The turmoil boiling over within the Liberal party is now returning to a simmer, and the focus of Premier Jeremy Rockliff and his ministers must immediately return to responding to the urgent recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry, and the many other issues facing the Tasmanian community.
Just two days after Tasmania’s Parliament faced one of the most momentous events in its history, the Liberal government was completely distracted and consumed by internal power plays. For the many Tasmanians concerned about the safety of children in government institutions – especially victim-survivors and advocates – this has been devastating to observe.
There are so many Commission of Inquiry matters the government needs to respond to immediately. A timeline to close Ashley Youth Detention Centre; the safety of children in out of home care; an independent investigation into Tasmania Police’s handling of child sexual abuse allegations; holding public servants who covered up abuse or failed to protect children to account; immediate funding for urgent recommendations; the list goes on.
With Elise Archer now confirming her resignation, and Labor guaranteeing they will provide a pair until her replacement is elected, there is no excuse for Jeremy Rockliff to delay the return of Parliament.
Last week the Premier said “all Members of Parliament have an active role to play in delivering the changes the Commission has recommended quickly and efficiently.” Now it’s time for him to put his money where his mouth is and ensure the Parliament can pass the budget bill for funding of the Inquiry’s urgent recommendations.
Delaying the return of Parliament for the sake of a minor political convenience would be a shocking blow to the victim-survivors and whistleblowers who have given so much, and who have waited so long for action.
