Media release – Nic Street, Liberal Member for Franklin, Jeremy Rockliff, Premier, 18 October 2024

Statement from Minister Street

Minister Nic Street has today announced his intention to stand down as Minister in the Tasmanian Liberal Government’s Cabinet to focus on his health.

Minister Street said he has long been open and honest about his struggles with his mental health.

“Following my return to work after taking leave earlier this year, I have reflected on my long term future and believe now is the right time to step down,” he said.

“With the support of my colleagues, I had intended to continue as Minister and reassess my position at the end of this year.

“Earlier this week, I made the decision that now is the right time for a seamless transition for a new Minister to step into Cabinet.

“I want to thank my colleagues who have been an immense support to me throughout my entire time in Parliament, but particularly so in the last 6-8 months. This includes Michael Ferguson, Nick Duigan, and Roger Jaensch who have acted in my portfolios during my time of leave, enabling me to have the space I need to return to work.

“I couldn’t ask for a better leader and Premier in Jeremy. The care and consideration he has shown in me has gone above and beyond what I would expect.

“For someone who has the responsibility and workload he has, it never ceases to amaze me how attentive and interested Jeremy has been in my wellbeing, and I can’t thank him enough for his support – not just now but in the 8 years I’ve been a Member for Parliament.

“This is probably the most selfish decision I’ve made in 8 years but if I am to improve my wellbeing back to 100% it’s a decision I need to make, and I hope the people of Tasmania can understand that.

“I’m not leaving Parliament – I’m committed to staying on as a local member for Franklin and serving my constituents – and supporting the Premier and Government in delivering our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future.”

Premier Jeremy Rockliff acknowledged Minister Street’s contribution to Cabinet since 2022.

“Nic has been a steady hand in our Government, having held the responsibilities of sports and events, hospitality, community services, science and technology, heritage, local government, and finance.

“Nic has always expressed deep kindness, compassion and sincerity for those around him, with the desire to help those who need it most.

“His willingness to share with Tasmanians his personal struggles for the purpose of reducing stigma around mental health to help others is admirable.

“I consider Nic not just a colleague but a personal friend and I wish him well as he prioritises his health.”

Media release – Dean Winter MP, Labor Leader, 18 October 2024

Statement on Nic Street

Nic Street is one of the most liked and respected members of Tasmania’s Parliament.

He is genuine, thoughtful and makes our Parliament a better place.

Nic’s decision to be open about his mental health has been selfless. In doing so, he has continued to destigmatise mental health issues and sends a message to everyone that its ok to put your hand up and say you are not ok.

On behalf of the Labor Party, I wish Nic Street all the best and look forward to continuing to work with him as a Member of Parliament.

Media release – David O’Byrne, Independent for Franklin, 18 October 2024

Statement on Nic Street

I want to wish Nic all the very best, this is obviously a difficult decision and I know he has not made it lightly.

Nic has always shown compassion, care, and decency towards others.

He took his role as a minister very seriously and was focused more on outcomes than the politics of the day.

On some matters of conscience, he demonstrated his values by voting against the majority in his caucus. This showed a level of bravery.

Sadly, politics can be seen by some as a blood sport and that does take a toll on people’s mental health.

Nic has never shied away from his mental health challenges.

In doing so, he has raised awareness that while mental illness can impact anyone, people with mental illness can continue to make a huge contribution to our community.

For this he deserves our respect and thanks.

I am grateful Nic will continue to contribute to the community as a member of parliament.

Media release – Luke Edmunds MLC, Shadow Minister for Sport & Events, 17 October 2024

Street confirms he misled Estimates Committee

During question time, Minister Nic Street confirmed that he misled the Estimates committee.

Minister Street told the house that he aware of his office’s decision to cancel a dinner reservation as payback for appearing with the Labor Party in the media on 22 August.

Yet when the Minister was asked during Estimates if he was aware of the cancellation, he said “no”. Minister Street was aware of the cancellation when he sat at the Estimates table, and yet he told the committee otherwise.

In a later answer, Minister Street told the committee that he would have to take the question on notice as to whether his office had any knowledge of the cancellation due to the owner’s participation in a media event.

But the Minister was told by his office on 22 August – he knew that his office cancelled the dinner because they told him about it.

Three times he misled – the same number as Adam Brooks. Minister Street needs to start by owning up to his mistake, which I’m sure he will after reviewing the footage.