Premier Giddings’ opening of Brighton bypass insensitive

Premier Lara Giddings has been labelled ‘insensitive’ by Aborigines for officiating at the opening of the Brighton bypass.

Spokesperson for the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre, Sara Maynard said, “It was bad enough that this Government destroyed a 40,000 year old Aboriginal site with a road, but for the Premier to make a song and dance about the road opening, is going too far”. Let the road open, but don’t have a gala event.

The Premier’s enthusiasm to officiate at the road opening rubs salt into a very deep wound. All for publicity. This shows the Premier is more about publicising her existence than acting as a Premier for all people, taking account of people’s feelings”.

Ms Maynard said, “Premier Lennon led his government to keep a low-profile on Tasmania Day celebrations. Those celebrations were seen as race-based so the Premier took account of Aboriginal reaction. That took courage and understanding.

Not so with Premier Giddings. Making an appearance at the bypass opening gives the impression that the Government represents one side, and of indifference to the effect on Aborigines.

“The issue is about integrity above posturing”.

Aborigines intend to be at the opening on Monday to make a point.

• Senator Stephen Parry, Tuesday 13 November 2012: Partisan politics on display at opening of Brighton Bypass

Senator Stephen Parry was disappointed at the partisan politics displayed by Labor at the opening of the Brighton Bypass yesterday.

“Not one Federal Liberal Senator was invited to attend the opening, which creates the incorrect impression that the Liberals aren’t interested,” Senator Parry said.

“The Liberals pledged $156 million for the project in the lead up to the 2007 Federal election. With the Tasmanian Liberal Senate Team consulting widely with the southern municipalities affected.

“It’s simple protocol. This Labor Government managed to find the email addresses of the Labor Federal members, who were present at the opening, but not the Federal Liberal representatives.

“Very disappointing,” Senator Parry concluded.