Hodgman can’t ignore serious allegations against Police Minister

 Minister acted appallingly in bullying and intimidating Upper House Member

 Serious questions need to be examined about Hidding’s behaviour

 Premier must refer matter to Tasmanian police for independent investigation

 Hodgman happy to let Ministers misbehave without repercussions

Premier Will Hodgman has no option but to either sack his Police Minister or demand his resignation after an appalling incident which potentially breaches both the Ministerial Code of Conduct and the Criminal Code.

Labor leader Bryan Green said Minister Rene Hidding’s shocking bullying and intimidating behaviour toward independent Upper House Member Ruth Forrest at a social function this week could not be brushed aside by the Premier and his government but must be referred to the police.

Ms Forrest told the Upper House last night that the Police Minister had attempted to intimidate her into voting for Strategic Infrastructure Corridors Bill with threatening behaviour.

Ms Forrest told the Upper House:

“… I do not appreciate being threatened, being coerced, being intimidated or having bullying tactics used to try and browbeat me into supporting this.”

“I don’t appreciate the Minister doing that, in a public forum at a social event. I don’t appreciate him attacking me in such a personal manner.”

“Because if I don’t he won’t bother with the amendments that seek to address the concerns of the tourism and heritage rail people and funding will just be gone for the Burnie project – it will be on my head, it’ll be my fault, I’ll have to wear that.”

Ms Forrest told ABC Radio today:

“I’m pleased that I have called him out for his behaviour. I think it’s absolutely unacceptable to behave in such a manner, for anyone to behave that way.”

Mr Green said the incident should be referred to police for an independent investigation and the Premier must also order Mr Hidding face an inquiry for potentially breaching the Code of Conduct for Ministers.

“Section 70 of the Criminal Code relates to interference of Parliament and unlawfully influencing members – the Premier knows this and needs to treat this matter very, very seriously,” Mr Green said.

“This cannot be fobbed off, it cannot be swept under the carpet as Mr Hodgman has done time and again when Members of his Cabinet have made serious errors or lied about their conduct.

“Mr Hidding’s position is untenable.

“The Police Minister has allegedly engaged in what could constitute criminal behaviour.

“Tasmanians will be watching very closely now to see if Mr Hodgman does the right thing.

“If not they will see a Premier willing – yet again – to tolerate the most unacceptable and appalling behaviour by his Ministry.”
Bryan Green MP Labor Leader