This is time for stability, not chaos

Tasmanian Labor
  • Will Hodgman’s departure has lifted the veil on Liberal chaos
  • Factional fighting does not serve the needs of Tasmanians
  • First leadership spill in more than two decades
  • With chaos engulfing the Tasmanian Liberals, Labor Leader Rebecca White has called on them to remember the people they were elected to serve.

    “What we’ve seen in recent days is a Liberal party more consumed with itself than the very real problems facing Tasmania.

    “The Liberal government has a budget in tatters, people are waiting too long for important surgery and secure housing, people are paying the highest rents in the country while taking home the lowest wages, and many feel left behind by a government that has touted a ‘golden age’ but done nothing to address growing inequality in this state.

    “This is precisely the wrong time for the government to be tearing itself apart at the seams.”

    Ms White said while the time had passed for an orderly transition following Will Hodgman’s sudden resignation, Tasmanians shouldn’t be subjected to watching a ‘winner takes all’ contest play out for the leadership of the state.

    “This chaotic situation has all the drama of a reality TV show.

    “It reflects poorly on the Liberals that they were not able to offer Tasmanians a clear path forward and will instead hold the first leadership ballot for more than 20 years.

    “In the meantime, Tasmania has effectively been left without a Premier, and nobody in government is paying attention to the issues confronting Tasmanians on a daily basis.”

    Ms White said the anarchy within Liberal ranks has only strengthened Labor’s commitment to work hard to create a better, fairer Tasmania.

    “I’m proud to stand with a united team that is working on behalf of Tasmanians and committed to delivering majority Labor government at the next state election.”

    Rebecca White

    Labor Leader

    /Public Release. View in full here.