Scrutiny of Government over summer essential

Tasmanian Labor

With borders set to re-open on December 15, Tasmania is facing a new era of living with COVID.

Labor Leader Rebecca White said at this critical time it is more important than ever that the Gutwein Government is transparent about decision making and accessible to respond to community questions.

“With just two days of Parliament left for the 2021 year and then a three month break until Parliament returns on the March 1 next year, there is a need for the government to outline how additional scrutiny of decision making will be accommodated,” Ms White said.

“For months Labor has been asking the government to explain what they are doing to make sure our community and in particular our health settings are prepared for when COVID returns to Tasmania.

“There continues to be uncertainty in the community about what the government’s plan is for schools, hospitals, primary health care, ambulance service, businesses and how our ports and airports will be resourced to cope with the influx of arrivals from December 15.”

Yesterday in Question Time the Premier said,

“I know from the number of the questions raised in this place on COVID‑19 and the reopening – and I am pleased that questions are starting to be asked. This is the right place to ask those questions and, importantly, we will provide the information because we want Tasmanians to understand what is in front of them.”

“If that is the case, the Premier can’t just adjourn over the summer – rather, he must keep addressing Tasmanians through the Parliament.

“COVID-19 will not be taking holidays and if Mr Gutwein is serious about looking after Tasmanians, he needs to make sure that he is on deck and providing regular updates to the community and responding to questions through the Parliament.

“Labor wants Tasmania to reopen safely but the Premier must address issues of concern so that public confidence is not undermined.”

Rebecca White MP

Labor Leader

/Public Release. View in full here.