Call for bipartisan response to McCain crisis

The Tasmanian Opposition today called for a truly bipartisan response to the McCain crisis by asking to be included in the Community Taskforce announced by the Premier on Friday.

Jeremy Rockliff said:

McCain’s announcement represents a tremendous blow to the Smithton community.

While news that the Government intends to set up a community taskforce to respond to the crisis is welcome, I am disappointed that the Premier has chosen to play politics and not include the Tasmanian Liberals.

Such a serious issue requires a bipartisan response, and we are prepared to stand shoulder to shoulder with the Government and do whatever it takes to help the Smithton community get back on its feet.

Brett Whiteley said:

There is no doubt that the loss of such a significant number of jobs will require a response from Government.

However, in four months we may have a change of government. When the election is called in just a few months at the latest, the Government will move into caretaker mode and will need to include the Tasmanian Liberals in decision-making processes anyway.

The Premier must offer a seat at the table to the Tasmanian Liberals, otherwise the taskforce will risk becoming a political soapbox and a re-election pitch for Bryan Green.

The last thing the Smithton community needs is the Labor Party trying to make political mileage out of their misfortune.
Jeremy Rockliff MP Deputy Leader of the State Opposition Tasmanian Liberal Member for Braddon Brett Whiteley MP Tasmanian Liberal Member for Braddon