The Tasmanian Greens today welcomed federal Liberal Leader Tony Abbott’s announcement that the federal Liberals will no longer accept donations from tobacco companies saying the pressure is now on Will Hodgman to take similar action.
Greens Leader, Nick McKim MP, said this must be an embarrassing situation for Will Hodgman, he is not only out of step with the federal Liberals, but is actively arguing against their position.
“Tony Abbott finally stubbing out tobacco donations for the federal Liberals exposes Will Hodgman as out of step with community expectations and out of step with his own party at the national level,” said Mr McKim.
“Only last year Will Hodgman’s Liberals voted against legislation which sought to introduce a state ban on big tobacco donations and now he has been gazumped by his national counterpart.”
“Tasmania has the worst rates of smoking in the nation and health records to match, but the State Liberals happily continue to accept donations from big tobacco without batting an eyelid.”
“Tobacco companies openly admit that they donate to political parties with the intention of influencing public policy.”
“The Greens have consistently challenged the State Liberals to do the right thing and turn their back on the tobacco industry and until now they have resisted. It will be very interesting to see if Mr Abbott forces them drag their standards up in line with the other two parties and more importantly community expectations.”
Nick McKim MP Greens Leader
