Two weeks since it was revealed Minister Jacquie Petrusma misled parliament
Government can’t continue to hide a Minister from scrutiny
Premier can’t allow the issue to keep dragging on
Two weeks after it was revealed Human Services Minister Jacquie Petrusma misled parliament over the status of vulnerable children, neither the Premier or the Minister herself have properly addressed the issue.
Deputy Labor Leader Michelle O’Byrne said Minister Petrusma must come out of hiding.
“Clear evidence was presented that the Minister ignored the advice of her department and misled parliament,” Ms O’Byrne said.
“It is unacceptable that the Minister has not addressed this serious issue.
“We can’t have a situation where a Minister with an important range of responsibilities is hidden from scrutiny.
“It’s been two weeks since it was proven the Minister misled parliament.
“Jacquie Petrusma needs to explain why she ignored her own department and misled parliament over the status of the children under the care of controversial for-profit provider Safe Pathways.
“The evidence aired by the ABC proved the Minister was not in a position to say all the children were safe.
“The Minister then misled parliament and should face the consequences.
“Labor does not have confidence in the Minister to look after Child Protection in Tasmania.”
Michelle O’Byrne MP, Deputy Labor Leader
