Aird feels the heat as Dowling joins Giddings

May 19, 2010 12:01am

ECONOMIST Richard Dowling has become an adviser to Deputy Premier Lara Giddings.

The move has fuelled speculation that she will become the state’s next Treasurer.

The Mercury has learned that the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief economist has jumped ship and will take up the position early next month.

Ms Giddings’ office confirmed the appointment yesterday but would not elaborate on Mr Dowling’s roles and responsibilities.

It is understood he will take on a role as an economics adviser.

Mr Dowling, 26, rose to prominence a year ago when he became the outspoken chief economist of the TCCI when aged just 25.

The appointment has reignited the theory that Ms Giddings is preparing to replace Michael Aird as Treasurer after he hands down the upcoming Budget on June 17.

Mr Aird was re-sworn as Treasurer on April 13, despite saying, in August last year, that he would never serve in a government that included Greens.

The March election delivered that reality, with Greens leader Nick McKim and Cassy O’Connor sitting in Cabinet.

Last month, Premier David Bartlett cryptically said he had full confidence that Mr Aird would deliver the next Budget.

However he would not comment on whether Mr Aird would remain in the role in the long term.

Mr Aird’s adviser Anton Voss resigned shortly before the election.

The Treasurer fell out of favour with party colleagues in the lead-up to the election when the Government came under pressure over his water and sewerage reforms.

Mr Aird attempted to dismiss rumours of his demise yesterday.

“I can assure you that I will still be Treasurer after the 2010 Budget,” Mr Aird said.

Mr Dowling has Labor links and is thought to be aligned to newly elected Labor member Scott Bacon.

Full article HERE
Michael Stedman, Mercury
Michael Aird: I will never serve in a government with Greens