Weeks into the escalating cost of living crisis, it’s welcome the government has finally responded to the impacts on Tasmanians by tabling legislation. This legislation allows to extend the emergency restriction and rationing period for fuel.
However, the community cannot wait for more than a fortnight for action. That’s why the Greens are calling on the government to either bring this legislation to Parliament as soon as possible, or to enact the state’s emergency powers.
Tasmanians were already doing it really tough before this crisis hit, and in the past few weeks things have gotten desperate for many people. It’s obvious the government must act, and people cannot wait any longer for that to happen.
If the government understands the seriousness and urgency of this situation, they have two options.
Firstly, the government could bring their legislation on in Parliament as soon as possible. That could be today, but if that doesn’t happen there is no reason why a special sitting cannot be arranged to deal with the legislation. That could be tomorrow, or early next week. Of course, both houses would be required to return.
Alternatively, the government could enact the state’s emergency powers so they can immediately take action prior to Parliament’s return. After all, the state’s emergency laws already provide for many of the key measures in the government’s bill.
One thing is clear – Tasmanians cannot afford to wait any longer for this government to act. This is a massive cost of living crisis, and a proper response is urgently needed.
