Media Release – Sue Hickey MP, Speaker Of The House Of Assembly And Member For Clark, 21 March 2021
Sue Hickey Told By Premier She Won’t Be Re-Endorsed By Liberal Party
House of Assembly Speaker and Clark MP Sue Hickey says Premier Peter Gutwein has told her she will not be endorsed by the Liberal Party for the next State Election.
Ms Hickey said she had effectively been ‘sacked’ from the Government party, with the Premier saying she was not supported by either her Liberal Parliamentary colleagues, or the party machine.
She said it was disappointing but symptomatic the Liberal Party could not accommodate strong women of independent thought and initiative.
“I strongly support what I believe are true Liberal ideals, such as promoting small business and providing increased opportunities for the community. But at the same time, I believe we should provide the necessary services and support for those who are vulnerable and in need.
“While the Liberals may not have been happy with the manner in which I assumed the Speakership, I have always acted fairly in the role and in accordance with proper parliamentary processes and requirements.
“As well, I have always supported the Liberal Government in matters of confidence and budget supply, as well as commending Premier Gutwein particularly for his handling of the COVID-19 emergency.
“I have also provided significant input into the parliamentary party’s policy direction and indeed a number of initiatives in the Premier’s State-of-the-State address were in line with my suggestions as part of my regular discussions directly with the Premier.”
Ms Hickey said she believed she was a strong advocate for the electors and community of Clark and was determined to continue to serve them in the Tasmanian parliament.
“However, it is evident from my discussion with the Premier that this will not be as a member of the Liberal Party and this is a cause for regret on my part and will also be for the thousands of people who voted for me at the last election.
“This is a challenging time for the Liberal Party and its supporters. It appears that the men in dark suits are firmly in control and there is no place for small ‘l’ Liberal women who refuse to kowtow or be subservient to the dominant males.”
Ms Hickey said she would now consider her position, but her intention was to continue to serve in the Tasmanian Parliament.
Media release – Peter Gutwein, Premier, 21 March 2021
Statement on Sue Hickey
I have met with Ms Hickey today to discuss preselection.
I informed her that there is not support across the wider party for her to be endorsed as a Liberal candidate for the next election and that is a view that I share.
A Government needs to operate as a strong team and I believe that each Liberal Government member must work as part of that team to serve the people of Tasmania whilst upholding the values, principles and policies of the Liberal party.
Our clear plan for the State is working and my focus remains firmly fixed on securing Tasmania’s future.
Media release – Rebecca White MP, Labor Leader, 21 March 2021
Peter Gutwein has lost control of his party and is forced to govern in minority
Peter Gutwein has lost control of his party with news of Sue Hickey’s “sacking” now forcing him to govern in minority.
Labor Leader Rebecca White said this extraordinary development is yet another example of a Liberal Government in turmoil.
“The internal fighting in the Liberal Party has reached boiling point with today’s news of Peter Gutwein finally losing control and effectively sacking Sue Hickey,” Ms White said.
“This will have huge implications for the party with Peter Gutwein now effectively governing in minority by having to rely on the support of an independent.
“In the past few weeks, we have seen the deep ideological divide in the Liberal Party exposed for all to see.
“We have seen an extraordinary war waged by press release to stymy debate on Voluntary Assisted Dying laws and this ideological split is not limited to Voluntary Assisted Dying – that is just the issue that brought it to the surface.
“These are the same fault lines that emerged last January when Peter Gutwein and Jeremy Rockliff edged out rival leadership team Michael Ferguson and Elise Archer by a single vote.
“These divisions feed the Liberal Government’s policy paralysis and ultimately they are holding Tasmania back.
“What has happened to Sue Hickey is part of a much bigger problem within the Liberal Party and today she called the party out on its treatment of women, saying:
“This is a challenging time for the Liberal Party and its supporters. It appears that the men in dark suits are firmly in control and there is no place for small ‘l’ Liberal women who refuse to kowtow or be subservient to the dominant males.”
“We only need to look at the recent alarming issues that have surfaced federally to see there are huge problems within the Liberal Party around equality, ethics and values.
“The Gutwein Government is too busy fighting amongst themselves to focus on rebuilding Tasmania and looking after our people.
“They have run out of ideas of their own and that was obvious with the announcements made by the Premier last week that drew largely on policy announced by Labor last year in our fully costed jobs plan.
“The Liberal Government is worn out and distracted by infighting. In contrast, Labor has a strong, capable and united team which is working hard to make Tasmania a better and fairer place.”
Still on Sue Hickey’s website as of today. Perhaps a new colour scheme is also due?
