Accountability

By Peg Putt

“Premier Lennon has denied the Greens and Liberals as Opposition Parties represented in the Parliament the opportunity to regularly question the Treasurer, which is extraordinarily arrogant in the light of revelations of financial difficulties in the Hydro and TT Line coming to light since the election,” Ms Putt said.

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Peg Putt MHA

Greens Opposition Leader

Wednesday, 14 June 2006

DEMOCRATIC ACCOUNTABILITY SUFFERING UNDER LENNON

Move for Treasurer to Front Lower House Question Time Denied

The Tasmanian Greens today said that democratic accountability in Tasmania was the poorer for the Lennon government’s voting down their motion to allow the Treasurer to attend and answer questions during Question Time in the House of Assembly.

Greens Opposition Leader and Shadow Treasury spokesperson Peg Putt MHA pointed out the need for Opposition Parties to firmly scrutinise the economic management of the State, and the financial management of government departments and government businesses.

“Premier Lennon has denied the Greens and Liberals as Opposition Parties represented in the Parliament the opportunity to regularly question the Treasurer, which is extraordinarily arrogant in the light of revelations of financial difficulties in the Hydro and TT Line coming to light since the election,” Ms Putt said.

“The Greens believe that government must be open and accountable and that this must apply to all Treasury matters.”

“I appreciate the support of the Liberal Party for my motion and their recognition that it is unacceptable to hide the Treasurer from Lower House scrutiny.”