Dr WOODRUFF question to PREMIER, Mr ROCKLIFF
For five years your Government has promised to reform Tasmania's nation-lagging electoral laws. After another election, we finally got a bill. It is weak, but is still an important step forward. Now it seems you have cold feet. It would take a year for the bill to take effect, and it looks like you are listing it last for debate in the Legislative Council, so these reforms will not be in place for the next election. This is an obvious cynical ploy to prevent the bill being debated and passed and likely strengthened. Given the Liberals rake in millions from secret donations every year, it does not take a genius to see you are trying to put a handbrake on transparency.
Do you think Tasmanians deserve to go to another election knowing which interests are funding their politicians? Will you make sure your electoral reform bill is brought on first for debate by the Legislative Council in their next sitting week, and continued as first priority until voted on?
Mr SPEAKER - That is something that is within the other place. We should not be discussing the processes and opportunities in the other place. When you are answering your question, Premier, you will be mindful that there is a debate to be had in the other place.
ANSWER
Mr Speaker, I am very mindful of the debate happening in the other place. Thank you.
