Premier Giddings and acting Premier Bryan Green
THE economy may be struggling, the forest industry collapsing and the hospital system in crisis, but there is one measure on which Tasmania leads the nation …
Premier Lara Giddings is taking the longest summer break of all the nation’s political leaders.
In every other state bar one, premiers have returned to work for the year, but Ms Giddings will not be back in her office until January 22. By then she will have completed four weeks’ leave.
ACT Chief Minister Katy Gallagher has taken no leave this year, NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell just one week, SA Premier Jay Wetherill took a week and a half and WA leader Colin Barnett is off for 10 days.
Queensland Premier Anna Bligh and Victoria Premier Ted Baillieu had three weeks off work, though a spokeswoman for Mr Baillieu noted it was his first break in three years.
Tasmanian Deputy Opposition Leader Jeremy Rockliff said as the state struggled to deal with a number of serious issues, the Premier should have considered heading back to work sooner.
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Acting Premier Bryan Green defended the Premier’s leave arrangements, saying it was her first break in the job.
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Greens leader and Education Minister Nick McKim has also taken a month off.
