Media release – Independent Member for Lyons, John Tucker MP, 15 October 2023
Independent Member for Lyons John Tucker has revealed he will be missing from the current session of Parliament because of a spinal injury
Mr Tucker said he had been in hospital for the past week receiving treatment for a bulging disk in his back.
The injury was excruciatingly painful and had immobilised him for several days.
“While thankfully I am now on the mend and have been released from hospital today, doctors have advised that I must have a long, slow recovery to avoid further long-term spinal damage.
“This means that I must rest for at least the next eight weeks and in particular I have been advised I must avoid extended car travel or sitting for long periods.
“That in turn means I will need to take a break from my Parliamentary duties.”
The injury comes off the back of Mr Tucker experiencing renal colic only a few weeks ago, causing him to miss one day of the last sitting week.
“This is a separate issue. It was not caused by any specific action. I simply woke up with a bad back and things went downhill from there.
“The closest that we have come to identifying a cause is Repetitive Strain Injury from a lifetime of working on the farm, followed by long days and nights at the wheel since I have been in Parliament.”
Mr Tucker said he would look into whether a formal leave of absence from Parliament was necessary, but for the moment he has negotiated with the other independent members for a pair to avoid any disruption to the numbers on the floor.
Mr Tucker would like to thank everyone who has reached out and offered support over the last few days.
He has also asked for understanding that he may be difficult to reach even on the phone because at least for the next few weeks he will remain incapacitated for extended periods.
Media release – David O’Byrne MP, Member for Franklin, 15 October 2023
Statement from David O’Byrne regarding pairing arrangements
Firstly, my thoughts are with John Tucker and his family during this difficult time. I wish John a swift and full recovery.
John Tucker has made contact with me and requested a voting ‘pair’ on certain matters in his short term absence from parliament. I have agreed to provide a pair on matters of supply and confidence.
The granting of pairs has historically been a matter resolved between the major parties for agreed absences from time to time, to ensure the numbers in the house on votes fairly represents the outcome and intent of the previous election. There are no firm conventions or precedents for pairing arrangements of independent Members such as John or I. For the next sitting week, the state Labor Caucus has granted the Government a pair until the recount on Clark is able to be completed.
The Tasmanian Parliament finds itself in unchartered territory with proportionally the largest cross bench in its recent history.
Given the unique circumstances I find myself in on the crossbench, and my genuine desire to support the whole of Government response to important issues such as the Commission of Inquiry, I am willing to provide the Member for Lyons a pair on matters of confidence and supply.
The Parliament must progress the appropriation bill next week to ensure the State Government can continue the work to implement every single recommendation made by the Commission of Inquiry, as soon as possible. This temporary pairing arrangement will enable this to occur.
I want to be absolutely clear that I do not have confidence in this Liberal Government. I’ve never had any confidence in this Liberal Government. But I will not support delaying the implementation and funding for the Government’s response to the Commission of Inquiry and other important matters by allowing John’s absence to be used as a trigger for an early election.
I will have a conversation with Mr Tucker on other votes before the house as and when they arise.
