Attorney-General Brian Wightman today said aspiring Liberal candidate Paul Harriss should resign from his Upper House seat immediately.
Mr Wightman said it would be unconscionable for Mr Harriss to remain sitting as a so-called independent MLC when he is seeking to be elected as a Liberal Party representative.
“This is treating voters with absolute contempt
“It is nothing but farcical arrogance to think that it is acceptable to be representing one electorate as an independent, but actively trying to campaign in another aligned to a political party
“Mr Harriss should have the courage of his convictions to stand down immediately and let the voters decide at the next election.
“Trying to pretend he’s independent from now on is just a joke.”
Mr Wightman said this was now a test for the leadership of Will Hodgman.
“If Mr Hodgman holds any sway in the Liberal Party whatsoever, he must order Mr Harriss to resign as an MLC immediately.
“Mr Hodgman cannot go hiding behind his Party’s State director – he must act. A failure to do so will show Tasmanians that the Liberals are more than happy to allow party candidates to masquerade as pretend independents when it suits them,” Mr Wightman said.
Brian Wightman Attorney-General
