Joan Dehle-Emberg
No wonder the growing contempt for politicians. No wonder the widespread suspicion of parliamentary procedures and parliamentary appointees. No wonder politicians have sunk to the bottom of popularity scales.
PREMIER Paul Lennon says he could muzzle Minister for Infrastructure Jim Cox and sacked deputy Bryan Green regarding their dealings with the Tasmanian Compliance Corporation (TCC). While Parliament cannot force its ministers to appear before an investigative committee to not do so seems dishonest.
This seems to be cronyism!
Green faces criminal charges for his secret dealings with the TCC. Lennon’s trust in his deputy has quickly changed to dismissal. Attorney General Kons refuses to table the findings of independent auditors.
This seems to be deceit!
Cox seems disinterested in John Lambert and Associates’ recommendations that B-doubles and mechanical suspensions be phased out. He seems to show more concern for log trucks than public safety in his apparent dismissal of the Lambert conclusion that some trucks are unstable.
This seems to be contempt!
Cox changes the Lambert recommendation for a ‘phase out’ to ‘no call for immediate action’.
This seems to be muzzling!
Cox says Kim Booth’s concerns for truck safety is a ‘ghoulish’ masquerade of his (Booth’s) anti-forestry agenda. Cox should consult his dictionary for the meaning of ‘ghoulish’. Also, Cox cynically implies that ‘anti forestry’ is the sole reason for Booth’s concern. Cox uses ‘anti-forestry’ as a dirty word.
This seems to be dirty fighting!
As a frequent user of a major log truck route, I concur with Booth’s concerns. I have been forced off the road on blind bends by trucks. I have clocked trucks speeding on long downhill runs. I have witnessed trucks sway dangerously on curves. I continue to report such driving. Cox seems to have a strange disregard for public safety.
This seems to be abandonment of duty!
Lennon wants to disallow peaceful demonstrations outside RPDC meetings. However, he has allowed log trucks untrammelled, horn-blowing access to Launceston. Lennon says he favours the pulp mill. So does Cox. So does Leader of the Opposition Will Hodgman. So does Ivan Dean MLC & Mayor of Launceston. So does the Lib/Lab party.
This seems to be dangerously collusive!
No wonder the growing contempt for politicians. No wonder the widespread suspicion of parliamentary procedures and parliamentary appointees. No wonder politicians have sunk to the bottom of popularity scales.
Mr. Lennon seems intent on muzzling Tasmania!
