The Tasmanian Parliament resumes on Tuesday after a one week recess.
As a first order of priority this week, the Government is taking action on the Report into Workplace Culture in the Tasmanian Parliament and Ministerial Services that was released by the Anti-Discrimination Commissioner last Monday. The Report raises issues that must be addressed, and we will start the sitting week by moving a joint resolution to acknowledge the report and its findings. We will also be moving to appoint a joint oversight committee to ensure that each of the employers covered by the report progress their own actions to ensure that our workplace is safe, inclusive and free from discrimination, bullying and sexual harassment.
This committee will have representatives from all parties and from both Houses.
We will also return to our strong legislative agenda and finish the debate on the Climate Change Bill in the lower house before it makes its way to the Legislative Council. This Bill provides the framework for the Tasmanian Liberal Government’s action on climate change mitigation and adaptation, and establishes Tasmania’s emissions reduction target.
Following the tragic recent weeks we have had on our roads, we will debate legislation that improves road safety and reduces driver distraction by ensuring our cameras can look at more than speed and red lights. The Bill clarifies that our detection devices can also be used to detect mobile phone use, whether seatbelts are being used, registration validity and for average speed offences.
We also plan to debate important legislation that ensures we can provide mutual recognition for interstate licensed workers in fields like plumbers, electricians and engineers. This work is a vital part of our plan to alleviate our skills shortages in the state and ensuring that our building industry can continue to grow and deliver our much-needed housing stock.
Our Homes Tasmania Bill has reached the Legislative Council and I look forward to seeing it progress in time for Tasmania’s new Housing Authority to commence on October 1.
I’m also pleased that the newest member of the Tasmanian Parliament, Dean Young MP, will make his first speech. Dean is a fantastic addition to the Liberal team with his strong background in small business and I look forward to his contribution.
