LABOR BACKDOWN ON MP NUMBERS IS LIBERALS’ OPPORTUNITY

The Tasmanian Greens today expressed disappointment over Premier Lara Giddings’ refusal to support restoring the size of the House of Assembly prior to the next state election.

Greens Leader Nick McKim MP said that Ms Giddings’ announcement provides an opportunity for Opposition Leader Will Hodgman to show his mettle.

“In a power-sharing parliament the Liberals can still join the Greens to roll Labor and deliver for the Parliament and therefore the Tasmanian people,” Mr McKim said.

“There has been a massive failure of political leadership on this issue from both Labor and Liberal.”

“We now have the bizarre situation where both Ms Giddings and Mr Hodgman say they support the principle of restoring the House, but lack the fortitude to act.”

“This is a clear case of party leaders putting political expediency ahead of doing the right thing for Tasmania.”

“It is precisely when Tasmania is facing challenging financial times that we most need a Parliament and a cabinet that work as effectively as possible.”

“If the three parties worked together on this issue as we agreed earlier in this term of Parliament, we could have achieved the change and strengthened our democracy.”

Mr McKim said that the Greens remain committed to debating legislation to restore the House later this year.
Nick McKim MP Greens Leader Saturday, 29 June 2013