Government must answer questions over education gag

Steve Biddulph’s Facebook post regarding the event …

 Respected education expert gagged from discussing Liberal policy
 Government must reveal where the gag order came from
 Latest example of a culture of secrecy

The gagging of a respected education expert has further exposed the culture of secrecy within the Hodgman Government.

Steve Biddulph was ordered not to discuss the Government’s changes to the school starting age at an event in Devonport.

Shadow Education Minister Michelle O’Byrne said it was a blatant gag.

“This is extraordinary treatment of a respected expert on education.

“It is not believable that the gag clause would be included in the contract without the approval of someone very senior in either the Department or the Minister’s office.

“It is incumbent on the Minister to reveal exactly who gave the order for the gag clause to be included in Mr Biddulph’s contract.

“To order a speaker not to make comments on a current issue is something out of a dictatorship.

Labor Leader Bryan Green said it’s a classic example of the culture of secrecy that Will Hodgman has allowed to develop in his government.

“The Liberals say they’re for free speech but go to extraordinary lengths to silence their critics,” Mr Green said.

“The stranglehold on communication by the central political office is well known.

“Nothing goes out into the public sphere without approval from the Premier’s senior political staff.

“We even have the situation where legal advice from the Solicitor General has been altered and ignored.

“This latest example begs the question – how many speakers have had gag clauses included in contracts?

“The public deserves to know whether they’re getting the full story or just the Liberal Party version of events.”
Bryan Green MP Labor Leader Michelle O’Byrne MP Deputy Labor Leader Shadow Education Minister