No time for a holiday, Guv’nor. As Tasmania cleans up from — and still fights — bushfires which have destroyed more than 100 properties, is this the time for the state’s Governor Peter Underwood to go on an overseas holiday?
Acting on a tip from the public, Crikey called the governor’s secretary David Owen, who confirmed Underwood left for his holiday on Wednesday. It seems he’ll be back on January 21 ( http://www.govhouse.tas.gov.au/vice-regal-news-and-photos/future-events ).
It’s not necessarily a time of important administrative work for the Governor, but by custom the role encompasses providing support and condoling with communities who are going through tough times, such as in the aftermath of natural disasters.
Owen said the Chief Justice of Tasmania’s Supreme Court Ewan Crawford would fill in for Underwood. When asked if he thought it was appropriate for the Governor to be out of the state, Owen said the Governor had every confidence in Crawford and the Governor’s office, as well as the emergency services.
“Not to say that his mind is not on it,” Owen said. “If circumstances were to worsen, he could return pretty quickly — just as the Premier was able to.” Tassie Premier Lara Giddings was holidaying in Scotland when the fires struck; she returned quickly.
Do you think it’s appropriate for Underwood to holiday at this time? Peter Slipper allegedly took time out ( http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/in-depth/cabcharge-fares-to-wineries-hidden-by-slipper/story-fndckad0-1226549852692 ) from parliamentary sitting days to have a little vacation at wineries around Canberra, while Tony Abbott postponed his holiday this week to help with volunteer firefighting.
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