In a display of unbridled arrogance in Parliament, Planning Minister Felix Ellis has refused to apologise for the contempt he’s shown to mayors, planners, and community groups in recent weeks. In fact, he doubled-down and threw more mud at those that care about the future of the places they love.
Minister Ellis has spent weeks throwing insults at the Tasmanian community just because they disagree with his misguided Development Assessment Panels policy. The fact Mr Ellis can’t find a respectful way to defend his ill-conceived legislation just shows how poor this policy really is.
The Liberal Government’s absurd claim that their legislation for Development Assessment Panels will take the politics out of planning is the oldest political trick in the book. Say often enough and hope people believe it – even if it’s not true.
A key plank of the DAPs policy is that the Minister for Planning – a politician – will become a key part of the planning system. Contrary to the government’s own justification for the policy, political interference will be a constant threat.
Minister Ellis knows this legislation has no basis in evidence or good policy. That’s why all he can do is try to belittle and insult those that oppose him.
