Marti Zucco: Lock in a 4 year date

Independent Denison candidate Marti ZUCCO said today; “Time to lock in a 4 year set Election date, why should the Tasmanian public have to go through the charade of electoral secrecy every 4 years”

Irrespective of what side of politics the Premier comes from why should the Premier of the State have the power to hold Tasmania at ransom for months on end, it seems to happen every 4 years at a lead up to an election.

The current situation needs addressing, for months we have had the business groups calling on an election date, the general public have also had enough, it is obvious that the State power brokers are not listening to Tasmanians and its time they did.

I also urge the Premier to call an election immediately but further add that we must set a defined 4 year period in the new parliament.

If elected I will seek to introduce legislation for a fixed 4 year election term, on the basis that the election be held every 4 years between the 1st & 21st February. This will allow 3 potential dates for an election in February. This will also allow Parliament to resume in March each term and get on with the business of running the State.

Considering we have the potential Premier in waiting in Liberal leader Will Hodgman who has been calling for an Election for the past 18 months I call on Mr. Hodgman to pledge to the Tasmanian public to support a defined set election date and or introduce legislation for a fixed term date as per what has been suggested.

This will clearly show the Tasmanian public that Premiers will never hold Tasmania to ransom as we often see; I also call on Greens Leader Nick McKim to make the same pledge as he is also calling on an election date. If both do support a set date then it should happen.

Why is it that Local Government and the Upper house have a set election period and the State has to go through a charade every 4 years?

The business leaders are correct in that it is choking the State and when the State is in a vulnerable position with unemployment and investment confidence in a dire situation. Why should any Premier have the decision making wand to continue to drag the State further into the red.

A set 4 year term of February will bring certainty to all. I challenge Mr. Hodgman and Mr. McKim to pledge they will support a set defined 4 year term prior to the Election irrespective who wins the election. I would also hope the current Premier would make the same pledge and get on with setting a date this week.

Time and time again Governments talk about transparency but fail in its implementation. Let’s lock in an election date and have it tabled in the first sitting of the new Parliament. I doubt that many Tasmanians would argue against this being implemented.

January 14th 2014
Written and Authorised by Marti Zucco 364a Elizabeth street North Hobart TAS 7000
Independent Denison candidate Marti Zucco