The Tasmanian Liberal’s position on the size of Parliament is well known and long standing.
We believe the decision to reduce the numbers in the Parliament was a mistake and we should restore it to its previous size.
Our position on how this should be done is clear. Any review of options should be conducted with transparency and accountability and the Tasmanian Liberals stand by our policy for an independent review.
We believe that the Government should establish an independent Commission of Inquiry to examine the best way to restore the Parliament.
Labor’s backflip on this issue is welcome but we must be transparent, consultative and make the right decision as to how best to restore the Parliament to its previous size.
The structure and makeup of the Parliament is too important to be compromised by the Labor-Green government’s short term political objectives.
Nick McKim, Greens Leader
MP NUMBERS TALKS SHOULD ALSO INCLUDE THE UPPER HOUSE
Nick McKim MP
Greens Leader
Monday, 31 May 2010
mps.tas.greens.org.au
The Tasmanian Greens today confirmed that they had received a letter from the Premier to the Greens and Liberal leaders to consult over the best way to restore MPs numbers in the Parliament, and have suggested that the President of the Legislative Council also be included in these talks.
Greens Leader Nick McKim MP said that two years ago the Greens had proposed similar talks in the lead up to the tenth anniversary of the 1998 cuts with the three Party Leaders and the President of the Upper House, and that at the time David Bartlett had agreed to participate in those discussions.
Mr McKim has also written back to the Premier, confirming his intention to participate in the proposed talks, and formalising his suggestion that Mrs Sue Smith MLC also be invited.
“The Greens welcome this historic opportunity to work constructively on the issue of MP numbers which goes to the heart of our system of governance, and in this regard we believe that it will add to the debate for all political leaders to participate including the President of the Legislative Council,” Mr McKim said.
“Any process to restore the number of Parliamentarians following the disastrous cuts inflicted in 1998 must engage the community, and the Greens believe that with the input of all three Party Leaders and the Legislative Council President we will have the capacity to put in place a process that can deliver improved democratic outcomes for Tasmanians.”
“The 1998 cuts to numbers gutted the Parliament’s ability to provide Tasmanians with the quality democratic representation they deserve.”
“These long over-due talks should address the negative impacts of the cuts including reduced representation of the Tasmanian community, reduced accessibility of Members, reduced talent pool on the Government benches, and the inability of the Parliamentary Committee system to function properly.”
“In would be in the spirit of co-operation for the Premier to also invite the President of the Legislative Council to participate in these important discussions, as they will impact upon the overall effectiveness of our Parliament,” Mr McKim said.
