THE perception is that the Premier is interested in the Big End of Town, the Gunns, Federal Hotels, Betfair and PBL rather than some of the issues to do with health, housing state dental programs and the need to get doctors and neurologists in to the Royal Hobart Hospital, Lyons MHR Harry Quick told ABC’s The World Today.
But shouldn’t the Premier be encouraging business for the state?
Harry: Yes but once again it is about perceptions. I mean we can’t get any neurogloists; the waiting list at the Royal is longer than you can ever possibly believe; three thousand people are waiting for houses; the Brooker Highway is almost falling apart; there are structural problems wrong with Tasmania and social ajustice and social equity issues are being neglected. (Later, Harry told The Mercury there was a bad, second-rate and sleazy smell about the Government’s dealings with Gunns, Federal Hotels and now Betfair. “It all gives the appearance that this place is up for sale to the highest bidder and that money talks.”)
Mr Lennon’s office declined to comment on Mr Quick’s criticisms.
Well, there’s a surprise. Harry’s a bit difficult to spin. Truth always is. And the sad truth is that Rough Red who masquerades as the Champion of the Workers is truly interested in little more than racing and gambling and rubbing shoulders with the rich and powerful in the PBL hospitality tent at Flemington, where Hag is unreliably informed, our leading representative had a gentle afternoon nap.
Let’s face it, Rough Red wouldn’t know a social value if it popped out of a bottle of Krug.
It hasn’t been a good week for Red and the crew: Racing Minister Jim Cox fending off accusations of offering $1 million to Tasmanian jockeys concerned about betting exchange Betfair.
Michelle Paine, The Mercury:
A sworn statement from Tasmanian Jockeys Association secretary Kevin Ring tabled in Parliament yesterday said Mr Cox told a meeting: “Put it this way, would you roll over for a million dollars?”
The allegation came just a day after it was revealed Premier Paul Lennon had stayed at the PBL-owned Crown Casino in Melbourne before announcing the controversial licence to Betfair.
Mr Lennon and Mr Cox also admitted accepting Melbourne Cup day corporate hospitality at Kerry Packer’s PBL marquee.
Legislation granting the licence to Betfair, which is a joint venture partner with PBL, passed through the House of Assembly last night.
Read more:
HERE
Read more of Hag, and her high opinion of Red and the crew:
HERE
