After a parliamentary briefing this morning, I am calling for the Blake Review Report to be retracted as a matter of urgency following confirmation that relevant Commission of Inquiry materials were not accessed to inform the Review. See my full media release
#politas
Given the
Not many will read the whole 3000 page Tas Commission of Inquiry report, so we owe a debt of gratitude to
@NickFeik
for providing such a forensic and powerful summary analysis.
It's hard to convey the true extent of the horror contained in the CoI report - the worst of which is,
Spent more than 8 months on this, and it’s the wildest story I’ve ever worked on.
The Tasmanian government covered up literally thousands of cases of child abuse over two decades. The cover up continues to this day.
#politas
A welfare system that requires 'performing vulnerability' to receive help is shaming and harmful to those needing support and fails to build strong communities. Why haven't we moved past the concept of the 'deserving poor' by now??
#auspol
#politas
Tell me your party has a women problem without telling me your party has a women problem...
#politas
(Look closely for it...)
(NB: came across this in a peak body enews)
The Agreement between JLN & Rockliff Govt is shockingly bad & sets up JLN to be apologists for ongoing govt secrecy & lack of accountability.
JLN should use narrow window before Rockliff govt is recommissioned to walk away from the Agreement & retain full value of their vote on
Excellent idea
@felix_ellis
- when will
@TasLiberal
Govt publish a full list of all corporations, lobbyists, sporting orgs, consultants, and private investors it has met with in the past three years in relation to govt Mac Pt stadium proposal?
If Dean’s got to show his, you’ve
Dirty politics. Absolutely shocking statement from this 10yr govt - how many of these children you are muckraking about have been abused or raped at AYDC on your watch
@jeremyrockliff
?
#politas
'Juvenile career criminals' is an abusive, harmful nonsense statement bc children do
Good morning everyone!
I think Tasmanians have had a gutful of juvenile career criminals committing crime and getting away with it.
So we’re going to change it.
This is disrespect for democracy and political self-interest writ large.
MPs hold their seats in Tas Parliament by virtue of election by the Tasmanian people. A party has no place in overriding that and deciding to throw out a member of Parliament simply bc that member is no
Outstanding turnout at Stop The Stadium rally. Tasmanians making their voices heard loud & clear.
No mandate, no social licence, hidden deals.
Premier Rockliff’s case-study in arrogant, autocratic governing, bowing to vested interests. Time to strengthen our democracy!
#politas
My comment on Jenny Gale's resignation
#politas
I called for the replacement DPAC Secretary to be recruited from interstate and appointed by agreement of all parliamentary party leaders.
Parliament, the public service and the Tasmanian community must have confidence in the
When a newspaper fails to cover something as consequential as failure of Ministerial responsibility on an issue as serious as child sexual abuse, and instead attacks political opponents of that Minister - it looks more like running cover than news coverage.
#politas
My letter
Read my media release calling for Michael Ferguson to be held to account for his failure to act after receiving a formal Ministerial briefing note outlining the allegations of child sex abuse against the then-deceased police officer Paul Reynolds.
#politas
Good to see mainland media attention on such a significant story of Michael Ferguson's failure of Ministerial responsibility in 2018.
#politas
Thank you
@NickFeik
for your sterling work.
"Upper House independent Meg Webb said it was “virtually impossible to believe” and “highly
“Did Mr Ferguson initiate any form of investigation into how a serving police officer may have remained undetected as a child sex abuser over such a long period?”
@NickFeik
on the anger over Tasmania's deputy premier on the eve of the state election.
Before voting, Tasmanians should be able to see where significant political donations have been made and make their own judgements on who may be influencing the policies and funding promises announced during elections.
Liberal and Labor should disclose voluntarily to
Close read of CoI Report raises urgent concerns on significant matters relating to findings of misconduct & adverse findings unable to be pursued by Commission.
Qs must be answered over a number of key state entities and statutory officers
#politas
The call from the Children’s Commissioner for an immediate taskforce to reduce the number of children at AYDC is a damning indictment on Rockliff Lib Govt
#politas
Read my full media release in link.
Rather than prioritise interim steps to remove as many children as possible from
Why are Tasmanians being left in the dark over two independent Commission of Inquiry-related reviews, undertaken by Peter Woolcott AO and Mike Blake.
Why aren't terms of reference and contact details for these reviews clearly provided on DPAC home page, or the new Keeping
What a joke! Tas Housing Minister calling on new Fed Housing Min to 'step up' & fix NRAS, when Tas Lib Govt had 8yrs to work with Fed Lib Govt to anticipate & fix homelessness cliff at end of NRAS! Total fail. How many ex-NRAS made homeless to date in Tas on Lib watch?
#politas
How dare Minister Jaensch lecture/gaslight us about the language used to describe AYDC. The good question from JLN rightly pointed to references to AYDC as a gladiator pit, a war zone and kindergarten for Risdon - all from the CoI Report - and all accurate.
Minister Jaensch
I’m hearing from many, many Tasmanians about their concerns and questions re the Mac Point stadium. When an autocratic decision is being imposed, it’s important for the community to be heard. This rally is a chance to raise your voice.
#politas
The Legislative Council just passed a motion calling on the Govt to raise the age of criminal responsibility to at least 14yrs. Supported by all except the Govt members.
Full text of the motion here
#politas
Have a listen to my chat with
@abchobart
about the serious shortcomings in the new agreement between JLN MPs & the Liberal govt - raising concerns over the extent to which all parties may not have entered negotiations in good faith, resulting in a shockingly bad deal for JLN
Concerning to hear Rockliff Govt is apparently planning to cut opening hours of regional libraries. Loss of safe, free public spaces will affect many, inc women, children & young people affected by family violence.
Libraries provide an essential safe space for people seeking
Is it safe to be a whistleblower in Tas?
Was great to host the
@humanrightsHRLC
Whistleblower Project at Parliament House for roundtable discussions with MPs, civil society & unions.
Effective protection for whistleblowers is an essential part of an integrity framework & a
Interesting timing - two days after two southern-based Leg Co elections, in which the stadium featured prominently as an issue raised on the doors.
When was this Labor back-flip decided - before or after 4th May? Were voters misled?
#politas
Stadium at Mac Point will shape development of Hobart city & visually dominate our capital from many aspects. Unconscionable for Rockliff Govt to commit with ZERO consultation with people of Hobart or HCC. Citizens should be involved in place-shaping decisions
#politas
1/2
I welcome the common-sense & compassionate vote of the Upper House supporting my motion calling for an emergency AYDC Taskforce as proposed by community sector and civil society organisations - I am hopeful the Rockliff government will heed this call.
#politas
Read my full media
When did
@TasmanianLabor
caucus meet and make this decision? Are
#politas
media pursuing this question? Tasmanians deserve an answer.
Dean Winter must clearly state the timing of this decision - pre or post Leg Co elections?
While it may be of interest to know how much internal
transcript of media Q&A with Dean Winter re. stadium position change
interesting towards the end, if it had unanimous backing...
also, would Labor vote against the stadium if its cost ends up being far above $715m? If the site ends up being significantly constrained?
#politas
Sounds like the same nonsense your Govt tried pulling in 2019 - taking begging out of one part of the Act & putting it straight back in another part.
Police already have move on powers they can use for nuisance or harassing behaviour. Just repeal the offence and stop
The Government is supportive of repealing the offence of begging.
However we need to do it in a way that ensures there is the authority for police to move people on in rare occasions.
#politas
#auspol
Unsurprising of
@TasLiberal
to deliberately mischaracterize accountability as politicisation
#politas
Revelation that then-Minister for Police, Michael Ferguson had a briefing note from the Dept informing him of the CSA allegations against Paul Reynolds prior to the full police
Felt good today to have the Leg Co vote unanimously in support of my motion to establish Tasmania's first ever Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters - definite progress on the agenda to strengthen democracy in our state.
Hopefully a vote in support from the HoA will come
Had a few people ask to see a transcript of Liberals ‘tough on youth crime’ press conference from Friday, here’s the Q&A
Liberal media advisor told journalists afterwards that the questions were “attacking” and we were asked what we would do on youth crime instead (?)
#politas
This editorial in
@themercurycomau
is complete nonsense, misleading and out-right wrong on many points.
#politas
Firstly, a majority govt, rather than being efficient and effective in progressing its agenda, too often gets lazy and arrogant and tries to ram through poor policy
Great turn out at rally calling for a Human Rights Act for Tasmania.
Thank you to all those passionate about protecting and promoting human rights in our state
#politas
#HumanRights
Time for the Premier to disclose whether he has received final report of the Blake Review into significant unresolved matters raised by the CoI.
The Blake Review of Heads of Agencies identified in the Commission’s Final Report was due to report to the Premier by March 29, yet
Looks like
@TasLiberal
still have a women problem - best they can offer is 3 of 7 candidates in Braddon & Clark, only 2 of 7 in Lyons & Bass, and an embarrassing 1 of 7 in Franklin. Is this reflective of the Tas community??
#politas
Premier's correction in parliament reveals a failure of internal process and communication, leaving Premier & Ministers in the dark for months about state servants against whom a finding of misconduct was intended or considered by CoI.
My full media release in pic
#politas
1/
Prosecuting whistleblowers is not in the public interest and undermines our democracy.
Whistleblowers need greater protections at national and state levels
#auspol
#politas
Today a whistleblower goes on trial. The prosecution of David McBride will deter future whistleblowers and undermine press freedom. A joint statement from civil society
Incredible to hear passing mention on
@abchobart
Mornings that Tas children in out of home care are being parked in hotels and caravan parks. A damning indictment of failure under watch of Lib govt to meet its responsibility as the legal parent of these children.
#politas
Tasmania needs an Independent Police Oversight Authority.
While I welcome the Weiss Review Final Report’s recommendations to provide formal restorative justice mechanisms to strengthen the safety of victims/survivors, and strengthen the Integrity Commission’s investigative
The no-integrity
@TasLiberal
shamelessly ignore specific 2022 advice of Tas Integrity Commission, that election commitments of grants like this are pork-barreling, pure and simple, a blatant vote-buying exercise.
Tasmanian tax-payers' money should not be an election slush-fund
The Tas Liberals have released a list of “community commitment” grant promises if they win the state election - they say each has undergone “rigorous assessment” but by whom and for what is unclear, as is how groups were able to apply for funds
#politas
My Talking Point today - Tasmanians deserve a leader who doesn’t bully and poke until the desired reaction is achieved to justify running to Government House while complaining over their shoulder ‘look what you made me do.’
Instead, Tasmanians would respect a leader who fronts up
There should be prompt public reporting of antibiotics use in public waterways - there’s no excuse for anything less than maximum transparency
#politas
More than 31 tonnes of antibiotics have been used in Tasmanian
#salmon
farms since 2003. But the EPA still does not notify the public when their use is approved or monitoring results published. A recreational
#fishing
group wants that to change.
#politas
Especially concerning to see many of our state's most disadvantaged communities set to be impacted by cuts to public library opening hours
#politas
Free, safe, warm & welcoming public spaces such as libraries are important places of community connection & sanctuary,
List of 14 libraries set to be impacted by overall cuts to their opening hours. More to be impacted by Monday closures. Libraries are the heart of many regional towns, they need investment, not a reallocation of resources that pits regional communities against cities.
#politas
This should be compulsory reading/listening for all candidates currently standing for election. The next govt & parliament will be responsible for implementing the CoI recommendations.
#politas
Take the opportunity to listen to The Rotten Core, essay by
@NickFeik
- an important
For reasons of accessibility, and thanks to the
@TasmanianTimes
, I’ve recorded an audio version of The Rotten Core essay recently published in
@TheMonthly
.
Here it is, without paywall, so pls feel free to circulate to your Tasmanian voting friends
#politas
A vigil to remember Cassius Turvey. We cannot be complacent about racism in our community and its horrific impact on First Nations people. A powerful message of non-violence from Cassius’ mum was shared - my heart breaks for her
#JusticeForCassius
#politas
Before anyone falls over themselves congratulating
@felix_ellis
on this, I think you'll find his main point relates to Development Assessment Panels, utilising a thin veil of concern over homeless older women as a stalking horse to progress anti-democratic DAPs.
#politas
If he
Blocking 38 homes for older women at risk of homelessness is astounding at the best of times.
But especially when it goes completely against your own expert advice. Pure NIMBYism from Hobart City Council.
We need to take the politics out of planning ASAP.
#politas
Incorrect for Jeremy Rockliff to claim Lib pork-barreling is in line with Integrity Commission advice - it certainly isn't.
Hard for Tas voters to expect a higher standard of integrity when political leaders are happy to blatantly mislead.
This money does not belong to the
Tas Labor betrays own values & Tas community in deplorable withdrawal of support from all improvements to electoral donation bill. Integrity should be put ahead of political games. Shame. Govt should confirm prompt debate in HoA if bill amended
#politas
My motion in LC calls for independent review of CoI's incomplete potential misconduct findings & possible govt impediments.
Premier's announced internal Heads of Agency review will not cut it & will compound concerns.
Motion debate Tues 14 Nov
#politas
The shocking allegation of a recent incident of serious abuse at AYDC has occurred on the watch of the Rockliff government, raising serious duty of care concerns.
The Premier & his Minister are both now clearly on notice.
#politas
The Premier needs to immediately accept offers
My piece on unfinished work of CoI & need for transparency. Premier must make right with independent review of CoI's unfinished misconduct findings, inc full scrutiny of whether state’s lawyers impeded findings.
Partial in pic, full piece here
#politas
My thoughts in
@themercurycomau
ahead of tomorrow's state election.
#politas
"Former Australian of the Year General David Morrison made the powerful observation that "the standard that you walk past is the standard you accept". His words emphasised that everyone has a role to
Tasmanians do deserve the govt they voted for - so if that govt is a party other than yours
@jeremyrockliff
, in minority coalition with cross bench members, will you desist from juvenile name-calling and respect the choice of the Tasmanian people?
#politas
Will the
@TasLiberal
Govt abandon full implementation of the nation-leading universal pokies card?
What promises were made to pokies industry donors during the recent state election?
With champion of the card, Michael Ferguson, no longer the responsible Minister, will new
Today I supported the call for an independent root-and-branch inquiry into the EPA Tas, to ensure it is effectively delivering on its statutory roles & also meeting community expectations in protecting & preserving Tasmania’s treasured natural environment.
Read my full media
While he may wish to avoid scrutiny during an election campaign, Mr Ferguson has serious questions to answer, including:
- Did he ask for an explanation from the then-Police Commissioner on how a police funeral with honour guard was provided to an alleged child sex abuser, the
Tasmania - come down for air & the torture of children in detention. UN report "has included Ashley with the worst of the nation’s youth justice facilities because children are being locked down for up to 23 hours a day for two weeks at a time"
#politas
If Labor plan to overhaul the state's integrity system, they should start walking the talk right now - here's 3 easy ones to get them started:
- declare donations over $1000 in real time.
- for every policy announcement, identify any industry or corporate beneficiaries that have
Fascinating to see community leaders with no vested interests step up to stimulate & invite community discussion for a shared vision for Mac Point in the void created by unconsulted, contentious Govt pursuit of a stadium
#politas
Time for Premier Rockliff to step in & end utterly deplorable treatment of AYDC whistleblower. The state govt should behave like a model litigant, not cause on-going trauma which plainly looks like punishment of a person who exposed Tas Govt child abuse failures. Shame!
#politas
We've reached Pythonesque territory on RTI in this state: "It’s impossible to escape the irony of having to resort to RTIs and multiple Questions in parliament just to obtain a clear status update on the RTI Uplift Project, which was intended to improve government transparency
Everyone deserves to come home from work.
Important rally today calling for an Industrial Manslaughter law in Tasmania, to bring us into line with the rest of the country.
#politas
Sign the petition here:
Minister Michael Ferguson was the parliamentarian who knew first that Paul Reynolds was being investigated for child sex abuse - what did he do when he found out??
Inaction that prevents justice is far beyond disregard for victim-survivors - it's a form of weaponisation against
It is a shocking indictment on both State & Fed govt that they have allowed important organisations such as Disability Voices Tasmania & Autism Tasmania to be defunded while failing to develop a mechanism to immediately place these entities onto a long-term sustainable footing.
Premier’s announcement of a stadium was a massive change to all plans for Macquarie Point to date, with absolutely no consultation with the Tas Aboriginal community or broader Hobart community. Completely unacceptable process for such significant area of our capital city
#politas
A telling contrast in The Examiner today - a fear-based, non-evidence-based, dog-whistling election policy from the Liberals (note the comment from Tas Police in the article), and the sensible call from Grant Herring in the letters page for evidence-based justice reform.
If you
Today I tabled a motion in the Legislative Council calling on the Govt to immediately put in place a taskforce to design & implement interim measures to remove children on remand from Ashley Youth Detention Centre, as proposed by the Commissioner for Children and Young People.
Did you catch Rob Valentine's op ed in
@themercurycomau
on the need for the Upper House to be independent?
#politas
Read it on my website via the link below.
As we enter the final fortnight count-down towards 4th May election for Upper House seats of Hobart, Elwick & Prosser, I
Whistleblower protection is essential to a healthy democracy and a safe & functional public service. Come along to talk about how Tassie is doing on whistleblower protection
#politas
How about a shift in an aged care facility next time, and without the cameras. No touching people, just changing sheets, emptying bedpans, helping serve lunches and a massive dose of listening.
Excellent piece from
@DavidJKillick
, calling out the cynical hypocrisy of
@TasLiberal
throwing stones while in distinctly glass houses.
#politas
No wonder Tasmanians find it so hard to see genuine integrity in either major party during this election.
"It was this government’s
"If the newly-elected govt is searching for an issue needing urgent action in the area of youth justice, perhaps closure of the AYDC might be worthy of its undivided attention."
Excellent editorial in
@themercurycomau
Noting a decade of decreasing crime rates and ballooning
Happy to say I’m in Wellington for the next 10 days, on a parliamentary study tour. (Fortunately, I picked a quiet time in
#politas
to be away - nothing of any consequence is likely to happen while I’m away, is it? 🤔)
While I’m here in lovely Aotearoa, I’ll be talking with a
On this basis
@jeremyrockliff
, will this proposed reform expel any member who ran for election as the party’s potential Premier, gets elected as such, and then moves to the backbench during the term of govt?
#politas
Excellent to see Tas Legal Aid come out so strongly to push for appropriate legal support for children at AYDC.
There are plenty of non-govt agencies offering immediate interim solutions to getting kids out of AYDC, which can be put in place now with urgency, while the
Prof David Adams reiterates my call for transparent examination of misconduct findings abandoned by CoI due to State Govt obstacles:
"...at no point...has there been an open and transparent process mooted by the govt to lift the cloud, to demonstrate accountability..."
#politas
A telling assessment from Prof Anne Twomey - who was readily available for advice prior to JLN signing any agreement.
#politas
For my clause-by-clause analysis of the agreement:
@nunsense12
To be clear - I am not asserting that material was withheld. Rather, material was only provided in response to a request from the reviewer - so if the reviewer didn’t know of its existence and therefore didn’t know to request it, it wasn’t provided.
#politas
How can Liberals expect voters to trust them during an election campaign when they overtly avoid scrutiny and don't have the ticker to face questions from the media...
Tasmanians deserve more.
Demonstrated integrity is non-negotiable this election.
#politas
There is nothing personal about holding a Minister of the Crown to account for upholding their responsibilities and duties - and it's esp imp when that person is seeking voters' support for re-election.
This is not about whether Mr Ferguson could or should have stopped a police
With no public trust in his govt, Premier's ‘iron-clad guarantee’ lacks any credibility.
How can Tasmanians possibly regard internal govt process to review possible CoI misconduct findings as sufficient to restore public confidence and trust?
#politas
Tas August pokies losses over $17m. Apart from shocking Aug’20 post-lockdown spike of $18.5m, this is highest August losses since 2013/14. Conservative est is 40% from addiction. Bring on the pre-commitment cards!
#politas
Suggestion of stadium referendum equally inappropriate. Citizens deserve meaningful engagement & involvement in place-shaping discussions & decisions. Tasmanians deserve better than political arrogance on one side & self-serving politicking on the other
#politas
2/2
Has Tas Labor done a deal with the pro-pokies lobby to kill the pokies pre-commitment card?
Ahead of any early election Labor & Liberal must guarantee strong support for the new pokies pre-commitment card, and immediately disclose any deals done with the pro-pokies lobby.
Tasmanians have waited over 5yrs for donation reform - bill tabled in Leg Co nearly 12mths ago - still getting pushed to back of queue. Our democracy deserves better
#politas
"There is no hurry with this particular bill": Independent and Labor MPs
@MegWebbTweets
&
@JoshWillie1
concerned that Tasmanian voters may be left in the dark on political donors at the next state election. Latest on
#politas
by
@BobBurtonoz
for
#TasInq
.
Did you catch UTAS Prof David Adams' excellent op ed in The Examiner today on what is required for successful coalition governments?
#politas
"For Tasmania to thrive all our current and prospective politicians need to learn the rules for successful coalitions. Successful
Can’t help but think of the late, great Robin Williams when I see this pic…
“Politicians should wear sponsor jackets like NASCAR drivers, then we know who owns them."
#auspol
"For the Govt not to update the Anti-Discrimination Act or implement the latest recommendations of the Tasmanian Law Reform Institute as a matter of priority would send the message that the human rights of Tasmanians do not matter." - Sarah Bolt
#politas
@TasLiberal
@theadvocatetas
While he may wish to avoid scrutiny during an election campaign, Mr Ferguson has serious questions to answer, including:
- Did he ask for an explanation from the then-Police Commissioner on how a police funeral with honour guard was provided to an alleged child sex abuser, the
Gook luck and aim high with your voting today, Tassie folks 🧡
#politas
It’s exceptionally lucky that my local polling booth has the BEST democracy sausages, cakes, bacon & egg rolls, plants, coffees and much, much more… 👏🌟
ICYMI - a few takeaways from the disastrous Liberal presser transcripts:
- They didn't bother consulting the Commissioner for Children and Young People - who has since robustly rejected their policy.
- Claim was made that all Lib members have read the CoI report in full (8
Had a few people ask to see a transcript of Liberals ‘tough on youth crime’ press conference from Friday, here’s the Q&A
Liberal media advisor told journalists afterwards that the questions were “attacking” and we were asked what we would do on youth crime instead (?)
#politas
Solidarity to Tas public school teachers today
Apologies you have to take strike action to achieve reasonable, respectful pay & conditions. Shame
@RockliffTeam
Thank you for all you do supporting the education & well-being of our children
@aeutasmania
#politas
#LiftingLearning
Serious Qs remain on matters I raised in Parliament on Tues. External independent review required to investigate outstanding matters arising from CoI, esp re misconduct & adverse findings. Much greater transparency required to restore public trust
#politas