MARION NICKLASON
Tasmanians for a Healthy Democracy Celebrates and Thanks Supporters
Tasmanians for a Healthy Democracy
Imagine – you can make a difference
www.tashealthydemocracy.com
19th May 2009
To all supporters,
Thank you to the wide network of Tasmanians, mainlanders and New Zealanders who have provided support and contributions to Tasmanians for a Healthy Democracy for the last 12 months.
Tasmanians for a Healthy Democracy was incorporated 19th May 2008, 1 year ago today.
Our Vision
A Tasmania with:
Open, honest, responsive state and local governments, bureaucracies, and regulatory bodies.
Transparent, interactive, accountable, consistent, rigorously evaluated decision-making and policy implementation.
An educated public participating in a vibrant civil dialogue on the reform, renewal, and transformation of Tasmania’s governance systems to carry the state forward through the challenges of the 21st century.
Since inception, the executive and supporters have been active with other groups, individuals and organisations facilitating the transition to a healthy Tasmania, for all to share and enjoy.
Update of 2008 – 2009 events
14th April 2008
Formation of Tasmanians for a Healthy Democracy
22nd April 2008
Anti Corruption / Healthy Democracy Public Forum held in response to the Labour Government “Shreddergate” affair. City Hall Hobart. Footage of forum can be accessed through Youtube http://www.youtube.com/results?search_type=&search_query=tashealthydemocracy&aq=f
Outcome: media coverage through all main outlets and improved public awareness.
29th April 2008
Tasmania: a Failed Democracy? Anti-Corruption/Healthy Democracy Public Meeting. Northern forum held in response to the Labour Government “Shreddergate” affair. Tailrace Launceston.
Outcome: media coverage through all main outlets and improved public awareness.
26th May 2008
Executive attends Parliament for the resignation of Ex Premier Paul Lennon and inauguration of Premier Bartlett.
June 2008
The Legislative Council and the House of Assembly appointed a Joint Select Committee on Ethical Conduct – focusing on the ethical conduct, standards and integrity of elected Parliamentary representatives and servants of the State. Details of the Committee, selected submissions and transcripts can be accessed through http://www.parliament.tas.gov.au/ctee/ethical.htm
23rd June 2008
No Fast Tracking of the Inquiry of State Significance – Press Conference
Alliance for Healthy Governance was formed to request greater advertisement, expansion and extension to public participation component of the review of ethical conduct, standards and integrity of elected Parliamentary representatives and servants of the State. Press conference can be accessed through Youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3OlrJswsN9o
Alliance members: Tasmanians for Transparency, Whistleblowers Tasmania, Future Tasmania, Tasmanians for a Healthy Democracy, We the People and other concerned Tasmanians.
Outcome: Submission period extended but not expanded. Tasmanians for a Healthy Democracy advertised extension in 3 major papers and through other media outlets.
1st August 2008
Tasmanians for a Healthy Democracy submitted paper to the Joint Select Committee on Ethical Conduct. Submission can be accessed through http://www.parliament.tas.gov.au/ctee/ethical.htm
19th August
Premier David Bartlett’s announcement of a ten-point plan to strengthen trust in democracy and political processes in Tasmania. “Integrity Day” Details can be reviewed http://www.tashealthydemocracy.com/?q=node/40
20th August 2008
Executive members attended and contributed to the Tasmanian Law Society public forum discussing whether Tasmania needs an anti-corruption commission. Summary can be accessed through http://www.tashealthydemocracy.com/?q=node/41
10th & 11th September 2008
Public hearings were held by The Joint Select Committee on Ethical Conduct at Parliament House. The committee selected a number of key submissions to assist with the initial report. Authors were asked to present their submission, outlining their key points and providing any other additional information. Tasmanians for a Healthy Democracy presented Wednesday 10th September. Transcript of interview can be reviewed through http://www.parliament.tas.gov.au/ctee/ethical.htm
October 2008
Member of Executive met with Federal Minister in Launceston after Public Cabinet meeting to discuss the need for Federal intervention into corrupt activities of Tasmanian governing bodies.
14th – 15th November 2008
Member of Executive attended and contributed to the Festival of Ideas – Dialogue on Democracy, Launceston. Networks established regarding Swiss Model of Democracy.
2009
10th March 2009
Media Release regarding changes to Tasmanian Planning Scheme and violations of democratic processes within Tasmania.
11th March 2009
International Association for Impact Assessment – Public Participation Best Practices document submitted to Tasmanian Times for public viewing in light of the Planning Scheme changes.
7th April 2009
Transition Towns Meeting Hobart. Member of Executive attended and contributed. Attendees agreed to take action on sustainability, climate change and peak oil. Details of international initiative can be accessed through http://www.transitiontowns.org/
30th April 2009
Sustainable “Green Collar” Future – COAG Action
Deputation met Prime Minister’s advisors regarding a Sustainable “Green Collar” Future at the 2009 Council of Australian Governments Hobart meeting.
Tasmanians committed to a sustainable future for Tasmania and Australia, rallied to appeal to the PM and other members of COAG to ensure the nation has a sustainable “Green Collar” future. Video of rally can be accessed through Youtube – Green Collar Jobs http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pIz5xXGl984
Significant part of rally, deputation and gift hamper was coordinated by Tasmanians for a Healthy Democracy with assistance from community leaders, working through key networks.
Over the last 12 months, regular support and direction has been provided to community members who have experienced alleged corruption, complicity and unethical treatment by individuals in Tasmanian judiciary, law enforcement and other government agencies.
PLANS
Annual General Meeting July 2009 TBC
Comment on the Report from the Joint Select Committee on Ethical Conduct – due 9th July 2009.
Maintain pressure on the Government to improve integrity, accountability and transparency for Tasmanians. Continue establishing democratic processes in Tasmanian public and private sectors.
Please see www.tashealthydemocracy.com or contact Marion Nicklason 0439 349317 or Jo McRae 0438 097193 for more details and membership. 2009 – 2010 membership due 30th June 2009.
Please circulate through your networks to others who have been supporters and contributors. Looking forward to working with you in the future. Thank you again.
With much good health, yours sincerely,
Marion Nicklason
Convenor – Tasmanians for a Healthy Democracy
www.tashealthydemocracy.com
PO Box 3032 West Hobart 7000
