A LABOR stalwart has told the state’s two main political leaders to work out a possible power sharing deal with the Greens.
Former Whitlam cabinet minister and then Tasmanian Labor leader Ken Wriedt has told the leaders to stop the “nonsense” and “face the bloody music”.
Mr Wriedt said it was ridiculous for Labor leader David Bartlett and Liberal leader Will Hodgman to dig their heels in and not have discussions with Greens leader Nick McKim.
“They need to stop with nonsense of not speaking with the Greens because it is obvious to everyone that they are going to have to after this week’s election,” Mr Wriedt said.
“Whether or not they like it they have to face up to the music and just nut out the possibilities if a majority government is not formed.
“Tasmanians deserve to know the answer and the voters want to know what the alternative might be.”
The move follows the veteran political foes joining forces last Friday to warn voters about a common enemy — minority government.
Former Labor premier Paul Lennon, who quit two years ago after record-low personal popularity, hastily recruited the three other former premiers, Labor’s Michael Field and the Liberals’ Tony Rundle and Robin Gray.
Their joint statement coincided with new ALP commercials that told voters the Greens could not be trusted.
An EMRS poll last month put majority government out of reach for Labor and the Liberals and showed rising support for the Greens.
Mr Wriedt said both leaders should look at the possibility of appointing the Greens to a Cabinet to ensure there is smooth governance of Tasmania.
He said while he was not advocating people start voting Green, he said the Party deserved a chance.
“I have a great deal of respect for them [the Greens], they are intelligent and deserve to be listened to and consulted on this matter,” he said.
