BEING A NOVELIST I like to imagine. So imagine this. On April 8th or thereabouts we discover that indeed the final numbers in the parliament are 10 Liberals, 5 Greens and 10 Labor.
Clearly no single political party can fill all the key ministerial appointments and reassure us that we have enough skills and experience at work for our state. We know that in this smaller 25-seat parliament, experienced Ministers have been overloaded, let alone newcomers. So I imagine allocating portfolios not along party lines, but as a reflection of competency. Now there’s an idea.
First we must imagine that the old Lib/Lab power brokers behind the scenes are silent. They are not trying to undermine this election result and drive us back to the polls in 18 months crying foul play by the Greens.
Instead, all party leaders are free to make their own decisions. They want to invigorate the new parliament with fresh faces and perspectives, but also make the most of the valuable experience that exists.
I know it’s a big leap of imagination but no real change ever came without it.
Let’s appoint Will Hodgman as Premier. He received by far the highest number of primary votes and deserves the position. And while we’re at it, let’s make him Minister for Economic Development too. If the Premier, as the CEO of the state, isn’t accountable for Economic Development, then it makes no sense.
Nick McKim as Deputy Premier. He helped deliver much-needed change to the state in this election. He’s inclusive, strategic, charismatic and creative. Which also makes him an ideal Minister for Tourism, Arts, Parks, Heritage and Sport. What about Environment? We’ll get to that.
Imagine we shake the key portfolios up a little. Move the boundaries to reflect the needs and challenges of the 21st century and the priorities that Tasmanians have highlighted in this election.
What policy will Labor or Liberal or Greens work with in this imaginary parliament? Well that’s the fascinating thing about 10, 5, 10. Maybe the three parties could work it out together. Isn’t that what Tasmanians have really asked for when we consider this election result?
Imagine the parliament as a round table where strategy and implementation must be agreed. Maybe this is how a minority government works best. Considered debate, using true skills in leadership, demonstrating flexibility and creating new opportunities and results for Tasmania. If Will Hodgman is the CEO then he gets to call the shots, table the policies, agree the deadlines and call for the vote.
Some party policies are quite easy to agree with. A multi-lane highway from Launceston to Hobart (Liberal policy) is an obvious thing. It’s long overdue. Significant investment in public transport and the Tasmanian rail system (Greens policy) also makes excellent sense. Overhauling and upgrading our alternative transport options is vital in managing our urban spread, keeping costs low for Tasmanian commuters, ensuring a reduction in heavy traffic on the roads, and taking critical steps in reducing our carbon emissions.
The bit about carbon emissions isn’t just talk. As global citizens, it’s critical we act like an intelligent community and economy. This will have a long-term impact on any claim Tasmania makes to be green, clean and cultural. And it’s a nice way to attract future residents too.
Minister for Justice and Attorney General? Lara Giddings. She may well be the incoming Labor leader and this senior position reflects a natural balance between the three parties. Lara can be tough, she demonstrates integrity and restraint, and she understands this portfolio having been Attorney General since 2008. A key role for the parliament’s most senior woman doesn’t go unnoticed in supporting women leaders outside the parliament too.
Let’s give Treasury to Peter Gutwein assisted by Adam Brooks from Bass. Any successful entrepreneur is a welcome addition to the parliament and long overdue. A millionaire businessman must know something about managing the state budget and driving Tasmania’s economy in the right direction. And Gutwein, with an MBA and an Accounting degree, has the right credentials to hold the reins.
Minister for Health? The experience of Michelle O’Byrne would be valuable in this role and a Labor member in the seat might smooth the waters federally. Health policy? Let’s see what the Liberals, with Green support, can create. There’s some interesting common ground. Both agree on the urgent need for a new or refurbished hospital. And the Greens policy around community wellness centres makes excellent sense for anyone who suffers from a complex or chronic condition where a number of specialists and associated care are required.
Let’s create a Minister for Education and Employment. It needs someone who is able to work with all parties to deliver an outcome that empowers and inspires teachers and students. Michael Fergusson, with his huge personal vote, experience and passion for education seems an obvious choice.
Another expanded portfolio – Environment, Energy, Water and Sustainability. This is one for Matthew Groom – the new member for Denison who is seriously qualified to lead Tasmania into the new economy where jobs and industries meet the challenges of climate change and resource depletion. The measure of his success will be how effectively we can transition old-style industries into new-style ones.
Gambling and Racing would be a perfect fit for Andrew Wilkie, should he slip in through preferences. He could undertake an overhaul that would have extremely positive ramifications for our social and health services, to say nothing of our economy.
In fact, maybe Racing and Gaming should be in the same portfolio as Children and Family Services, just to ensure that the implications of gambling are properly understood by the Minister in question.
Another expanded portfolio: Workplace Relations & Community Development – David O’Byrne. The new Labor member for Franklin with the union background seems an apt fit for this one. He’s passionate about workers and community.
What else does Tasmania need? Minister for New Business, Infrastructure and Planning. Jeremy Rockcliff from Braddon. A specific portfolio supporting new business growth and infrastructure aligning with world’s best practice to grow Tasmania’s long-term value as a place to live and visit.
A new portfolio created for Agriculture and Rural Resources managed by the leading candidate in Lyons, Tim Morris, working closely with Matthew Groom in Environment, Energy, Water and Sustainability.
Mischievously I imagine Bryan Green with Corrections & Consumer Protection and Michael Polley with Aged Care. But this is a new parliament with new ideas. We do need a new portfolio for Aged Care but let’s give that to Rebecca White and bring her youthful exuberance to this important and growing sector.
And The Speaker? I like to imagine Cassy O’Connor. It seems a perfect role for the Greens member for Denison, keeping order in the house. In a parliament where there’s a shortage of women, it would be a powerful statement to future female candidates across all parties. Cassy has a keen appreciation for good debate and little tolerance for petty squabbles, bully-boy tactics and unnecessary time wasting.
What a refreshing parliament it would be if those activities were curbed in favour of informed debate, transparent and wise leadership and swift, sensible resolutions.
But of course, it would take much more than imagination.
Copyright Heather Rose, March 23, 2010
Heather Rose is an award winning author and businesswoman. Her latest novel is The River Wife.
