Nick McKim: Let’s debate it, Mr Hodgman

The Tasmanian Greens Leader Nick McKim MP today challenged the Opposition Leader Will Hodgman MP to a debate on minority government.

“Anytime, anywhere, I would be happy to drop what I am doing and debate Mr Hodgman on the merits of minority government,” Mr McKim said

“The Opposition Leader is behaving like a spoilt brat, threatening to storm out of the sandpit in tears with his shovel and spade if he doesn’t win a majority.”

“It is an immature threat, and it’s disrespectful to Tasmanian voters no matter which party they vote for.”

“Will Hodgman needs to grow up, which is why I challenge him to muster some courage and debate me in front of the Tasmanian people.”

“There are a lot of Tasmanians who believe minority governments have been good for Tasmania, because they have brought transparency and forced Parliament to deal with the big, tough issues.”

“Minority parliaments create checks and balances for government, because it means you never have one single political party making all of the decisions behind closed doors and treating parliament as a rubber stamp.”

“If there’s a power sharing parliament elected at the next state election, Tasmania needs leaders who are prepared to show leadership and maturity and respect the will of voters.”

“The reality here is that Mr Hodgman is not telling the truth, and anyone who believes that the Liberals will only govern in majority is being deceived.”

“Mr Hodgman said the same thing at the last election, and then he turned around and sent his representatives to try to secretly stitch up a deal with the Greens.”

“He knows that Peter Gutwein would roll him without a moment’s hesitation if he refused to negotiate to form a minority government.”