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Picture: Jim Wilkinson

Power Sharing Government for Tasmania 2010?

Last week in Tasmania 57 people were arrested on the steps of Parliament House, including ABC gardening guru, Peter Cundall. This was the latest in a string of undemocratic actions taken by the people in control of this state, says Marion Nicklason, convenor of today’s forum (Tues 24) on creating a healthy democracy.

“It is time to make a change to the political culture in Tasmania. We are reaching crisis points, too often. Positive change is required at every level of Tasmanian society, from the grass roots right through to the political leaders and parties of the state,” she said.

Professor Richard Herr, Greg Barns, Margaret Reynolds and Jim Wilkinson, will today address a free public forum to discuss power sharing government at the Baha’i Centre Hobart, from 6.30pm-8.00pm on Tuesday 24 November (today).

Kate Crowley, from the University of Tasmania’s School of Government will moderate the forum.

The forum includes:

Professor Richard Herr, who will talk on the history of power sharing governments in Tasmania, benefits and limitations.

Greg Barns, who will talk about international models and how they work, including Scotland/NZ/Canada.

Margaret Reynolds, who will talk about strategies for improving dialogue between politicians in state and federal politics eg tri-partisan agreements.

Hon Jim Wilkinson, Chair of the Joint Select Committee on Ethical Conduct, who will discuss the Tasmanian Integrity Commission and its implications for improving Tasmanian governance.

Strategies to achieve and maintain power sharing government will be discussed through a Q&A session at the forum.

Also in attendance will be Lord Mayor Rob Valentine, Deputy Lord Mayor Helen Burnett, Leader of the Tasmanian Greens Nick McKim, Cassie O’Connor MP, Alderman Jenny Branch – Liberal Candidate for Denison, Alderman Bill Harvey, Independent Candidate for Denison Andrew Wilkie and other representatives of the Tasmanian community.

Tasmanians for a Healthy Democracy, a non-party political organisation aims to reinforce and encourage a culture of respect and constructive dialogue in the political realm.

Download panellist bios:
marionPanellists_and_moderators_bios_final.doc

Marion Nicklason is the founder of Tasmanians for a Healthy Democracy. She lives in Hobart Tasmania and has a keen interest in healthy democratic processes, building resilient communities, sustainable development, Ecological Economics and health. She also has a an interest in non-chemically dependent agriculture.
Marion Nicklason