Hodgman rejects bipartisan approach to Queenstown recovery

A bipartisan response to the challenges on the West Coast has been rejected by the Premier, Will Hodgman.

Labor Leader Bryan Green said he was disappointed that the Premier had refused Labor’s offer to join the West Coast Taskforce.

“I spent yesterday in Queenstown talking to small business owners, community leaders and people on the street – and they are crying out for cooperation from all sides of politics,” Mr Green said.

“I wrote to Mr Hodgman on July 10 and Mr Brooks last week seeking to join the West Coast taskforce but my offer has been rejected by the Premier.

“In his letter Mr Hodgman encouraged me to provide a submission to the Taskforce.

“Despite being disappointed with his response, Labor will continue to consult with the West Coast community and make submissions to the Taskforce.

“But it is the height of petty-minded politics for Mr Hodgman to shut Labor out from this working group.

“In Government, Labor welcomed all sides of politics into similar groups such as in Scottsdale and after the initial shutdown of the Mt Lyell mine.

“The Liberal Government should do the same – the future of the West Coast is not an issue that should be subject to political game-playing.”
Bryan Green MP Labor Leader