• Rene Hidding ignores the concerns of Tasmanians living with a disability
• Minister glibly says people aren’t “obliged” to be part of the NDIS
• State Government should guarantee affordable access to public transport
The Premier’s hollow promise to govern for all Tasmanians has failed on day one.
Labor Leader Bryan Green said the Liberal Government’s response to genuine concerns over transport from Tasmanians living with a disability is appalling.
“On the same day Will Hodgman said he wants to govern for all Tasmanians, Rene Hidding arrogantly dismissed the rights of people living with a disability,” Mr Green said.
“When faced with real-life examples of people with a disability struggling to access public transport, Rene Hidding threw his hands in the air.
“To tell people they don’t have to sign up to the NDIS is deplorable.
“The NDIS is life-changing social reform and people shouldn’t have to sacrifice anything to be part of it.
“That’s why Labor’s been calling on the State Government to offer Tasmanians a short-term solution so no one is worse off when it comes to accessing public transport.
“For a very small amount of money, the State Government could ensure Tasmanians with a disability had the access to transport services they need.
“Tasmanians like Nicole McKillop, who is legally blind, are missing out on opportunities because they can’t afford to use the public transport services that suit them.
“You’re creating a false-economy if you’re preventing people from accessing work and education by not being prepared to spend that little bit more.
“Tasmanians should be able to transition to the NDIS confident that the State Government will be there for them when it comes to transport.
“Will Hodgman’s promise to govern for all Tasmanians is not backed up by his Government’s actions.
“This is a mean-spirited, conservative government through and through.”
Bryan Green MP Labor Leader
