Boards have a victims of crime representative.
“The State Liberals acknowledge the important role that parole plays in rehabilitating prisoners but at the same time it is paramount that we as a society ensure that the appropriate balance is struck in terms of looking after the rights of victims of crime.
“When the parole board comes to make decisions on whether a prisoner should be released, it is important that it considers not only a statement from the victim, but that a person representing victims of crime is part of the deliberations.
“The Attorney General Judy Jackson should commit today to expanding the parole board by one, and legislating to ensure that the additional member represents the interests of victims of crime.”
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Media Release
SUE NAPIER, MHA
Shadow Minister for Health
Thursday April 7, 2005
Llewellyn must release March
quarter hospital waiting lists
Shadow Health Minister Sue Napier today called on the increasingly secretive Lennon Labor Government to release its latest March quarter data on elective surgery waiting lists in Tasmania’s public hospitals.
Mrs Napier said that under the management of Health Minister, David Llewellyn, Tasmania’s hospital system had entered crisis mode with Tasmanians having to wait for elective surgery up to 10 times longer than patients in other States.
“I call on Minister Llewellyn to release the March quarter public hospital waiting list, now that we are at the end of the first week in April,” Mrs Napier said.
“Any failure by Minister Llewellyn to release the hospital waiting lists would suggest he is attempting another cover-up of data that may again compare unfavourably with the rest of the nation and show his Ministerial deficiencies.
“Despite all of the spin and band-aid solutions that this State Labor Government have applied to our health system, Tasmania’s hospital waiting lists remain far above those in other States and have soared by 17% since they came to office.
“And we now have the situation where over 60 patients requiring urgent surgery waiting up to a year and a large number of patients waiting up to 5 years for surgery at Tasmania’s public hospitals.
“When the State Labor Government took office in 1998, the waiting list for elective surgery at Tasmania’s public hospitals stood at 5,973 patients. The December quarter 2004 figures, the latest available data, show that this figure has now increased to 6,997 patients.
“What the Tasmanian public need to know is whether, despite all of the band-aid solutions of Minister Llewellyn’s, the waiting list for elective surgery in Tasmania’s public hospitals is continuing to blow out,” Mrs Napier said.
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Media Release
RENE HIDDING, MHA
Leader of the State Opposition
Thursday April 7, 2005
Lennon must rule out first
home buyer stamp duty slug
State Opposition Leader, Rene Hidding has today called on the arrogant Lennon Labor Government to help prevent a future decline in Tasmania’s economy by announcing a continuation of stamp duty relief for Tasmania’s first home buyers.
Mr Hidding criticised Premier Paul Lennon for refusing to indicate whether or not the program of stamp duty relief for first home buyers would continue beyond 30 June, placing prospective first home buyers in a difficult financial situation.
“I call on the Premier to rule out re-introducing his $4000 stamp duty slug on Tasmania’s first home buyers and to rule this out today,” Mr Hidding said.
“Both the TCCI and Access Economics reports have now suggested Tasmania’s economy may be in decline and this Lennon Labor Government must put in place initiatives to overcome this possible economic downturn.
“Tasmania’s first home buyers, many of whom are younger people, need to know whether or not they will have to pay Premier Lennon’s high stamp duty slug if they are considering buying a property in the coming months.
“If Premier Lennon fails to announce a continuation of stamp duty relief for first home buyers, he not only makes life difficult for first home buyers, but he also potentially skews the Tasmanian property market.
“It is just unacceptable that Premier Lennon has already refused to rule out re-introducing stamp duty relief for first home buyers and maintains his arrogant stance on this critical issue.
“This incompetent State Labor Government is the highest taxing government in Tasmania’s history and it would be a disgrace if they re-instated an unfair tax on Tasmania’s first home buyers just to add to their massive $400 million election warchest,” Mr Hidding said.
Mr Hidding said that the State Budget, to be released in May, would effectively be finalised and there was no excuse for Premier Lennon not to make the announcement on the continuation of stamp duty relief for first home buyers.
He said that he was concerned that many first home buyers would hastily jump into the property market fearing that they may have to pay stamp duty after June 30.
“It is State Liberal policy to help out these first home buyers and waive the first $5000 of stamp duty for first home buyers on an ongoing basis.
“Unlike Labor we are not in the business of creating uncertainty for Tasmania’s first home buyers,” Mr Hidding said.
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Media Release
RENE HIDDING, MHA
Leader of the State Opposition
Thursday April 7, 2005
Bacon must repay the taxpayers’ money he wasted
Opposition Leader Rene Hidding today called on the Tourism Minister Ken Bacon to repay every cent of the $1000 he cost taxpayers by refusing to fly without his minder.
Mr Hidding said it was a disgrace that while Mr Bacon’s chief minder had been forced to resign over the Flinders Island fiasco, the Minister had escaped scot-free and had not even committed to repaying the taxpayers money he wasted when he chartered a flight to Flinders Island because he would not fly without Michael Roberts.
Mr Hidding also said it was a disgrace that the Tourism Minister of the State was still in hiding, and refusing to give answers over the sordid Flinders Island affair.
“Tourism is a $1 billion Tasmanian industry and critical to our economy. At a time when the State’s economic tide seems to be turning, and difficulties confront the TT Line, we need a Minister who can step up to the challenge not one who is nowhere to be found,” Mr Hidding said.
“Reports that the tourism industry was considering the almost unprecedented step of declaring no confidence in this Minister will come as no surprise to the Tasmanian community, who cannot comprehend how the Premier could give him so many chances after so many breathtaking displays of incompetence.
“This Minister should have gone a long time ago, and it is a sign of weakness on the part of the Premier that he has not acted already.
“The tourism industry may have postponed their no confidence motion, but the complete lack of confidence that both the community and the industry have in this Minister remains and Mr Bacon is even more incompetent than previously thought if he thinks that by going into hiding, this issue will go away.
“He has only ensured that the smell will continue to linger and he can be sure that the questions he has refused to answer to date will be put to him in State Parliament next week.
“In the meantime, however, Mr Bacon should provide a simple yes or no answer as to whether he will repay the taxpayers’ money he grossly wasted when he refused to fly to Flinders Island, on a seat already paid for, because his minder was late.
“As a result, taxpayers were forced to foot the bill to charter a plane and this is a cost the Minister ought to be responsible for, not the Tasmanian people.
“It is a clear breach of the Government’s Code of Conduct for Ministers to waste taxpayers money and it is high time taxpayers were given a commitment that Ken Bacon will repay the cost of chartering the plane.”
Mr Hidding said that although Mr Bacon was duty bound to repay the money, payment would not absolve him of his breaches of the Code of Conduct, nor would it absolve the Premier of his clear need to sack this incompetent Minister.
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PRESS RELEASE
In a double-dose warning to developers, The Minister for Environment and
Planning, Judy Jackson, has given the Walker Corporation a July 31 deadline
for delivering its promised, ‘modified’ canal estate proposal to
government, while also warning developers and councils about the dangers of
sea level rise to Tasmania’s coastline.
In an excerpt from a letter written a fortnight ago – after a feisty public
meeting at the Lauderdale Hall to mark the year long Save Ralphs Bay
campaign to date – the Minister states, “… I do not believe that the
timing of your response can any longer be left open-ended. I therefore
advise that in order for the proposal to maintain any formal standing with
the Government you will need to provide me with the reports requested in my
4 March 2004 letter by no later than 31 July 2005.”
Save Ralphs Bay Inc. representative, Cassy O’Connor, said the messages
coming from Minister Jackson are overdue, but welcome. “The time for a
response from the developer has long passed, so it’s of some relief that
Judy Jackson has responded to community calls for an end-date to this
terrible waiting game.
“We will, however, continue to maintain that the peninsula community
should never have been faced with losing its Conservation Area in the first
place, and remains frustrated.
“By July 31, it will have been almost fourteen months since the Walker
Corporation closed its very temporary Lauderdale shopfront – more than
enough time to absorb the fact that its canal estate proposal is viewed by a
significant percentage of Tasmanians as an environmental abomination and a
potential slur on coastal policy.
“Whether the developer meets the deadline or not, the Lennon Government
must reject the Walker ‘vision’ for coastal development.
“The hard science and grim warnings delivered in the study of climate
change and the Tasmanian coast, released yesterday by the Minister, should
also put a decisive end to any misguided fantasy that canal and marina
estates could in some way benefit Tasmania.
“Given the known risks, any policy or decision-making process that allowed
a high-density canal housing estate to proceed in a vulnerable coastal zone
would represent nothing short of official recklessness,” Ms O’Connor
said.
Geoscientist, Chris Sharples’ study, Indicative Mapping of Tasmanian
Coastal Vulnerability to Climate Change and Sea Level Rise, was commissioned
by the Tasmanian Government. It makes specific mention of Ralphs Bay and
Lauderdale as low-lying coastal areas highly vulnerable to damage from storm
surges and flooding predicted as a result of rising sea levels.
“State and Local Governments, and planning authorities, have a duty of
care to coastal communities to respond to the Sharples’ study with a clear
eye on the likely future under global warming, and to abide by the
‘precautionary principle’ at every turn. In this context, and the
current review of the State Coastal Policy, SRB Inc. applauds the
Minister’s endorsement of the study.
“Its disturbing content provides the Lennon Government with an exit clause
for the Ralphs Bay proposal and ALL future real estate grabs at a precious
coastline already facing too many possible hazards as a result of human
activity.”
Save Ralphs Bay Inc.
www.saveralphsbay.org
To remove your email from our mailing list, click here: http://www.saveralphsbay.org/index.php?ACT=5&id=D9dwqmyebH
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Press Release
Sunday 3 April 2005
Alderman Jeff Briscoe
Let’s work together with the new Waterfront Authority.
We can make Hobart Happen
Alderman Jeff Briscoe said today that whilst he had been critical in the past of the process adopted by the Government to strip the planning powers from the HCC over the waterfront, it was now time for all the Aldermen of the HCC to be totally cooperative with the new waterfront authority.
“The stripping of the planning powers over the Hobart waterfront should not have happened on our watch. It shows that the leadership team of the HCC has been found wanting.”
“The new authority will be in existence on Monday 4 April and a negative attitude towards it and the board will not produce good outcomes for the City of Hobart.”
“It time for the aldermen of the Hobart City Council, and others who opposed the new strategy, to put aside past differences with Government and to work co-operatively with the new authority.”
“I have no doubt that we all want to achieve the same things; to protect heritage values, to create and to preserve public open space, to provide better amenities and to develop world class designs. “
“Our community, I am sure, would not want the two planning authorities to be at loggerheads”
The Premier announced on Friday that the waterfront authority would come into existence on 4 April 2005 and the members to be announced shortly.
“Whilst I will not shy from voicing concerns if it goes off the rails I for one will do my best to make sure that it does works.”
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Kim Booth MHA
Wednesday, 6 APRIL 2005
INDUSTRY CHEMICAL CLEAN UP A START
But Who Will Clean Up And Take Responsibility For Illegal Dumping Due To Cost?
The Tasmanian Greens today welcomed the announcement of the industry funded ChemClear program, which will see clearly labelled chemicals or chemicals in their original containers and belonging to participating manufacturers, collected from rural areas, but have also questioned what will happen with unwanted and unidentified chemicals sitting in the ‘too hard basket’.
Greens Opposition Primary Industry spokesperson Kim Booth MHA said that the government was relying on a voluntary self-regulated system to clean up the most easily identified chemicals and that for the job to be done properly the state government must take responsibility for ensuring that all remaining chemicals were collected and not dumped to landfill due to cost.
“It is of critical importance to eradicate these toxic chemicals from the community and ensure that there is no impediment to this process, such as cost,” Mr Booth said.
“Unfortunately this is a voluntary and self regulated procedure which has a financial disincentive to proper disposal.”
“That is why the Greens are again renewing our call for the Government to act responsibly and establish a facility which provides incentives to ensure that out of date, dangerous or unwanted chemicals are taken out of the system and disposed of properly.”
“Already we have seen elevated DDT levels in oysters and fish in the Tamar River, which has been blamed on recent illegal disposal and the long term cost of this is an intergenerational curse.”
“Various state governments have allowed these chemicals to be distributed in a lax regulatory environment in the first place, and now the State has an obligation to get them out of the system properly.”
“Instead, reliance on a system which will cost the person trying to do the right thing in disposing of unwanted rural chemicals, actually provides a financial incentive to dispose of them illegally.”
“This is a public health issue and if the Lennon government’s scrooge approach leads to illegal dumping of dangerous chemicals into the environment that would be a tragedy,” Mr Booth said.
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Nick McKim MHA
Wednesday, 6 APRIL 2005
RALPHS BAY PROPOSAL MUST BE MADE PUBLIC
As Jackson Favours Walker Corp Over Tasmanians
The Tasmanian Greens today called on Environment Minister Judy Jackson to commit to publicly releasing Walker’s Proposal for Ralphs Bay as soon as it is received by Government.
Greens Opposition Environment spokesperson Nick McKim MHA, responding to revelations that Mrs Jackson had imposed a 31 July deadline to receive a proposal from Walker, said that the deadline was too far in the future, and favoured the developer over members of the local community.
“Given this Government’s love of secrecy, it is imperative that the proposal be released publicly as soon as it is received by Government,” Mr McKim said.
“This is a developer driven deadline which favours Walker and leaves the community hanging for another unnecessary four months.”
“Walker’s proposal must be subjected to the disinfectant of sunlight as soon as it is received by Government.”
Mr McKim also said that the deadline was a clear attempt to protect Labor Rumney MLC Lin Thorp from a voter backlash over Ralphs Bay in the May 7 Legislative Council elections.
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Tim Morris MHA
Wednesday, 6 APRIL 2005
MISSING ELECTIVE SURGERY INFORMATION FINALLY SURFACES
Waiting Time Still Not Improving, Still Fail National Average
The Tasmanian Greens have called on the Minister for Health and Human Services, David Llewellyn to explain why he shouldn’t be sacked, in light of the State Government’s latest elective surgery waiting lists data which finally surfaced today.
Greens Opposition Health and Human Services spokesperson Tim Morris MHA said that the data, which was presented to the Statewide Surgical Service Committee on 4th April 2005, showed on-going sub-standard performance for most categories of elective surgery continuing through the 2003-04 year.
“The waiting list information shows that in all described categories, compared with the national average, Tasmanians are waiting significantly longer for elective surgery, which is unacceptable,” Mr Morris said.
“Despite all the fancy words from Minister Llewellyn about having fixed the surgery waiting time problems, it appears from the Health Department’s own data that this is not the case at all, and that the State is still stuck in high-speed reverse.”
“This is the missing information that should have been provided to the Australian Hospital Statistics and State of our Hospital Report, and it is now becomes apparent why Minister Llewellyn was not keen to release it and instead resorted to lame excuses for its non-provision at the time.”
“For example in general surgery 5.7% of Tasmanians waited more than a year compared to 2.2% nationally.”
“For all classes of elective surgery 10.3% of Tasmanians waited for more than a year compared with 3.9% nationally.”
“Tasmanian medical professionals and public are being let down badly by this inept Minister.”
“It is becoming clear that after nearly three years as Health Minister, Mr Llewellyn has still been unable to turn around the ever growing waiting times for elective surgery in this state, and it’s about time we got a Minister who can.”
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Kim Booth MHA
Wednesday, 6 APRIL 2005
LABOR MUST COME CLEAN ON BETFAIR LICENCING PLANS
Lennon Must Prioritise Problem Gambling Concerns Over Packer Interests
The Tasmanian Greens today have slammed the State government over its refusal to disclose whether meetings held with James Packer and other senior Publishing and Broadcasting executives this week had discussed granting a licence to controversial betting exchange Betfair, and have called on Labor to rule out doing so.
Greens Opposition Racing and Gaming spokesperson Kim Booth MHA described as unconscionable any move by the Lennon government to facilitate access to another form of highly addictive gambling such as internet gaming, while they refuse to take seriously the impact of problem gambling already affecting the Tasmanian community.
Mr Booth also drew attention to the fact that internal confidential research undertaken by the Victorian Labor government, reported in today’s Age newspaper, was showing that problem gambling is a bigger problem than first thought, and that even their mitigation efforts were failing to stem the negative impacts.
“The Greens are calling on the Premier, Paul Lennon, to immediately rule out granting a licence to the controversial Betfair exchange, and to prioritise the members of the Tasmanian community whose families and businesses are already badly affected by problem gaming rather than helping out big corporate bosses such as James Packer,” Mr Booth said.
“What a contrast the public is presented when we have the Victorian Labor government’s research showing that problem gambling is at crisis point, and the Tasmanian Labor government not only refusing to conduct similar research here, but further refusing to disclose whether they are considering expanding access to highly addictive forms of gaming such as Betfair.”
“Who does Premier Lennon represent? Tasmanians having to deal with problem gambling, the Tasmanian racing industry, or the interests of Mr James Packer?”
“Paul Lennon must come clean, and disclose whether he is discussing granting Betfair a licence or not, as both the racing industry would be very interested to know, as would the organisations currently overwhelmed by the demand for their services to deal with the impacts of problem gambling.”
“Rather than look at how to obtain more gambling blood-money from the community in secret deals with the big end of town, Premier Lennon must demonstrate a similar concern for the community as his Labor counterpart in Victoria did, and undertake an independent social and economic impact study on pokies before he considers exposing people to further highly addictive gambling options.”
“It is negligent in the extreme and unconscionable for the Lennon government to contemplate easier gaming access when it point blank refuses to conduct research into the extent of current problem gambling.”
“The Greens are also very aware of the posed threat to the racing industry from internet betting exchanges as it was Senator Bob Brown’s vote which the Howard government’s Interactive Gambling Act 2001, and was contingent on key amendments being passed to protect the racing industry.”
“If Tasmania breaks ranks with the other states and grants Betfair a licence, it will expose once and for all that Premier Lennon’s priority is to rub shoulders with the well-off and is happy to sacrifice the interests of the Tasmanian public and racing industry in the process,” Mr Booth said.
Mr Booth explained that Betfair/PBL currently can operate legally but does need to secure a State licence in order to be able to advertise, following the restrictions placed on internet gambling by the Federal government.
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Media Release
SUE NAPIER, MHA
Shadow Minister for Health
WILL HODGMAN, MHA
Spokesperson for the Royal Hobart Hospital
Wednesday April 6, 2005=
Hospital waiting list report a disgrace
Shadow Health Minister Sue Napier said today that a secret Lennon Government report on Tasmanian hospital waiting lists tells a shocking story of how Tasmania’s hospitals are in crisis mode compared to the rest of the nation.
Mrs Napier said that this report showed that, on almost every measurement, Tasmania’s hospitals compared unfavourably with the national data and, in some cases, up to six times worse.
“This report is a shocking indictment on the management of our hospitals by the State Labor Government’s incompetent Health Minister, David Llewellyn,” Mrs Napier said.
“Particularly damning is the fact that Tasmanians have almost three times the possibility of waiting more than a year for elective surgery. Nationally 3.9% of patients waited more than 365 days whilst 10.3% of Tasmanians waiting for elective surgery had to wait for over a year.
“This report that Minister Llewellyn tried to keep secret indicates that his band-aid solutions to Tasmania’s public hospitals are simply not working.
“The secret report refers to the concern that the Department of Health and Human Services had for the increasing numbers of category 1 elective surgery patients at both the Royal and the North West Regional Hospital despite strategic focus being placed on reducing these figures.
“At the Royal, category 1 patients waiting more than a year for elective surgery increased by 25.6% during Minister Llewellyn’s strategic focus on decreasing this area, whilst at the NWRH, the numbers of patients increased by 22.2%.”
Mrs Napier said that in almost every area of surgery, many more Tasmanians will wait longer than a year compared to patients in other States.
“In the area of neurosurgery, almost 6 times more Tasmanians will wait longer than a year for surgery, whilst approximately 5 times more Tasmanians will wait for ophthalmological surgery than those in other States,” Mrs Napier said.
“Similarly, unacceptable one year waiting list comparisons also existed in the areas of orthopaedic surgery (4 times), general surgery (2.5 times), vascular surgery (3 times) and cardio-thoracic (10 times).”
Opposition Spokesperson for the Royal Hobart Hospital, Will Hodgman said that this report illustrated that Minister Llewellyn had failed to overcome the crisis that he had presided over at the Royal.
“This secret report shows that 379 Royal Hobart Hospital patients were waiting more than 2 years for surgery and, shockingly, 50 patients had to wait more than 5 years for surgery at the Royal.
“No Tasmanian will be pleased about the information contained within this secret report of Minister Llewellyn’s. It demonstrates that far more than Lennon Government spin and band-aid solutions are needed to fix the Royal and other public hospitals,” Mr Hodgman said
Mrs Napier called on Minister Llewellyn to release the March quarter hospital waiting list data at the earliest possible date saying any failure to do so would suggest he was again attempting a cover-up of nationally comparable data.
“It is a tribute to those medical specialists, nurses and allied health staff working in our public hospital system that they provide the highest quality of care to Tasmanian patients despite the trying conditions they work in,” Mrs Napier said.
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Media Release
SUE NAPIER, MHA
Shadow Minister for Health
Wednesday April 6, 20005
New mental health unit
Shadow Health Minister Sue Napier said the construction of the forensic mental health unit at Risdon was an important step forward for the prison population and other mental health clients, but was not without concerns.
Mrs Napier said there were many people in the community concerned about the fact that people who are not criminals, but have serious mental illnesses, will be stigmatised by being sent to a facility that is in effect part of Risdon Prison.
Mrs Napier also questioned where the new staff for the facility would come from, given the acute shortage of mental health workers in this State and also that little has been done to provide training for mental health staff in Tasmania.
“It is pleasing to see this new investment in mental health facilities, and in particular, the new focus on addressing the mental health needs of prisoners, which is paramount to their rehabilitation and reducing recidivism,” Mrs Napier said.
“However the State Liberals have well-documented concerns that people in the community with serious mental health illnesses could be further stigmatised by being sent to a facility associated with the prison, when they have committed no crime.
“These concerns are echoed by many people in the community who are disappointed that the expanded 35 bed facility being built on the Risdon prison grounds is to treat ordinary members of the community, as well as prisoners.”
Mrs Napier said the major challenge for the new facility would be recruiting the forensic mental health staff.
“I note that the State Labor Government is advertising for psychiatric and general trained nurses to join the facility and wish them well in that regard but it is well known that we have a crisis on our hands in terms of mental health nurses both currently in the system, and wanting to train.
“These issues need to be addressed to ensure that our entire mental health system, including the new forensic mental health unit, functions to the best of its abilities.”
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Media Release
WILL HODGMAN, MHA
Shadow Minister for Economic Development
BRETT WHITELEY, MHA
Shadow Treasurer
Wednesday April 6, 2005
Years of ignoring business has caught up with Labor
Years of arrogantly ignoring Tasmania’s business community appear to have caught up with the State Labor Government.
Shadow Economic Development Minister Will Hodgman today expressed serious concern about the pessimistic prospects for the economy outlined in the latest Tasmanian Survey of Business Expectations, and said the State Labor Government not only had to act to prevent the predicted slump, but also accept responsibility for its failure to invest in the future of the business community in the past.
“While the State Labor Government has concentrated on building up a $400 million warchest to spend at the next election, it has wilfully neglected business, the engine room of our economy, and the perils associated with this election-orientated strategy are now being flagged by both the TCCI, and Access Economics,” Mr Hodgman said.
“The State Liberals have consistently warned the State Labor Government that it cannot take good economic times for granted. We have called on the State Labor Government to share the rewards of good economic times among both our battlers, and our businesses, to ensure that economic growth is sustained in the long term.
“Unforgivably, both have been neglected in order to fill this election warchest and the result is that we see areas of need in the community soaring at a time when we were in a position to make a real difference; and our economic prospects starting to wane because of a failure to invest in the engine room of our economy.”
Mr Hodgman said the State Labor Government could not afford to dismiss the findings of the TCCI report.
“The State Labor Government seems to dismiss any reports that offer negative predictions about the future of the Tasmanian economy because it is so fixated in spinning good news. It will continue to do that at its peril,” Mr Hodgman said.
“We need the State Labor Government to sit down and analyse these reports and respond to the very clear warning signs that are emerging on our economic horizon.
“After leaving the business community out in the cold for successive Budgets, the State Labor Government must repatriate some of its windfall gains reaped from the business community over recent years back to the business community.
“This includes reducing taxes such as land tax; and committing to the continuation of stamp duty relief for first home buyers to keep the housing market strong.
“The skills crisis which has developed under Labor’s watch needs a far more focussed and urgent response. The centrepiece of last year’s Budget was a $25 million skills package, yet as of only a few months ago, just a minuscule amount of this had been spent.
“This is a woeful response to one of the major constraints on business identified in the TCCI’s survey for several years now and shows that Labor is all talk and no action when it comes to this major crisis.”
Mr Hodgman also expressed frustration at the State Labor Government’s incompetence in delivering major projects from water developments to the Waterfront, Southwood, the fibre-optic project and roll-out of gas.
Shadow Treasurer Brett Whiteley said the State Labor Government appeared to be pinning future economic growth solely on a pulp mill, forgetting that small business is the engine room of the economy and the generator of significant wealth and jobs.
“With a $400 million warchest, which is growing by the day, the State Labor Government cannot continue to ignore the Tasmanian business community’s concerns in the upcoming Budget,” Mr Whiteley said.
“Otherwise the legacy of Labor could well end up being having squandered one the best opportunities to put our State on a firm economic footing for the long term.”
Mr Whiteley said a Hidding Liberal Government would be a lower taxing government than Labor.
Commitments made to date include waiving the first $5000 of stamp duty for first home buyers on an indefinite basis, not just for one year, and reducing the land tax take by at least $8 million.
A vast range of other measures, including payroll tax and mortgage duty, are under close examination and the State Liberals’ comprehensive package for the business community will be released before the next election.
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Media Release
HON MICHAEL HODGMAN, QC MHA
Her Majesty’s Shadow Attorney General
Wednesday April 6, 2005
Jackson has a duty of care to ensure the protection of the community in relation to child-killer O’Neill
Shadow Attorney General Michael Hodgman QC today demanded Judy Jackson explain whether she has discussed with Police Commissioner Richard McCreadie his concerns in relation to convicted child-killer James O’Neill and his capacity to reoffend.
Mr Hodgman said reports that O’Neill plans to apply for parole in the near future meant the Attorney General Judy Jackson had a clear duty of care to personally satisfy herself not only whether he would be a danger to the community if released, but also whether it is appropriate that he continue to be housed at the walk-in walk-out Hayes prison farm.
Mr Hodgman said the Attorney General had arrogantly refused to comment in the wake of revelations that the Police Commissioner believes O’Neill has killed on several occasions and would kill again if released, as to whether it was appropriate that he be housed at Hayes.
“Now that O’Neill reportedly intends to apply for parole again, it is paramount that the Attorney General meets with the Police Commissioner to understand the exact nature of his concerns and why he holds them.
“Ms Jackson must not only commit to meeting with Commissioner McCreadie, but she must commit to ensuring that any information which he has which may be relevant to O’Neill’s parole hearing is provided to the parole board.”
Mr Hodgman said he understood full well that decisions on parole were a matter for the parole board, but with a prisoner regarded with such concern by no less than the Police Commissioner, it was essential the Attorney General took appropriate action to ensure the protection of the community.
“Ms Jackson cannot arrogantly try to claim this issue is nothing to do with her, when it is very clear that at the very least, she needs to talk to the Police Commissioner about his public statements in relation to this prisoner and satisfy herself that all appropriate action is being taken to ensure the protection of the community.
“Failure to do so would be an obscene abrogation of her duty of care to the Tasmanian community as the Chief Law Officer of this State.”
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Media Release
SUE NAPIER, MHA
Shadow Minister for Racing
Wednesday April 6, 2005
Failure to rule out Betfair fuels concerns
Shadow Racing Minister Sue Napier today slammed the State Labor Government for failing to rule out granting a licence to the British based betting exchange Betfair.
Mrs Napier said Premier Paul Lennon had only fuelled concerns that he was seriously considering sounding the death knell on the Tasmanian racing industry by breaking ranks with all States and licensing Betfair.
Mrs Napier said there were very good reasons why the other States had all agreed not to license Betfair and she was at a loss to understand how the State Labor Government could even be contemplating the move.
“It would seem that the Premier has become so arrogant that he will sacrifice the livelihoods of thousands of Tasmanians in order to stroke his own ego by dealing with media mogul Kerry Packer,” Mrs Napier said.
“This is apparent from his media statement yesterday, where he said it was a sign of the confidence and optimism in the Tasmanian economy that organisations such as PBL and other large corporations want to discuss business opportunities in detail with the Tasmanian Government.
“Does Mr Lennon not understand that the only reason PBL is dealing with the Tasmanian Government is because they have identified a weak link? But rather than stay strong and defend the Tasmanian racing industry, Premier Paul Lennon is falling over himself to be seen wheeling and dealing with Mr Packer, further cementing his reputation for secret dealings with the big end of town.
“The State Liberals have no problem whatsoever with Mr Packer and indeed would warmly welcome and encourage any new investment by PBL or any other company in this State. But not Betfair.
“The racing industry throughout Australia and Tasmania are firmly opposed to the licensing Betfair and the State Liberals are listening to the industry.
“Licensing Betfair would spell the end of the Tasmanian turf, harness and greyhound racing industries industries that provide direct and indirect employment for some 6000 Tasmanians, and generate about $60 million in the State’s economy every year.
“That the State Labor Government cannot even rule this out is a sign of how arrogant and out of touch it has become.
“The Premier is playing with people’s livelihoods.
“Paul Lennon would do well to remember that racing is about real people in Tasmania the thousands of trainers, jockeys, transporters, feedstock suppliers and so on who depend on racing for their livelihoods, and struggle as it is.
“What they need is a commitment for increased stakes not a money-hungry Premier who wants to line his pockets with taxes from a betting exchange and who will send the entire racing industry to the dogs in the process.”
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BRETT WHITELEY, MHA
Shadow Minister for Infrastructure
Tuesday April 5, 2005
Council support of school bus safety education welcomed
Shadow Minister for Infrastructure Brett Whiteley today welcomed calls from the Northern Midlands Council for the State Government to reinstate bus safety campaigns in Tasmanian schools.
Mr Whiteley said he supported the moves by Northern Midlands Council to raise the matter of school bus safety at the Local Government Association of Tasmania’s meeting in June.
“The safety of our children on our roads and school buses should be a State Labor Government priority,” Mr Whiteley said.
“The State Liberals are in favour of the State Government reinstating Bus Safety Week, a campaign discontinued by the State Labor Government until about five years ago. The Tasmanian Bus Association also backs this move.
“I call on the Local Government Association of Tasmania to endorse the Northern Midlands Council’s calls for the Lennon Labor Government to put in place a school bus safety campaign.
“The Lennon Labor Government has no excuse when it comes to not funding school bus safety campaigns. It is sitting on a massive $400 million election warchest and it should not be penny pinching on the safety of our children.
“We should not have to wait for a fatal accident or serious injury of a school child for the Lennon Labor Government to reinstate a school bus safety program and associated funding,” Mr Whiteley said.
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BRETT WHITELEY, MHA
Shadow Minister for Infrastructure
Tuesday April 5, 2005
Blackspot query over Bridgewater bridge
Shadow Infrastructure Minister Brett Whiteley today called on the State Labor Government to confirm reports that permanent speed cameras have been erected on the Bridgewater Bridge.
Mr Whiteley said that if the reports were true, the State Labor Government should also explain the crash history of this site and rule out revenue raising as a motive for their placement on this high-traffic-density bridge.
Mr Whiteley said he understood permanent cameras had been placed on the bridge well over a month ago, and he said it was unusual that the State Government would not warn motorists, as is standard practice at other permanent speed camera locations on the Tasman Bridge and at Longford.
“At a time when public confidence in the use of speed cameras is at an all time low, after revelations of the use of quotas, and the fact that there is almost no correlation between the placement of speed cameras and black spot areas, the State Labor Government ought to explain what is going on with the Bridgewater Bridge.
“Is this Bridge a blackspot that would warrant the placement of permanent speed cameras over other high-accident areas?
“Or have the cameras just been put there because this is one of the busiest stretches of road in the State and their revenue-raising potential is maximised?
“How many motorists have been booked since the cameras were installed and why have no signs been put up, when this is standard practice at other permanent speed camera sites?”
Mr Whiteley again called on the State Labor Government to implement the State Liberal policy of allowing community input into speed camera locations, to ensure their placement is about road safety, not revenue.
He also repeated his call for the State Labor Government to adopt the State Liberal’s pledge to put every cent raised from speed cameras into road safety initiatives to provide a massive boost to road safety and further enhance public confidence in their use.
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SUE NAPIER, MHA
Shadow Minister for Sport and Recreation
Liberal Member for Bass
Tuesday April 5, 2005
Launceston sports & recreation facilities
Liberal Member for Bass and Shadow Minister for Sport and Recreation, Sue Napier has today welcomed the Launceston City Council’s plans to upgrade many of the city’s sports and recreation facilities
Mrs Napier said that the decision by the Launceston City Council was long overdue, but was pleased that, now deliberations were finished and a blueprint developed, all stakeholders could now work together to finalise funding for and commence the various projects.
“Launceston, and Northern Tasmania generally, are great places to live and work and these upgrades to sporting facilities will make the region an even better place,” Mrs Napier said.
“The State Liberals support the plans released by the Launceston City Council and we look forward to working with all stakeholders in ensuring that the various facilities are developed on time so that they can be enjoyed by the local community at the earliest possible date.
“The development of facilities at Launceston will ensure that the region can host a range of State, national and international events enabling significant economic, cultural and social benefits.
“I particularly welcome the proposed upgrade to the Silverdome which I have been calling on the State Government to address for a long time.
“The Silverdome is a facility that has the potential to host world-class events, but has unfortunately been allowed to fall into a state of disrepair by its owner, the State Government.
“The Launceston City Council’s funding proposal will address these problems and I hope that the State Government lives up to its mooted commitment to the Silverdome’s upgrade.
“The inclusion of the proposal for a Northern Regional Tennis Centre is also very welcome. This concept is vital to ensure that we finally get a top class tennis facility for use by locals and for State and National tennis tournaments.
“Thankfully, the State Labor Government have backed off the crazy idea of trying to convert the Silverdome into a tennis centre, which would have seen fewer courts, reduced viability and a huge loss for cycling and netball.
“I have asked for a briefing from the Launceston City Council on the details of the plan, including what interim arrangements will be put in place for swimmers for the twelve months that the Windmill Hill Pools will be unavailable.
“I congratulate the various sporting organisations including those representing the sports of swimming, tennis and netball who have been largely responsible for ensuring these development have remained on the priority lists of the Federal and State Governments and the Council.
“As a local representative and Shadow Minister for Sport, I look forward to working with the Council, the local community and State and local sporting bodies as Launceston’s sports and recreation facilities are developed,” Mrs Napier said.
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Media Release
SUE NAPIER, MHA
Shadow Minister for Racing
Tuesday April 5, 2005
Betfair license would sound the deathknell for the Tasmanian racing industry
Shadow Racing Minister Sue Napier today called on the State Labor Government to categorically rule out reports that it is close to giving a licence to the British betting exchange Betfair – a move that would decimate the Tasmanian racing industry.
Mrs Napier said she was shocked that, after making strong representations in State Parliament last year calling on the Labor Government to agree not to license any betting exchanges in Tasmania, Premier Paul Lennon was now reportedly close to signing off on the deal.
“Licensing a betting exchange in Tasmania would sound the deathknell to the Tasmanian racing industry and I am shocked that the Premier, with his keen racing interest, would even countenance such a move,” Mrs Napier said.
“The risks to the racing industry far outweigh any possible benefits – our turf, harness and greyhound racing industries are likely to be thrown of interstate betting pools and have Sky racing coverage withdrawn in a move that would dramatically reduce our revenue base.
“Tasmania will in effect become a rebel racing state, going it alone, something that an industry our size simply cannot afford.
“Furthermore, at a time when the State Labor Government is spending tens of millions of dollars on improving racing infrastructure, it just beggars belief that the Premier Paul Lennon would contemplate literally throwing this money away.
“Money spent on upgrading Elwick and Mowbray, and the Brighton Training Centre, could all be taxpayers’ and racing industry money wasted if Betfair is licensed in this State, because our racing industry would be treated like a pariah.
“However, it would seem from this morning’s media reports that this arrogant Premier is more interested in playing the big man and wheeling and dealing with media mogul Kerry Packer than the interests of the six thousand or more Tasmanians who depend on racing for their livelihoods, and struggle as it is.
“Premier Lennon seems to be blinded by power and dazzled by the prospects of Betfair promises to put money into the State without realising it will be worth nothing because the racing industry will fall to its knees if it has to go it alone, without the other States.
“What our racing industry need is a commitment from the State Labor Government to raise stakes not total ostracism from the national industry.”
Mrs Napier called on TOTE Tasmania and its chairman Michael Kent to rise up and fight this massive threat to the racing industry’s future.
She said Mr Kent ought to publicly explain, for the State Labor Government’s benefit, the full ramifications of Paul Lennon’s reported move.
Mrs Napier said the State Liberals and the racing industry would fight any move to license Betfair in Tasmania.
“The racing industry does not want Betfair, and we are committed to listening to and working with them,” Mrs Napier said.
“The Premier must come clean on his dealings with Betfair, and he must unequivocally rule out granting any betting exchange license in Tasmania or face an unprecedented uproar from the community.”
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Media Release
WILL HODGMAN, MHA
Shadow Minister for Employment
Monday April 4, 2005
ANZ Job Figures
Shadow Employment Minister Will Hodgman said the second successive decline in newspaper job advertisements only reinforced the message that the State Labor Government cannot continue to rest on its laurels, hoping that the positive economic times will continue.
Mr Hodgman said that the latest decline which comes after many months of growth – should serve as a wake-up call to the State Labor Government that there are a range of things it should be doing to sustain economic growth into the future.
“There are several alarm bells starting to sound on the Tasmanian economy into the longer term, such as waning building approvals, Tasmania’s appalling employment participation rate and now the second successive decline in job advertisements reported by the ANZ’s monthly series in trend terms,” Mr Hodgman said,
“The State Labor Government will undoubtedly respond to this latest report by shooting the messenger or putting a more palatable spin on the statistics, as opposed to actually concentrating on measures such as taxation relief and decisive action on our skills crisis to put our economy on a sound footing for the future.
“But unless this sort of action is taken, our economy will be constrained.
“I call on the good news obsessed Labor Government to actually heed the messages contained in recent reports such as the Access Economics Business Outlook and the ANZ Job Advertisements Series, rather than simply attack them, in the interests of the Tasmanian economy into the long term.”
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Media Release
PETER GUTWEIN, MHA
Shadow Minister for Education
Monday April 4, 2005
Wriedt’s ‘super-size’ classroom
experiment goes on and on and on
Taroona Primary School has been forced to maintain two super-size classes of more than 46 students each after promises from the Lennon Labor Government had fallen by the wayside, Shadow Education Minister Peter Gutwein said today.
Mr Gutwein said that it had been brought to his attention that there was an additional class at Taroona Primary School of 48 students as a result of the Education Minister’s failure to provide adequate resources to the school.
Mr Gutwein said that after it was revealed in early February that Grades 5 and 6 students would be forced to sit in super-size classes at the beginning of the year, the Acting Education Minister, Lara Giddings promised that a new portable building classroom:
“should be ready for students and teachers to move in on Friday February 23.”
“Today, almost six weeks later, that portable classroom remains empty and still unfit for the Taroona Primary School students and teachers,” Mr Gutwein said.
“This is despite a further deadline of straight “after Easter” being set by the Education Department with the school’s parents and friends association.
“This failure by the lazy Lennon Government means that the two super-size classes at Taroona of almost 90 students in total remain and parents have strong concerns that the learning environment for their children is not up to scratch.
“It is not good enough that Education Minister, Paula Wriedt, has failed to deliver on her promise to Taroona Primary School parents over the new classrooms for their children. Clearly, Minister Wriedt is not terribly concerned about providing an appropriate learning environment for the students of Taroona Primary School.
“Taroona Primary School parents must be wondering why a State Labor Government with a massive election warchest of $400 million can’t provide a new classroom for their children.
“The State Liberals are adamant that super-sizing classes is simply not acceptable. Unlike this lazy Lennon Labor Government, the State Liberals are committed to reducing class sizes.
“Under a Hidding Liberal Government, an additional 202 teachers will be employed, a cap of 20 students will be placed on all Prep and Year One classes and a cap of 25 students will be placed on all other primary school classes.
“By establishing a solid foundation to our children’s education, we give them a better chance of achieving high standards for the rest of their school lives and beyond,” Mr Gutwein said.
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Media Release
WILL HODGMAN, MHA
Shadow Minister for Economic Development
Monday April 4, 2005
Warnings in Access Report must be heeded
Shadow Economic Development Minister Will Hodgman today said the State Labor Government must heed the warnings contained in the latest Access Economics Report and work to ensure that the pessimistic long-term predictions do not eventuate.
Mr Hodgman said the Economic Development Minister Lara Giddings seemed incapable of accepting that there are areas of the Tasmanian economy that need attention to ensure that into the long term, strong economic times can be sustained.
“It seems that the State Labor Government, whenever it is presented with reports or advice that point to potential challenges for our economy in the longer term simply dismisses them out of hand,” Mr Hodgman said.
“Its fixation with good news is out of control.
“This sort of arrogance and inability to accept criticism is a major worry we need the State Labor Government to recognise that it cannot afford to rest on its laurels hoping that the positive economic times of recent years will simply continue.
“Areas where the State Labor Government needs to act include taxation from providing land tax relief to providing a commitment that the first home owners grant will continue after June 30 this year.
“Our skills crisis is another area that the State Labor Government has failed to address appropriately and unless it moves much more decisively, we risk missing out on the full potential of new investment such as a pulp mill, because we may have to import workers to fill vacancies in areas of skills shortage.”
Tasmania’s participation rate 58.9 per cent according to the latest figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics compares woefully with the national average of 64.1 per cent, as noted by Access, and left unaddressed, this also has huge implications for our skills crisis.
And the State Labor Government has been consistently behind the eight ball in embracing business and has been shown up clearly by other States such as Victoria who are aggressively pursuing these skilled migrants.
Mr Hodgman said the Lennon Labor Government’s incompetence at bringing major projects to fruition was another threat to the Tasmanian economy in the longer term.
“Incompetence is now entrenched in all corners of the Lennon Labor Government and this in itself is a major potential threat to future economic growth.
“The bungling of major projects like the Meander Dam and water development generally, the fiasco that is the fibre optic project, our slipping educational standards, having the incompetent Ken Bacon in charge of our tourism industry and TT Line and a Treasurer who is accumulating a $400 million election warchest at the expense of important reforms for the future such as reduced taxes all give credence to Access Economics’ more pessimistic long term predictions.
“It is time the State Labor Government started listening to some of the warnings rather than rejecting out of hand anything that even slightly resembles bad news.”
