Restoring the numbers of MPs back to 35 in the House of Assembly, as committed by all three parties last term of government, would strengthen Tasmania’s democracy by providing a greater talent pool to fill both parliamentary and Cabinet positions, Greens Leader Kim Booth MP said today.
“Labor’s response is both childish and dishonest in that it tried to ignore the enormous harm caused to Tasmania’s parliamentary democracy by reducing the seats to 25 in a play for absolute power,” Mr Booth said.
“Well, State Labor is now hoist upon its own petard.”
“In concert with the Liberals in 1998, they moved to cut the Assembly numbers in a self-interested move to get rid of the Greens, only to discover they now can’t elect sufficient members to govern alone.”
“Ironically, if Labor had actually fulfilled their promise when in government and done the right thing by Tasmania’s democracy, they may have a better chance now of not needing the help of others to field a functional Cabinet and still have a strong backbench worthy of the Westminster tradition.”
“It is very telling that rather than move to repair the damage they and the Liberals inflicted on Tasmania’s democracy, Labor again seek to blame others and impose new restrictions as a so-called solution.”
“It is incumbent on all elected representatives to put the best interests of Tasmanians first, not just what is best for individual political parties.”
“If Labor were genuine about putting Tasmania first, then they would prioritise restoring MP numbers to increase the talent pool available, and then buckle down to earn as many of those seats possible just like any other Party should.”
“The community is diverse, and we have to expect that diversity will be reflected within the make-up of future Parliaments. Nationally and internationally multi-party governments have become the norm.”
“It is for parliament to form a government, not the back room boys. The Tasmanian Greens will always respect the will of the voter, and work constructively to make the parliament, as returned by the people work. We are confident that history will acknowledge the last period of government as one of the most stable, scandal-free, and reformist in recent times,” Mr Booth said.
DOWNLOAD: Statement signed by the then three Leaders, committing to restore the House of Assembly numbers to 35, 2 September 2010:
Jul27_Three_Leaders_Agreement_Sept_2010_K_Booth_ATTACH.pdf
Kim Booth MP | Greens Leader
