The Speaker is the presiding officer of the House of Assembly, Tasmania’s lower house of parliament. Their role is to maintain order during parliamentary debates and ensure that the rules of the house are followed by all members.
They also have administrative responsibilities, overseeing the operations of the Parliament. While the Speaker is a member of a political party, they are expected to be impartial in their duties.
Statement from Jacquie Petrusma
It is a great honour today to be elected as the Speaker of the House of Assembly.
I am deeply grateful for the confidence shown in me, and I will approach the responsibilities of the Speaker with fairness, respect and integrity.
Thank you to my Parliamentary colleagues for electing me to this important role, in which I will endeavour at all times to fill with dignity and impartiality.
I look forward to supporting the Parliament in continuing its vital work on behalf of all Tasmanians.
Media release – Rosalie Woodruff MP, Greens Leader; Helen Burnet MP, Greens Member for Clark, 19 August 2025
Helen Burnet MP Elected Deputy Speaker
Rosalie Woodruff MP
On behalf of the Tasmanian Greens, I congratulate Greens Member for Clark, Helen Burnet, on being elected as the Deputy Speaker and Chair of Committees in the Tasmanian Parliament’s House of Assembly.
Achieving the support of the House to take on this important position is a testament to the esteem Helen is held in across the Chamber. We are confident she will approach her new role of Deputy Speaker with the same hard work and diligence she’s shown across her long career in public office.
As a Hobart City Councillor for nineteen years, Deputy Lord Mayor for seven, and Member of Parliament since 2024, Helen has the political experience needed for this role. We’re so proud Helen’s intelligence, work ethic, and fairness have been recognised by the new parliament in her election to this role.
Helen’s appointment as Deputy Speaker is also a reflection of the new dynamics of this minority 52nd Tasmanian Parliament. It reflects the degree of respect and confidence across the House that all members are able to collaborate and work productively to achieve outcomes for Tasmanians.
Helen Burnet MP
It is an honour to be elected as the Deputy Speaker and Chair of Committees of the House of Assembly in the 52nd Parliament of Tasmania. I thank members from across the House of Assembly who put their trust in me with their vote.
I commit to approaching this new role with fairness and impartiality, to ensure effective outcomes, in the best interests of Tasmanians. I also congratulate Jacquie Petrusma in being voted as Speaker.
Media release – Anita Dow MP, Deputy Labor Leader, 19 August 2025
Liberal-Green deal further exposed
Another layer of the Liberal-Green deal has been exposed.
It is fanciful to suggest there isn’t a link between the Greens’ decision to support Jacquie Petrusma as Speaker and the Liberals’ support for Helen Burnet as Deputy Speaker and Chair of Committees.
If it looks like a deal, and walks like a deal, it’s a deal.
Jeremy Rockliff has got in to bed with the Greens, and he’s sold out Tasmanian workers to save his own job.
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