The new Liberal cabinet was sworn in on Monday; so it is now all systems go for the first change in government for in sixteen years.
The next challenge is to see whether a party governing with a majority of members of the House of Assembly can drive transformational change – both in our economy and in the too-common attitude of entitlement out there. So many Tasmanians depend on government dollars in one form or another for their daily bread that the spirit of private enterprise is somewhat muted, repressed.
However, at a time when we should be focused on the future, I’ve been taken aback by the outcry about who was given what portfolios in the new government; and about the angst over how many members came from the north or the south.
I’ve lived in Western Australia and Queensland where electorates are the size of Tasmania – or bigger – and the single elected members seemed to do a reasonable job of attending to the needs of their constituents. This state is way too small to be worried about south versus north versus north-west; Hobart versus Launceston; Bass versus Braddon, etc. I expect the members of cabinet to be selected on their merits, not on their residential addresses. I mean we live a few hours apart, at most, for goodness’ sake.
Another thing concerning me is how used we seem to have become to the 24 hour media cycle. No-one seems surprised at the air space being filled by political has-beens (or never-weres). It would be good to see more focus on our elected representatives and their plans for driving change.
Will Hodgman, the new Premier, said after the election that turning the state’s economy around will be the government’s key focus. After unveiling a 100 day plan that sets out the government’s immediate priorities, he spent last week with his deputy, Jeremy Rockliff, and Treasurer, Peter Gutwein, familiarising themselves with the state of the state they have inherited.
During that time, Mr Hodgman has been measured in his engagement with the media since the election, perhaps setting the ground rules for his approach as Premier.
He has made it clear that his government wants to take a steady and planned approach to making the changes necessary to deliver a modern Tasmanian economy; and he has unveiled a 100 day plan to show how they intend to set about this task.
However, the fact that he has refused to answer detailed and specific questions has been immediately criticised by the opposition, the Greens, defeated candidates and that aforementioned motley crew of political has-beens.
On Monday, too, the Labor Party held its first post-election caucus meeting. Former Deputy Premier Bryan Green was elected unopposed as leader of the Opposition, with Michelle O’Byrne as his deputy. This team now has to lead the ALP as it rebuilds after the significant swing against it; a task that will be made more difficult as the party seemingly lacks a clear constituency at present.
Our democracy is improved by a strong government and a strong opposition.
Both the parties deserve to be given the space they need to do what needs to be done. Both these jobs will need time and some clear air – without minute by minute detailed commentary and second-guessing.
I for one am willing to sit back and let the new government – and, for that matter, the new opposition – consolidate their positions and show their mettle in delivering a new start for Tasmania.
That’s not a blank cheque, though. We need to see clear markers along the path to that change.
It’s a time for ideas; it’s a time for enterprise; it’s a time for a can-do attitude from all our elected representatives to overcome the entrenched attitude of complacency that has held this state back for such a long time.
TFGA CEO Jan Davis’ Mercury column today
