Liberals put kids second to political ideology
Hodgman’s promise to boost female Parliament presence a joke
Protection and care of children a low priority for Liberals
Every member of the Tasmanian Liberals today has a valid and cast iron reason to hang their heads in shame after the party’s state conference voted to abolish the Safe Schools program.
Deputy Labor Leader and Shadow Education Minister Michelle O’Byrne said on the same day that Premier Will Hodgman had promised to boost gender equality in the State Parliament, his party had labelled the important sexual and gender diversity program “disgusting” and “disgraceful” and consigned it to the rubbish heap.
“The fact that this motion to abolish Safe Schools even came up at the Liberal’s conference should give every Tasmanian a very clear picture of where this party and where this government’s priorities are,” Ms O’Byrne said.
“Mr Hodgman is out today saying he wants fairer representation of women in the Parliament but how can he possibly expect anyone to take him seriously when he is prepared to support the abolition of a program which specifically teaches kids about gender and diversity.
“How can he possibly expect anyone to believe he stands for a fair and equal and safe Tasmania when his party say it’s OK to act unfairly, it’s OK to discriminate.
“For Brett Whiteley to stand before Tasmanians and label Safe Schools disgraceful and disgusting is just that – disgraceful and disgusting.
“Head-in-the-sand, narrow-minded, petty and mean-spirited former politicians like Mr Whiteley have no place in a modern, accepting and tolerant Tasmania.
“Mr Hodgman and his government – in supporting people like him – act in an incredibly offensive, odious and nasty manner and say they are prepared to accept intolerance and discrimination and even hatred.
“I’m shocked and appalled by this mean, despicable act today and I’m sure there are tens of thousands of Tasmanians who will be also.”
Michelle O’Byrne MP Shadow Education Minister
