Dr WOODRUFF – I want to ask a question about the circumstances surrounding Ms Gale’s resignation as the head of the State Service. Can you please tell me whether it was her decision to resign or yours, whether you were surprised at her decision to resign and why the position was not advertised? In saying that, I want to in no way reflect on the qualities and qualifications of Ms Morgan‑Wicks. But, in light of the commission of inquiry, don’t you think we should have advertised that position, just to give confidence to Tasmanians about our processes in these matters?
Mr ROCKLIFF – I have an enormous amount of confidence in Ms Morgan‑Wicks. She is a very capable person that led Tasmania through the pandemic in many respects in terms of the Health responsibility and a large part of the commission of inquiry responsibility. It is the premier of the day’s call, as it has been previously, to appoint the head of the State Service. I appointed Ms Morgan‑Wicks, and Ms Morgan‑Wicks is doing a fantastic job.
Dr WOODRUFF – What about the first part of the question about the decision for Ms Gale to resign?
Mr ROCKLIFF – It was Ms Gale’s decision.
Dr WOODRUFF – Premier, your government has made no progress on treaty and truth‑telling in the three years since Peter Gutwein, as then premier, promised that action would be taken. There was, as you know, an encampment outside parliament a couple of months ago and you met with members of the Aboriginal community and promised that you would act. Is it your intention to legislate a process for treaty and truth‑telling for lutruwita/Tasmania in this term of government?
Mr ROCKLIFF – There are a few different schools of thought here between Aboriginal communities and the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre (TAC). My understanding is the TAC wants a legislated treaty. In my view, there needs to be a broader conversation involving the Tasmanian Aboriginal community and the Tasmanian community as well. Everyone has to be brought along this journey. I’m engaging with Aboriginal communities. I stand to be corrected in terms of the exact date, but I believe I’m meeting the Tasmanian Regional Aboriginal Communities Alliance (TRACA) on 1 October, for example. On country, at the end of this week, as well, on the wukalina walk where members of the TAC will also be accompanying me there – listening, learning, trying to find a way forward.
I was as disappointed, as everyone else was, with the outcome of the referendum in October last year. It did highlight, if nothing else, the significant gap still when it comes to incarceration rates, educational attainment, life expectancy, job opportunity. We have failed as a nation, when it comes to the support of our First Nations people and we need to do far better. That is why my focus is on those areas of Closing the Gap but also continuing along the truth‑telling journey.
Dr WOODRUFF – Will you create that process, will you commit to enacting a process, which is what Peter Gutwein committed to, whether through legislation or another process, by the end of this term of government?
Mr ROCKLIFF – I’ll be seeking advice from the Tasmanian Aboriginal people as to the best way forward, but my focus will absolutely be on those areas of Closing the Gap, those areas I speak of. There are also a lot more areas when it comes to the need to close the gap. We are held accountable as government across the nation when it comes to reporting and the like.
