Tasmanian Liberals too weak to stand up to Tony Abbott

Education Minister Jeremy Rockliff’s failure to get ongoing funding for non-secular chaplains in Tasmanian schools further highlights the Liberal’s lack of political clout in Canberra.

“Mr Rockliff rolled over to Tony Abbott and once again Tasmania is being treated as the poor relation,” Ms O’Byrne said.

“It was a weak effort by Mr Rockliff and is an ominous warning of what could be to come for Tasmania.

“Mr Rockliff failed to convince the Commonwealth to continue fully funding the chaplaincy program we had in Tasmania, so what hope is there when it comes to issues like cuts to the GST, the Renewable Energy Target or Consumer Affairs?

“Every time the Tasmanian Liberals need to stand up to Tony Abbott, just like Mr Rockliff, they go weak at the knees

“Tasmanian schools should have the opportunity to have non-secular chaplains but sadly that has been taken away without so much as a whimper by the Liberals.

“It is also distressing news for those secular staff now facing uncertain futures.”
Michelle O’Byrne MP Labor Deputy Leader Shadow Education Minister