Dr WOODRUFF question to PREMIER, Mr ROCKLIFF
The Tasmanian people elected a power‑sharing parliament. The Liberal MO of riding roughshod over parliament and scoffing at scrutiny is over. This House will not let you get away with it. While holding cabinet ministers to account is a fundamental responsibility of this parliament, it is your job too. The ministerial standards you set and uphold are critical for good government, good outcomes, and stability.
Yesterday, you referred to Michael Ferguson as the victim of a consistent smear campaign. Do you stand by that statement today or do you accept that your lacklustre ministerial standards have to lift to meet this new parliamentary dynamic and deliver for Tasmanians? Do you agree that, as Premier, you need to lift your game to make sure your ministers are transparent, accountable, competent, and that they take responsibility for their portfolios?
ANSWER
Honourable Speaker, I thank Dr Woodruff for her question. I have spent some time in this place and always ensured that I kept politics and personal attacks out of public debate. For as long as I can remember, I have been told that once you start attacking people personally, you have lost the argument.
I am not sure how you would characterise the matters relating to Mr Ferguson’s past that were raised last week as anything but a smear campaign of which the Labor Party firmly attached themselves to through commentary in The Australian newspaper –
Members interjecting.
Mr ROCKLIFF – of which you attached yourself to, particularly you, in The Australian newspaper.
The SPEAKER – The Premier will direct his answer through the Chair.
Mr ROCKLIFF – That is what I would characterise as a smear campaign, Dr Woodruff.
Members interjecting.
The SPEAKER – The Premier will direct his answer through the Chair to assist in quieting the interjections.
Mr ROCKLIFF – I will have none of that. What I am focused on is ministerial accountability and I disagree with the way that you presented the question, because it is in my nature to be cooperative whether we are a majority government or not. I demonstrated that in opposition and in government, when we were in majority, and have reinforced the fact since our minority parliament elected on 23 March this year.
That is the error of cooperation and a strong communication between the crossbench and any other member of parliament who is willing to be constructive on behalf of the Tasmanian people. I see constructive thought and communication on the crossbench. I often do not see it by those opposite, but that is the way this parliament must operate in challenging times.
We are still working our way through a budget that is framed in a challenging economic environment, as all budgets are framed across the country, but one that does deliver when it comes to more investment in frontline services. More nurses, more police, more doctors, teachers in our schools, and infrastructure across Tasmania supporting those essential social services.
The SPEAKER – The Premier’s time for answering the question has expired.
SUPPLEMENTARY QUESTION
Dr WOODRUFF – A supplementary question, Speaker?
The SPEAKER – I will hear the supplementary question.
Dr WOODRUFF – I listened closely to your answer, Premier. Can you confirm that you do not think there is anything that needs to be adjusted in the standard that you set for your ministers in accountability, transparency, and taking responsibility for failures?
The SPEAKER – It does draw from the answer the Premier gave, so I call the Premier.
Mr ROCKLIFF – The Ministerial Code of Conduct is very clear and I expect all ministers to uphold that. You referenced, or characterised your question about the circumstances that I drew you to about the unfortunate smear demonstrated last week by those opposite.
Dr Woodruff – Just answer the question, please.
Mr ROCKLIFF – I have answered the question.
The SPEAKER – It is not time for a conversation across the Chamber. The Premier will answer the question.
Mr ROCKLIFF – I have answered the question.
Dr Woodruff – You do not think anything needs to change?
The SPEAKER – Order, Leader of the Greens.
Mr ROCKLIFF – I expect all our ministers to uphold the high standards of accountability and transparency
