In Their Own Words (Political)

………………………………………….
Kim Booth MHA

Wednesday, 22 JUNE 2005
GREENS SUPPORT VEGETABLE FARMERS AS THEIR BATTLE BEGINS
As Government Policy Failure Comes Home To Roost
The Tasmanian Greens today lent their voice and full support to the farmers who gathered from all over Tasmania this morning in Devonport to campaign for fair treatment from processors and supermarkets in the face of the flood of cheap overseas imported produce which is beginning to fill warehouses and stock shelves in stores, and which could spell the end of Tasmania’s $315 million vegetable industry.
Greens Opposition Primary Industry and Water spokesperson Kim Booth MHA said that he would do everything in his power to support the farmers as they take on the processors and the supermarket giants, but also added that it was a tragedy that a lack of action by successive governments has meant that Tasmanian producers were locked in a commodity trap instead of having made the transition to a low volume, high value Clean, Green and GE Free agricultural industry with a strong promotional brand.
Mr Booth, who attended this morning’s rally, also congratulated organiser Richard Bovall and all other participants for their commitment to Tasmania’s vital primary industry sector.
“Today we have seen producers and their families leave their farms and take to the streets in a desperate rearguard action to safeguard their livelihoods and the future of rural communities and regional economies throughout Tasmania,” Mr Booth said.
“The global food industry juggernaut is now crashing into Tasmania’s rural sector and the barriers to stop it have been removed by successive Federal and State governments who have facilitated big business opportunities at the expense of the men and women who have worked so hard and put so much into creating the Tasmanian regional communities we have today.”
“The tragedy of this situation is that it could have been avoided. Over a decade ago the Greens were calling for a change of direction to transform Tasmania into being the Clean food capital of Australia, and first choice as a produce destination for the discerning markets of Asia, Europe and North America.”
“Instead we’ve had motherhood statements such as the government’s ‘State of Growth’ which has proved targetless, rudderless and ultimately useless in the face of the onslaught of cheap overseas produce and the harsh dealings of the food industry giants who drop loyal producers for the sake of a two cent saving.”

“Action is needed yesterday by this government to fast track every clean, green and GE Free marketing concept that we have to get Tasmania back on track to being the clean food capital and the Minister better have some action to match his words once he returns from jetting around Europe in a couple of weeks time,” Mr Booth said.
Mr Booth recently tabled a motion in the State Parliament calling for tri-partite action to support Tasmanian farmers, and the Greens’ Alternative Budget contained a $3.9 million Clean, Green Support Package for Primary Producers.

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WILL HODGMAN, MHA
Shadow Minister for Energy
Wednesday June 22, 2005

Gas concerns in Old Beach: Powerco offers to buy back gas stove because of connection problems

Shadow Energy Minister Will Hodgman today expressed concern about the roll-out of natural gas at Old Beach.

In the wake of concerns about Labor’s strategy of rolling out gas where there appears to be little consumer interest, and not rolling it out where there is, Mr Hodgman said taxpayers had every right to be concerned that the State Labor Government had bungled this project even more than first thought.

Mr Hodgman said he had been contacted by a resident of Old Beach, who has repeatedly tried, in vain, to get Powerco to connect her property to natural gas despite the fact that the main pipeline runs along her back fence.

The woman says she was told by a Powerco representative for the last 15 months that she would have gas connected by this winter. On the strength of that advice, she bought a new gas stove.

However, she has now been told that Powerco has no plans to provide gas to Old Beach in the foreseeable future.

“While the resident says Powerco has now offered to buy her gas stove off her, this is hardly satisfactory,” Mr Hodgman said.

“This resident was led to believe that gas would come past her home and bought an expensive appliance in anticipation.

“In one sense she was right the gas pipeline does come straight past her home. But despite this, and despite the fact that she claims she was told for the last 15 months that she would be able to connect to gas the fact is she cannot.”

Mr Hodgman called on the State Labor Government to explain why this Old Beach resident cannot connect to gas, despite Powerco maps showing the pipeline running straight through Old Beach.

“The pipeline runs through Bridgewater, Gagebrook and Old Beach before crossing the Derwent River, and Bridgewater and Gagebrook residents are both able to connect to natural gas, so it simply does not make sense that this Old Beach resident cannot, especially when the pipeline is literally on her back fence,” Mr Hodgman said

“The State Government needs to explain why this is the case, and how many other Old Beach residents also will not have to opportunity to connect to gas “in the foreseeable future”. In fact, will any Old Beach residents be able to take advantage of this heavily taxpayer-subsidised natural gas project in the foreseeable future?

“The fact that PowerCo has offered to purchase the gas stove back off this resident certainly gives the impression that something has gone wrong, and the State Labor Government needs to come clean on what this reason is.”

Mr Hodgman said given that Economic Development Minister Lara Giddings is more than happy to hail any good news developments with the natural gas project, she must not duck for cover and avoid answering the issues raised today in relation to Old Beach.

Mr Hodgman said all Tasmanians should be concerned by the fact that the Lennon Labor Government’s bungling of natural gas had forced taxpayers to subsidise this project to the tune of more than $50 millon – and yet the route for the downgraded Stage 2a rollout does not take into account some of the areas where gas is most likely to be popular such as the many growing suburbs on the Eastern Shore, and in the Kingborough and Blackmans Bay areas.

“As a result we have a situation where the gas pipeline now runs past some 5000 homes and just 20 of these have signed up for gas,” Mr Hodgman said.

“This is a very alarming state of affairs and one the Lennon Labor Government seems incapable of addressing because its obsession with good news means it cannot acknowledge any problems or warning signs with this project at all.”
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SUE NAPIER, MHA
Shadow Minister for Health and Human Services
Wednesday June 22, 2005

State Government must address mental health, drug links

Shadow Health and Human Services Minister Sue Napier today called on the State Labor Government to prioritise the provision of a framework to address growing links between illicit drug use and mental health.

Mrs Napier said that the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare recently released a National Comorbidity Initiative report that said that there was a requirement for improved coordination and collaboration between mental health and alcohol/drug treatment services.

“Comorbidity, that is, the presence of multiple disorders in one individual, often related to illicit drug use and mental illness, is a massive problem in the community that isn’t adequately being addressed,” Mrs Napier said.

“The AIHW report, National Comorbidity Initiative: A Review of Data Collections Relating to People with Coexisting Substance Use and Mental Health Disorders effectively summarises a number of reports that seriously look at this growing social health problem.

“The literature review in this AIHW report, looking at people with co-existing substance abuse and mental health disorders should be compulsory reading for the Minister for Health and Human Services.

The review warns that people with comorbidity are much more likely to;
· Inflict self harm or suicide;
· Have fewer social supports or financial resources which might enable them to use the private sector, thus are reliant on public sector services;
· have worse psychiatric symptoms, and are less likely to comply with treatment;
· use more treatment and service resources; and
· have the highest rates of expensive public mental health hospital admissions and criminal justice involvement.

“Examples have been raised with me of Tasmanians with a substance abuse problem being turned away by mental health services until they ‘get the substance abuse under control’, and vice versa.

“This is also a critical issue that health and welfare organisations in Tasmania are dealing with every day. I am aware that Colony 47, in particular has examined this issue in depth in their Coordinating for Change project.

“We can not ignore the fact that the use of illicit drugs in the Tasmanian community is growing. Nor can we ignore the fact that, according to the AIHW:
“Almost two in five persons who used an illicit drug in the past month reported high or very high levels of psychological distress.”

“Clearly, this creates an immediate and ongoing need for improved management and treatment of drug and mental health illnesses and, more importantly, co-ordination between these two distinct services in our health system.

“I call on Minister Llewellyn to adequately address and resource this important community health problem. In particular, the Minister needs to provide clear protocols for liaison between Tasmanian drug services and mental health services.

“The Minister also needs to identify what he is considering doing to take up the suggestions that early intervention and prevention strategies can be implemented during childhood and adolescence to reduce the onset of both psychiatric and substance use disorders.

“The State Government must heed the warning signs from this AIHW report and from the Tasmanian community and ensure we do not have a silo mentality of health service provision which prevents us dealing with the individual as a whole, rather than just the symptoms by their individual health service area provision,” Mrs Napier said.
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Peg Putt MHA
GREENS OPPOSITION LEADER

Tuesday, 21 June 2005
CALL FOR MINISTERIAL COMMITMENT TO REFORM 30% WORKERS COMP THRESHOLD
Workers Rights Must Be Restored
The Tasmanian Greens today called for a change to Tasmania’s workers compensation laws to restore rights for injured workers by removing the 30% Whole Person Impairment threshold and give improved access to obtain common law damages.
Greens Opposition Leader Peg Putt MHA attended today’s forum organised by the Australian Lawyers Alliance and raised the issue in Parliament last week to have Minister Bryan Green respond “—-I am not foreshadowing any changes at this stage”, said that having an enthusiastic government backbench member now embrace the need for change was no substitute for the Minister going on the public record to say he will review the 30% WPI threshold.
Ms Putt reminded that the Rutherford Review of the operation of Workers Compensation had not encompassed the 30% threshold, as this was explicitly left out of the Terms of Reference.
“The current 30% threshold on workers compensation claims for employer negligence is much harsher than the other states, discriminates unfairly, and is causing undue and unintended hardship to injured workers, and it must be changed” Ms Putt said.
“It is injured workers who are suffering because of the 30% threshold and we heard the personal stories of two of those people which left no doubt that they are being hardly done by whilst neither the employers or the insurance companies suffer under the current arrangements.”

“The hardest nut to crack has been the 30% threshold although it excludes many more people from access to court than was originally intended, and we need the Minister to give a firm commitment to review and act on the threshold.”
“A statement from a well-meaning government backbencher is no substitute for the responsible Minister initiating action, something he ruled out in Parliament only last week, when I questioned him on this matter.”
“The Greens want to see changes made by the Tasmanian Parliament and would be pleased by a government back flip, and we would love to see all sides of Parliament vote for changes to improve the lot of injured workers.”
“We like the idea of changing to a different scheme which could be modelled on our successful Tasmanian MAIB scheme for personal injury incurred in vehicle accidents, although this would require further research to determine its feasibility.”
Ms Putt said that substantial modification of the current system was another possible option.

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Kim Booth MHA

Tuesday, 21 JUNE 2005
STATE GOVERNMENT NAMED IN GAMBLING CLASS ACTION CASE
Pressure Continues to Grow Over Pokies
The Tasmanian Greens today said that pressure was mounting on the State government over its stance on poker machines in pubs and clubs, following the announcement that it has been named as a respondent in a planned class action case undertaken by a Sydney-based gaming support group.
Greens Opposition Gaming spokesperson Kim Booth MHA said that the pending Federal Court case by the gaming support group, Duty of Care, is a significant indication of growing community concern and anger over the impact that poker machines are having, and governments around the nation continuing to refuse to admit that there is a problem.
“Whatever the outcome of this planned class action by the nationally-based gambling support group, Duty of Care, the fact that there is such strong angst amongst the community about the impact of pokies that they are resorting to the Federal Court, should send a loud wake-up call to the Lennon government,” Mr Booth said.
“Statistics compiled by Duty of Care indicate that 90% of gamblers seeking help blame pokies, and ease of access to pokies, as their main gambling problem.”
“However it is an indictment on the Lennon government if it takes Federal Court action before duty of care to the Tasmanian public becomes a priority reflected in policy changes and a commitment to wean the state coffers from pokies revenue.”
“The Greens have argued for many years that the Labor State government has not shown sufficient duty of care regarding problem gamblers, as demonstrated by their 2003 secretive renegotiation with Federal Hotels over extending their monopoly licence for pokies in pubs and clubs for a further 20 years, and involving the roll-out of another 287 machines.”
“The government has also refused to implement a key recommendation by a 2002 Parliamentary Committee inquiry into Gaming Machines, to hold biennial independent social and economic impact studies into the impact of pokies in the community.”
“Refusal to heed either a Parliamentary Inquiries recommendation, or subsequent calls by welfare organisations such as Anglicare for a comprehensive independent Social and Economic Impact study, does indicate that the Labor government does not take its duty of care responsibilities seriously.”
“We will be watching closely the progress of this planned Federal Court class action case, as it is high time that Labor recognises its responsibility to the community regarding problem gambling and pokies proliferation,” Mr Booth said.
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SUE NAPIER, MHA
Shadow Minister for Health
Friday June 17, 2005

Care concern for children in hotels and motels

Shadow Health Minister Sue Napier today expressed concern about the supervision of children being placed by the State Government in hotels or motels because of a shortage of foster carers and a lack of alternative secure accommodation for children who have special needs.

Mrs Napier said she was aware of at least one case in the North where a 14 year old girl under the guardianship of the Department was being housed in a motel with only private firm security guards providing care and supervision.

Mrs Napier said it was bad enough that the State Labor Government appeared to have no other option than to put these vulnerable children in such inappropriate settings, but reports of unqualified people supervising them adds to our concern.

“When, I raised this matter in Budget Estimates, I was assured by the Department of Children and Family Services that children accommodated in hotels were at least being supervised by people with qualifications in this area,” Mrs Napier said.

Vickie Rundle, from Children and Family Services, told Estimates in response to a question from me:

“I understand last week there were seven children in the south that were in hotels. They are generally cared for by a combination of the professional people who provide the case management support and the case worker support but also rostered carers. Generally those people are certificate 4 people but not always. But they are people who do receive training and they do work under supervision.”

But it appears this is not occurring in at least one case of this 14 year old girl.

“I understand she is under the sole supervision of two security guards and this concerns me deeply,” Mrs Napier said.

“The State Labor Government must immediately investigate this matter and if my information is correct, explain what appropriate qualifications these security guards have to supervise a child under the guardianship of the Health Department.

“This would appear to be an extraordinary abrogation of the State Government’s responsibility in relation to the welfare of this child.

“It also follows another incident I revealed in Budget Estimates, where the Department is seriously considering moving a 14 year old to South Australia due to the critical lack of suitable secure supported accommodation for young people who cannot be successfully cared for in a foster care situation or group home, but also cannot be safely allowed to be either cared for independently in a hotel, or let loose on the streets with a food voucher, because of drug and alcohol or other issues.”

Mrs Napier said the State Labor Government must come clean on how many children the health department is housing in hotels right now, and provide a breakdown of the qualifications of the people supervising them.

She said the State Labor Government should also publicly explain why it continues to reject the recommendations of the Montgomery report of 1998 that at least one secure group home needed to be established for young people in the north, north west and south. At the time Labor said that it was considering other options.

“Whilst those options may be working for some, the case of a young teenager being cared for by security guards in hotels sounds like a last resort, and a bad recipe for the young person’s future health and welfare,” Mrs Napier said.
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Peter Gutwein, MHA
Shadow Minister for Police & Public Safety
Friday June 17, 2005

Illicit drug use rises in Tasmania
against the national trend

A National Drug Survey released today shows that the level of illicit drug use in Tasmania is rising, bucking the national trend and completely discrediting the Lennon Government’s argument that illicit drug use is not on the rise, Shadow Minister for Police & Public Safety Peter Gutwein said today.

Mr Gutwein said that the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare’s (AIHW) 2004 National Drug Strategy Household Survey showed that there was a 100% increase in ecstasy use with over 6,200 Tasmanians users over the past year, a rise of over 3,100 since the pervious survey was conducted in 2001.

The 2004 National Drug Survey also indicated an overall increase in illicit drug use across Tasmania with an estimated 60,000 illicit drug users in 2004. Illicit drug use includes all non-medical use of cocaine, ecstasy, amphetamines, steroids, heroin, amongst other types of illicit drugs.

“Tasmania now has a level of illicit drug use of 15.4% of the population aged 14 years and over – higher than the national average of 15.3%. Most concerning however is that whilst, at a national level, illicit drug use has fallen from its 2001 level of 16.9% to 15.3% in 2004, illicit drug use in Tasmania has risen from 14.3% of the population to 15.4%,” Mr Gutwein said.

“This rise in illicit drug use, including a 100% increase in ecstasy use, should send a wake-up call to the Lennon Labor Government who think the level of drug use in Tasmania is a “success story”.

“These survey figures indicate that things are not getting any better in Tasmania when it comes to illicit drug use, including ecstasy use, they are actually getting much worse.

“On Sunday, the Royal Hobart Hospital emergency department director said that the rise in “dance drugs” and other illicit drugs was placing great strain on the Royal and its staff, but this was brushed away as a non-issue by the Lennon Government.

“A 100% rise in ecstasy use and an increase in the estimated number of illicit drug users to 60,000, by any measure, is not a “success story” as Health & Police Minister, David Llewellyn describes it,” Mr Gutwein said.

Mr Gutwein said that last weekend the director of the Royal Hobart Hospital’s emergency department said that ‘dance drugs’ such as ecstasy and speed, along with cannabis, are leading to admission rates as high as those in Melbourne hospitals with approximately 5500 admissions every year or 15 per day.

“Illicit drugs such as ecstasy are a scourge on modern society and the potential for these illicit drugs to harm people, particularly younger people, is now clearly being seen in our own Tasmanian hospitals,” Mr Gutwein said.

“The State Liberals urge the State Labor Government to pull their heads out of the sand when it comes to the rise in the use of illicit drugs against the national trend.

“The Police Minister, David Llewellyn, should consider a greater focus on combating growth in the illicit drug trade, and, at the same time, ensure that all resources are being exercised to stop illicit drugs coming into Tasmanian through our ports,” Mr Gutwein said.

“We particularly urge the State Government to adopt our policy commitment to have a permanent, drug detection dog located in Devonport with a primary goal of stopping drugs coming into the State via the ferry terminal.

“There is no excuse for no action in immediately combating this disgraceful increase in illicit drug use in Tasmania,” Mr Gutwein said.

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Tim Morris MHA

Thursday, 16 JUNE 2005
MENTAL HEALTH LEGISLATION PASSES UPPER HOUSE
Long Overdue Changes Finally Pass
The Tasmanian Greens today welcomed the passing of the Mental Health Amendment Bill by the Legislative Council, which addresses serous concerns raised by the Mental Health Tribunal President that the current Act could be infringing the civil rights of Tasmanian mental health clients.
Greens Opposition Health and Human Services spokesperson Tim Morris MHA, tabled similar legislation at the end of last year to prompt the government to act, following the Mental Health Tribunal annual report raising serious concerns that Community Treatment Order provisions were not working to the extent that patient civil rights were being infringed.
“The Greens welcome the fact that the Mental Health Amendment Bill has passed its last hurdle with its passage through the Upper House last night, as it is a long over-due piece of legislation which we hope will address the concerns raised repeatedly by the President of the Mental Health Tribunal about the infringement of patient civil rights under the current Act,” Mr Morris said.
“It is pleasing that the two Greens’ amendments accepted by the Government in the Lower House, which sought to tighten up provisions for oversight of the review and termination of ‘temporary admission orders,’ and clarifying the role of the Mental Health Tribunal, were retained by the Legislative Council and will now be put into effect upon the Bill’s commencement.”
“These are important amendments that have finally been approved by Parliament, but it is a black mark against the Government that it has taken some four years to make the changes since the deficiencies in the current Act were identified.”
“Governments need to be more willing to act quickly when experts advise them that the legislation is deficient.”
“I shall watch with interest future Mental Health Tribunal annual reports, which first exposed the problem four years ago, and now is where the success or failure of these changes to the Mental Health Act will be reported.”
The Greens tabled their Mental Health Amendment (Community Treatment Orders) Bill 2004, on 24 November last year. The Government subsequently tabled their own Bill this year, and accepted two Greens’ amendments to strengthen provisions in May this year, and the final Bill successfully passed the Legislative Council last night.
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Kim Booth MHA

Thursday, 16 JUNE 2005
GAMING PREVALENCE STUDY NOT THE NEEDED INDEPENDENT SOCIAL & ECONOMIC IMPACT STUDY
The Tasmanian Greens today criticised the Lennon government for refusing to commission a full independent social and economic impact study into problem gambling and instead relying upon a Health Department Prevalence Study into the Extent of Gambling in Tasmania, for which the tender closed yesterday.
Greens Opposition Gaming spokesperson Kim Booth MHA said that instead of relying on another Departmental study the Government should be listening to welfare organisations such as Anglicare to ensure that the type and extent of research conducted is that which has been identified as lacking.
“Minister Llewellyn was clearly embarrassed and unable to explain why the government still refuses to carry out the community’s demand for a full and independent social and economic impact study into the effects of problem gaming, and instead holds the more limited Prevalence research studies,” Mr Booth said.
“A cold call at random over the phone, asking for somebody to admit in front of their family, that they have a gambling problem will not reveal the tragic reality of gambling or pokie addiction in our community.”
“The tender description states that this Prevalence study must be conducted in a similar vein to previous ones so that findings are comparable, yet many individuals and organisations have identified serious short-comings in previous Health Department Prevalence studies, especially the limited scope.”
“These studies cannot get to the bottom of the range of impacts that gaming addiction, especially pokies addiction, can have across the community including individuals, families, and local businesses.”
“Nor does it encourage people to come forward with their experiences.”
“The government has no excuse for not listening to organisations such as Anglicare and set up a rigorous gambling inquiry with broad terms of reference which can investigate in detail the impacts and concerns which are confronting many Tasmanians on a daily basis,” Mr Booth said.
“Stop playing around with Departmental Prevalence Studies, address this serious issue head-on, and commission a full independent social and economic impact study.”
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Tim Morris MHA

Thursday, 16 JUNE 2005
UNFAIR TREATMENT BY HOUSING TASMANIA
Housing Debts of Partners Held Against Some People
The Tasmanian Greens today highlighted in Question Time their concern over the way in which Housing Tasmania unfairly treats partners of people with housing debts, by deeming them illegible for public housing as well because of their partner’s debts.
Greens Opposition Housing spokesperson Tim Morris MHA said that the Minister was unable to address the situation satisfactorily, or explain why Housing Tasmania were denying access to public housing to debt-free individuals who happen to have a partner who owes the Department money.
“It is highly irresponsible of Housing Tasmania to turn people away from public housing just because their partners have outstanding debts with the Department,” Mr Morris said.
“The Minister stumbled and bumbled with today’s question, and was not able to provide a proper answer whilst he kept talking about how the Housing Department can make ‘special arrangements’ if necessary, which is completely contrary to the individual cases I have been made aware of.”
“It is discrimination when all people are not being assessed on their individual needs basis, but instead, on who they are in a relationship with – we no longer deem people guilty by mere association.”
“Minister Llewellyn must revise any policy endorsing the disqualification of a person on the basis that their partner may have a debt, and focus on developing programs which assist public housing tenants to manage finances so that debt is not accrued to that state that people are evicted.”
“The consequence of people being evicted because of a housing debt is that these people have no choice but to seek private housing, where in some circumstances individuals are repeating mistakes and running up debts again – and end up in this vicious cycle of poverty.”
“It demonstrates incompetence on the Department’s behalf when tenants are allowed to run up significant debt rather than being assisted to manage their finances so that they can keep a roof over their heads,” Mr Morris said.
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Nick McKim MHA

Thursday, 16 JUNE 2005
GREENS CALL FOR INDUSTRIAL MANSLAUGHTER LAWS IN TASMANIA
As NSW Parliament Passes Industrial Manslaughter Legislation
The Tasmanian Greens today tabled a motion calling for industrial manslaughter laws in Tasmania.
Greens Industrial Relations spokesperson Nick McKim MHA said that the NSW Parliament passed industrial manslaughter laws last week, and called on the Tasmanian Government to follow suit.
“Industrial manslaughter law, would ensure that employers are required to provide a safe workplace, which should be a basic right for all Tasmanian worker’s.
“A conviction for culpable negligence in the workplace which results in death is difficult or impossible to obtain, and there is an urgent need for reform,” Mr McKim said.
Text of Mr McKim’s Motion Tabled Today
Mr McKim on tomorrow to move –

That this House:

1. Notes that on 8th June 2005 the NSW Parliament passed industrial manslaughter laws in the form of the Occupational Health and Safety Amendment (Workplace Death) Bill 2005; and

2. Notes that Tasmania currently has no specific industrial manslaughter laws; and

3. Calls on the State Government to introduce industrial manslaughter laws to ensure the safety of Tasmanian workers.

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MICHAEL HODGMAN, QC MHA
Her Majesty’s Shadow Attorney General
Thursday June 16, 2005

Tasmania becoming increasingly isolated in Labor’s refusal to give victims of crime a voice on the Parole Board

The arrogant Lennon Labor Government is becoming increasingly isolated in its blind refusal to give victims of crime a voice on the Tasmanian Parole Board.

Shadow Attorney General Michael Hodgman QC today revealed that Western Australia only last week announced changes to its Parole Board structure, to ensure that a dedicated victims of crime representative sits on the board.

“This means that NSW, the Northern Territory, South Australia and WA have now all moved to appoint victims of crime representatives to their parole boards while Victoria and Queensland have far broader representation than Tasmania, with its legislated three members one of whom must be a legal practitioner, while the other two must be experienced in matters associated with sociology, criminology or penology,” Mr Hodgman said.

“The State Liberals have announced that a Hidding Liberal Government would expand the Parole Board by one, and legislate to ensure this additional member has experience in advocating on behalf of victims of crime.

“Despite this arrogant Lennon Labor Government being increasingly isolated in its position, Attorney General Judy Jackson is still refusing to give victims of crime a dedicated voice on the Parole Board.

“Her claim that most people are victims of crime is condescending and insulting. We are talking about ensuring these people’s voices are heard when it comes to Parole Board deliberations by ensuring that a person experienced in these matters, and experienced in advocating on behalf of victims, is a member of the Parole Board.

“Most other States and Territories have moved to do this but not Tasmania.

“But in typical arrogant and incompetent Judy Jackson style, she is arguing that she is right to deny victims of crime a voice on the parole board, and that most other Australian States and Territories are wrong.”
…………………………………………………..
Kim Booth MHA

Thursday, 16 JUNE 2005

GREENS TABLE BILL TO BAN LEG TRAP SALES AND OWNERSHIP
By Amending the Animal Welfare Act 1993
The Tasmanian Greens today tabled in Parliament their Animal Welfare (Sale and Ownership of Leg Traps) Amendment Bill 2005, to make illegal the sale and ownership of fully functioning leg traps and snares, such as the rabbit trap, and will be circulating it for public comment and feedback during the forthcoming Parliamentary winter recess.
Greens Opposition Primary Industries spokesperson Kim Booth MHA said that the current laws prohibit the use of leghold traps or snares but that an unintentional loophole in the legislation means that the sale or ownership of fully functioning traps is not illegal.
Mr Booth also said that this bizarre situation had come to light late last year due to a shocking incident which saw a wedge tail eagle, a listed endangered species, caught in a rabbit trap. Fortunately the injured bird was able to be caught, rehabilitated and eventually released earlier this year.
“The Greens’ amendments to the Animal Welfare Act 1993, would make illegal the sale and ownership of any leghold traps which have not been disabled,” Mr Booth said.
The current Animal Welfare Act 1993 states that: “a person must not set, lay or place a leghold trap or snare.” The Greens’ Amendment Bill would add a further provisions that: “a person must not sell or own any leghold trap or snare that has not been disabled.”
“The recent incident involving an endangered wedge tail eagle demonstrates how dangerous such equipment is as traps do not discriminate between target and non-target species, and we must act to ensure that functioning traps are removed from circulation.”
“When the provisions for the current ban on using traps or snares were first brought in, the intent was to stop the use of these cruel items, but there is a fundamental flaw in the legislation which does not address the ability to sell and keep traps.”
“If people can sell, buy and keep traps then inevitably some will be set, and birds and animals, including threatened species, will be subjected to horrendous and cruel suffering.”

“Under the proposed amendment, people will still be able to sell and keep as collectors items leghold traps which have been rendered safe by being disabled.”
“However, the Greens will be seeking community input to our proposed amendment during the forthcoming Parliamentary break.”
Mr Booth reminded that the current Animal Welfare Act 1993 does enable people to seek a Ministerial exemption from the ban on using traps in exceptional circumstances.
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PETER GUTWEIN, MHA
Shadow Minister for Education
Thursday June 16, 2005

Tasmanian parents being kept in the dark over student free days

Tasmanian parents are being kept in the dark over whether or not they have to pay for child care costs on student free days, the Shadow Education Minister, Peter Gutwein said today.

Mr Gutwein said that at least three schools had recently sent newsletters to parents indicating that the school would not be providing student supervision on student free days despite Education Minister, Paula Wriedt, saying it was Departmental policy to provide this service.

“Most Tasmanian parents were under the apprehension that schools could look after children on student free days if required,” Mr Gutwein said.

“Clearly, some schools are either not adhering to a departmental policy or are not being adequately resourced by the State Government to provide this student free day student supervision.

“There is no doubt that some parents would now believe that they have to shell out their own money to pay for their child to be supervised at a child care centre.

“This is yet another case of the incompetent Lennon Labor Government’s absolute inability to properly implement key policies that affect a significant number of Tasmanian people.

“All Tasmanian parents need to be given an absolute assurance that, if they are unable to look after their children on student free days, they can send their children to their schools to be supervised at no cost whatsoever to the parents.

“There should be no doubt amongst parents about student free day child care provision. I urge the Minister for Education to make this clear to all Tasmanian schools and to also ensure that all schools are adequately resourced to provide this critical student supervision service,” Mr Gutwein said.

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BRETT WHITELEY, MHA
Shadow Treasurer
Thursday June 16, 2005

State taxation receipts set to boost warchest

The State Labor Government’s election warchest will get another handsome boost in the next two weeks, with a likely $25 million underestimation of State taxation receipts likely to be revealed.

This will bring revenue from State taxation receipts alone to a staggering $707 million in 2004/05.

Shadow Treasurer Brett Whiteley said it was a disgrace that this bonus was set to end up in the massive warchest Labor is hoarding away to splurge at the next election.

He said a $25 million bonus such as this could make a massive difference if used to provide a top-up from the Budget to such areas as public hospitals, smaller class sizes or urgently needed infrastructure projects like the Lyell Highway upgrade.

Mr Whiteley said the State Labor Government had made an art form out of chronically under-estimating receipts from various sources, such as the Commonwealth, and also State taxation.

“This is not good Budget management, because it means year in and year out, the Tasmanian people are missing out on expenditure that would be available to them if the State Labor Government could get a better grasp on what likely receipts were going to be.

“It has happened without fail every year for the last several years.

“In relation to State taxation receipts alone, last year, for example, when the 2004/05 State Budget was prepared, the estimated outcome for State taxes in the 2003/04 year was $613 million. But the Treasurer’s Annual Financial Statements showed the actual result for 2003/04 was in fact $636 million an underestimation of state taxes alone of $23 million.

“At the time Treasury prepared the 2005/06 Budget, the estimated outcome for State taxes for 2004/05 was $682 million.

“Based on Paul Lennon’s track record of underestimation, when the financial year ends in two weeks time, we can expect the State Labor Government to pocket at least $707 million in State taxation receipts.

“Tasmanians will wait with interest to see what the actual result is, as it represents the level of funding not available to them for expenditure this year because of Labor’s continued underestimation of receipts.”
………………………………………..
Nick McKim MHA

Thursday, 16 JUNE 2005
RECHERCHE BAY IS TASMANIA’S SECOND FAVOURITE HERITAGE SITE
But Heritage Minister to Sit and Watch as Loggers Move In
The Tasmanian Greens today revealed that Recherche Bay was rated as Tasmania’s second favourite heritage site after Port Arthur in a recent poll commissioned by the Tasmanian Heritage Commission.
Greens Member for Franklin Nick McKim MHA said that the results should force Heritage Minister Judy Jackson into action to save the North-East peninsula of Recherche Bay from logging.
“The results of this poll confirms that the Government should purchase the North-East peninsula as Jim Bacon wished, and save its heritage values from destruction,” Mr McKim said.
“It is unbelievable that the Heritage Minister can just sit and watch as Tasmania’s second favourite heritage site is devastated by clump clearing.”
Mr McKim said that Mrs Jackson’s response today in the House of Assembly that the process has been “hijacked” is unacceptable.
“The poll delivered a result that the Government finds uncomfortable, so typically Mrs Jackson lashes out and blames the hard working locals who are trying to save the heritage values of the area.”

……………………………………………………..
Peg Putt MHA
GREENS OPPOSITION LEADER

Thursday, 16 JUNE 2005
LABOR DITCHES POLICY PROMISE ON FIXED TERM ELECTIONS
The Tasmanian Greens today accused the Premier of abandoning the policy platform of the Tasmanian Labor Party by voting against the Greens Bill for a fixed term for the House of Assembly.
Greens Opposition Leader Peg Putt MHA pointed out that on the Labor Party website this morning under the heading “GOVERNMENT” their policy platform states:
“parliamentary elections should be for fixed terms at the state and national level. At the state level this will include both houses of Parliament.”
“Paul Lennon has abandoned Labor’s policy commitment to fixed term Parliament which they took to the last election as a promise to electors,” Ms Putt said.
“The Premier has rightly been critical of Liberal party weasel words over what is policy, pledge or platform and what is a definite promise but now he has to explain why he has unilaterally abandoned Labor’s policy, because this is the same sort of behaviour that he has complained about,” Ms Putt said.
The Greens’ Fixed Term Parliamentary Bill 2005 was defeated in the House of Assembly last night with both Labor and Liberal voting against it.
………………………………………
WILL HODGMAN, MHA
Liberal Spokesperson for the Royal Hobart Hospital
Thursday June 16, 2005

Lennon Government waiting list neglect hurting those who most need help

Liberal Spokesperson for the Royal Hobart Hospital Will Hodgman today said that the State Labor Government’s neglect of the Royal was seeing urgent ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgery for young children cancelled and leaving them languishing on growing surgery waiting lists.

Mr Hodgman said that nothing could excuse the Lennon Government’s neglect of the Royal’s surgery waiting lists that meant young children requiring urgent surgery were suffering and unable to undertake many everyday activities.

“Tasmanian parents are very concerned that their sick children are languishing on growing hospital waiting lists with seemingly no light at the end of the tunnel,” Mr Hodgman said.

“In one case, a five-year-old child who has been classified “urgent for a tonsillectomy” has been put on a waiting list with at least 22 patients listed for surgery prior to this child.

“This is despite the five year old child’s condition severely affecting his ability to breathe or sleep properly.

“In another case, a four-year-old child had a scheduled appointment last week to set a surgery date, but this appointment was cancelled due to the lack of a specialist at the Royal. The four-year-old child’s condition is affecting his hearing and placing the child’s speech development at great risk.

“This child’s parents have, in desperation, scheduled an appointment with a private specialist, despite not being able to afford such an option.

“The parents of these young children desperately requiring surgery have indicated their willingness to travel to other parts of the State if it means having their child’s operation completed at a sooner date.

“Alternatively, the State Government could find an interstate specialist to work down here on a short-term basis to help clear the backlog in ENT surgery or pay for these urgent operations to be conducted in the private sector.

“Today, in Parliament, the Health Minister was unable to provide any adequate answers about when a specialist would be recruited to address the growing ENT waiting list at the Royal nor when these children would be unable to access urgent surgery.

“But what the Minister’s response did reveal is that the State Government’s recruitment programs are clearly failing.

Mr Hodgman said that the waiting list for ENT surgery at the Royal was now sitting at around 400 patients with only urgent surgery cases now being accepted. The Minister described the growing waiting list as “unacceptable” last week.

“There is currently less than one full time ENT specialist at the Royal and teaching accreditation for this specialty area has been lost.

“Minister Llewellyn and the State Labor Government have been in office for seven years seven years to tackle the growing waiting lists at the Royal but it seems that everyday we find the problems are getting worse.

“The Lennon Government appear to have no real and practical solutions to reduce the Royal’s growing waiting lists other than throwing loads of money at the hospital in desperation.

“In contrast, the State Liberals have positive policy measures to help turnaround the shocking elective surgery waiting lists at the Royal.

“We will establish Performance Review Panels in all Tasmanian major public hospitals which will help make new funding and resources hit the ground, ensure surgery time is maximised, reduce the numbers of cancelled surgeries, and identify those Tasmanians who have been waiting for unnecessarily long times for their surgery,” Mr Hodgman said.

PLEASE NOTE: The parents of these children are available to talk publicly about their children’s cases. Contact details available upon request.
…………………………………………………
Peg Putt MHA
GREENS OPPOSITION LEADER

Wednesday, 15 JUNE 2005
BIZARRE EXCUSES FOR LABOR-LIBERAL COLLABORATION TO OPPOSE FIXED ELECTION DATE
The Tasmanian Greens today are intrigued and disappointed that both Labor and Liberal have voted together to oppose the Greens’ Bill to ensure a fixed four year term for the House of Assembly, a move which would have fixed the issuing of writs or 5th August 2006 and the State election to subsequently be held on 2nd September 2006 and ensured certainty for business and the community.
Greens Opposition Leader Peg Putt MHA found it bizarre that the Liberal Party opposed the Bill because they had not had time to study its provisions in the weeks since it was tabled, although it is the same as the Bill introduced by past Liberal Premier Ray Groom in 1992 and supported by all sides of the House.
The Greens also found it peculiar that the Labor position appeared to be that as the Bill did not fix four year terms indefinitely into the future they would not support an initial fixed four year term.
Ms Putt reminded the Parliament that back in 1992, six Members of the House who are still elected voted to support a fixed four year term, those being: Michael Hodgman, Judy Jackson, Paul Lennon, David Llewellyn, Sue Napier and Michael Polley.
“We are disappointed that the Labor and Liberal parties who claim to be concerned to achieve certainty and stability have combined to vote down our Bill for a fixed four year term and a known election date of 2nd September 2006 which would have achieved the certainty and stability they crave,” Ms Putt said.
“Instead Tasmania will be plagued with unsettling bouts of election speculation and political game playing until the next State election is actually called.”
“The Premier has been left holding all the cards and refusing to show his hand.”
“A fixed four year term was previously legislated by the Liberal Party, with two of their current Members having supported it, yet Rene Hidding claimed he didn’t understand the provisions of the Bill and so couldn’t support it.”

“Labor has complained that recent election speculation may cause uncertainty and ruffle the feathers of investors, yet wouldn’t support a fixed four year term because we weren’t trying to legislate for fixed terms in perpetuity.”
“This was a lost opportunity to follow the practice of N.S.W., Victoria, South Australia and the A.C.T. who all have fixed term Parliaments.”

………………………………………………………
SUE NAPIER, MHA
Shadow Minister for Health & Human Services
Wednesday June 15, 2005

Call for Lennon Government to finalise
and implement draft disability frameworks

The Lennon Labor Government today failed to agree that it would stop playing games with the disability sector, as they have since 1999, in releasing draft Disability Strategic Frameworks which they never actually implement, Shadow Health and Human Services Minister, Sue Napier said today.

Mrs Napier said that in State Parliament today, the State Liberals highlighted, through a parliamentary motion, that the State Labor Government had produced draft disability sector reforms in 1999, 2001, 2003 and again in March this year.

“Despite the release of so many draft disability frameworks, the State Labor Government hasn’t actually produced a final plan that they would implement and adequately resource,” Mrs Napier said.

“Even the Health Minister recognises this failure to produce a final plan, commenting in last March’s 2005-2009 draft plan that the State Government “would commence a strategic planning process to address the issues…”.

“The State Liberals welcomed the ACROD Disability Impact Statement, released today, as a very good way of ensuring greater commitment and accountability from the State Government.

Mrs Napier repeated her call for the State Labor Government to establish a whole-of-government Office of Disability Services as called for by ACROD.

“An Office of Disability Services is a sensible initiative that would provide a whole-of-government focus and would not allow people with a disability to be consumed in a massive Health bureaucracy,” Mrs Napier said.

“This initiative has been called for by various disability sector organisations and one in which people with a disability in this State, their families and those who look after them will not remain the forgotten ones.

“Such an Office of Disability Services should be advised by a new, broadened Disability Advisory Council comprising people with disabilities, their carers and representatives of service providers.

“A broadened Disability Advisory Council advising the Office of Disability Services would also help ensure that the Minister’s office is properly informed of issues in the sector ensuring appropriate resources are provided the disability sector.

“It would also help ensure that the State Government acted upon its reports into how to deliver better safety and quality of care for people with disabilities.

“It would also help ensure that the State Government actually acted upon its reports into how to deliver better safety and quality of care for people with disabilities,” Mrs Napier said.
……………………………………………..
MICHAEL HODGMAN QC, MHA
Her Majesty’s Shadow Attorney General
Wednesday June 15, 2005

Labor’s move to introduce fees to Ombudsman’s process slammed

The State Government that has made an art-form out of slugging Tasmanians backdoor taxes now wants to introduce fees and charges to the Ombudsman’s process.

Shadow Attorney General Michael Hodgman QC today slammed the State Labor Government for refusing to support a Liberal amendment to the Ombudsman Amendment Bill that would have ensured Tasmanians did not have to pay new fees for conciliation services after a complaint has been made.

Mr Hodgman said Ms Jackson’s claims that there was not enough funding in the Ombudsman’s office to support the amendment was a sad reflection on the State Government’s priorities when it comes to funding. Ms Jackson also said in defence of the indefensible that departments often met the fees for both parties in a complaint, but acknowledged this was not always the case.

“It is highly disappointing that a fee is to be charged for conciliation under the new Ombudsman’s Amendment Bill, and often those being slugged these fees are the ones who can afford it least.

“This is another example of a backdoor tax from the highest taxing State Government in Tasmania’s history. It follows Labor’s disgraceful decision to increase fees for public dental services, to send national park entry fees skyrocketing, a 40 per cent increase in MAIB premiums, school levies, just to name a few.”
……………………………………………………
Tim Morris MHA

Wednesday, 15 JUNE 2005
AMBULANCE SERVICE OWED MILLIONS
– But Still Need To Call Out For Assistance
The Tasmanian Greens today questioned the Minister for Health, David Llewellyn about the revelation in yesterday’s Auditor General’s report, which highlighted the fact that there is nearly $10 million owed to Tasmania’s public hospitals and the Tasmanian Ambulance Service, including over $3 million outstanding for over one year.
Greens Opposition Health and Human Services spokesperson Tim Morris MHA said it was of serious concern that the Tasmanian Ambulance Service had such a large amount outstanding for so long that the Auditor General felt it necessary to publicly raise it as a matter of concern.
“The Minister needs to come clear about who exactly owes the Tasmanian Ambulance Service and the hospitals money and how much, so explain why his Department has been so slow in collecting that debt,” Mr Morris said.
“From the fumbling answer given by the Minister this morning it seems that part of the outstanding debt may never be collected because some road accident cases may not have qualified for no-fault insurance cover, and that the Ambulance Service was extremely slow in cancelling those accounts and revealing the true amount owing.”
“In relation to the hospitals I understand that the bulk of the debt is accrued by patients who have elected to be treated as private patients in the public hospitals, if so there is a schedule of fees payable for services provided and their insurers will presumably be responsible for paying the accounts.”
“For the Auditor General to identify a problem with slow payment of these accounts it is about time that the Department review its billing processes and procedures to ensure that overdue accounts are quickly followed up.”
“It is clear that the Ambulance Service and the public hospitals are in need of additional resources to try to meet the demand for their services, which makes it so farcical that they at same time are owed $10 million but seem incapable of collecting it.”
“It is not the Greens who have identified a problem with the collection of overdue accounts, but the Auditor General, so the Minister should take his comments seriously and improve the accounting performance within his Department,” Mr Morris said.
…………………………………………
Kim Booth MHA

Wednesday, 15 JUNE 2005
HOUSING TASMANIA STILL SMOKING
Minister Vague About Launceston Pollution Contribution
The Tasmanian Greens today called on the State government to take the lead in combating Launceston’s air pollution problem by committing to the immediate end to further wood heaters being installed into the city’s public housing and instead replacing those currently used, with gas or electric heaters
Greens Member for Bass, Kim Booth MHA said it was unacceptable that despite the Greens calling for a replacement policy twelve months ago that the Minister had not taken such action but instead continued to allow wood heaters to be installed in Launceston’s public housing.
“The Lennon Government must set a responsible example and commit to the immediate cessation of installing any more wood or solid fuel burning heaters into public housing in the Launceston air shed, and instead replace those currently used, with gas or electric heaters,” Mr Booth said.
“The Greens called for action 12 months ago, yet the Minister is still vaguely talking about a policy change some time in the future.”
“We expect that any future policy announcement by the government will detail a two step process to immediately cease installing further wood heaters in public housing, and the second step would be to provide a timetable outlining the progressive phase-in of gas or electronic alternatives to replace wood heaters currently in use.”
“Wood heater emissions are reportedly responsible for the majority of air pollution in Launceston and as a major property owner, the Government is responsible for part of those emissions.”
“It is an indictment on the Minister that he has failed to pull his weight at the same time that members of the public are being urged to ‘do their bit’ to keep Launceston’s air clean.”
“It is unacceptable to hide behind arguments such as the virtue of cheap wood if the kid down the street ends up with lung cancer later in life.”
“The Minister couldn’t even tell me how many wood heaters his Department has in public housing.”
“He doesn’t know and apparently doesn’t care about the serious health problems confronting Launceston residents,” Mr Booth said.
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JEREMY ROCKLIFF, MHA
Shadow Minister for Primary Industries, Water and Environment
Wednesday June 15, 2005

State Government urged to
match Federal NLIS funding

Shadow Minister for Primary Industries, Water and Environment Jeremy Rockliff today urged the State Labor Government to match Federal Government funding to help cattle farmers with the implementation and management of the National Livestock Identification Scheme (NLIS).

Mr Rockliff said that the Federal Government announced yesterday that it would be providing $13 million to all of the States and Territories to be distributed on the basis of the size of each jurisdiction’s cattle herd.

“The Tasmanian Government needs to get on the front foot to make sure that Tasmanian cattle farmers can access this new round of NLIS funding,” Mr Rockliff said.

“The State Government needs to ensure that it consults with farmers and industry, including local agents and processors, to determine their immediate and medium term NLIS needs that could be funded by this new NLIS allocation.

“The Advisory Committee and the State Government must then place these Tasmanian NLIS needs in a strong and detailed business proposal to be put forward to the Federal Government for consideration.

“Importantly, the State Government must then match its rhetoric on NLIS and cattle traceability with real funding to match the Federal Government’s offer. Failure to do so will ensure that Tasmania’s new allocation of Federal Government NLIS funding is put at risk.

“By 1 July this year, all Tasmanian stock going through saleyards must have an NLIS tag. In this sense it is important for the State Government to act with some immediacy,” Mr Rockliff said.

Mr Rockliff said that the farm gate value of Tasmania’s high quality, beef cattle industry was worth about $140 million and employed many thousands of Tasmanians both directly and indirectly.

“All steps must be taken by the State Government and local industry to ensure that we maintain this high quality product and industry, including the full implementation and management of NLIS a national scheme of quality assurance,” Mr Rockliff said.
………………………………………….
Nick McKim MHA

Wednesday, 15 JUNE 2005
ATTORNEY GENERAL MUST ASK DPP WHETHER GUNNS HAS BREACHED CRIMINAL CODE
As Payments for Log Truck Overloads Continue
The Tasmanian Greens today said that the Attorney General should ask the DPP to consider prosecuting Gunns Ltd for a potential breach of section 297 of the Criminal Code, which relates to the crime of conspiracy.
Greens Opposition Justice spokesperson Nick McKim MHA said that the General Manager Land Transport in the Department of Infrastructure had stated in a letter to Gunns that he had advice that contracts that include provision for payments for log truck overloads may be inducing contractors to break the law.
“If there is any possibility that Gunns Ltd has breached the Criminal Code, the Attorney General must refer the matter to the DPP for advice regarding a potential prosecution,” Mr McKim said.
“The Department of Infrastructure clearly believes that Gunns may be inducing contractors to break the law by contracting to pay for log tuck overloads, and the Attorney General should immediately refer the matter to the DPP.”

………………………………………….
Peg Putt MHA
GREENS OPPOSITION LEADER

Wednesday, 15 JUNE 2005
WILL PLANTATIONS EAT FARMS
IN THE NORTH-EAST?
Call to Remove Exemption From Local Government Planning Controls
The Tasmanian Greens today raised concerns that expansion of new eucalypt plantations in North-East Tasmania within the supply zone for Gunns proposed pulp mill at a time when vegetable growers are experiencing difficulties could lead to a loss of productive soils to the vegetable industry and affect the viability of small rural communities.
Greens Opposition Leader and spokesperson for Forestry Peg Putt MHA is pleased that the Premier acknowledged the validity of her concerns, but queried his continued support for a legislated system of exemptions for Private Timber Reserves from the normal local government approvals process, which denies vegetable growers and other people living in the district the normal rights of objection and appeal on encroaching plantations.
“The Premier at least acknowledges that a threat to the productive soils of the North-East is posed by the likely expansion of eucalypt plantations on farms in the supply zone for Gunns proposed pulp mill, but he has to give farmers a level playing field in the planning decisions because at the moment exemptions for Private Timber Reserves give the plantation industry the upper hand,” Ms Putt said.
“We don’t want to see a repeat of the problems and conflict experienced in the North-West some years ago when plantations overtook farm after farm and badly affected the viability of local communities,” Ms Putt said.
“It is just plain wrong that local government, farmers, and others in the district can be shut out of a say on plantation establishment because the normal provisions for rights of objection and appeal do not apply.”

“Our vegetable growers deserve our support at t