[Greens-Media] Tas Greens_Pulp Mill Bill Test of Bartlett Leadership_N McKim MP

[greens at parliament.tas.gov.au]

VOTE ON PULP MILL REPEAL BILL IS TEST OF BARTLETT'S LEADERSHIP

And Lisa Singh's Credibility
  
Nick McKim MP
Greens Opposition Leader

Monday, 25 August 2008
Contact: State Parliamentary Offices of the Tasmanian Greens, (03) 6233
8300

www.tas.greens.org.au


The Tasmanian Greens today said that the debate this week on the Greens'
Bill to Repeal the Pulp Mill Assessment Act is a crucial test of Premier
David Bartlett's leadership, with possible splits in the ALP caucus
developing on the issue. 

Greens Opposition Leader Nick McKim MP said he is presuming that Labor's
Denison MP Lisa Singh, who did not support the pulp mill in a
Parliamentary vote on 30 Aug 2007, would at the very least be abstaining
from voting on the Bill.

"This Bill is about much more than a pulp mill, and if Mr Bartlett
really wants to move on form the Lennon days he will at least give Labor
MPs a conscience vote," Mr McKim said.

"Lisa Singh did not support the pulp mill in Parliament, and our Bill
gives her the chance to demonstrate that her position was a principled
stance, and not a cynical grab for publicity and votes."

"In order to maintain any credibility Ms Singh will at the very least
have to abstain from the vote; anything else would constitute a major
collapse of principle and conscience."

Mr McKim also said that Mr Lennon's replacement in the House of
Assembly, Mr Ross Butler, is yet to declare a public position on the
pulp mill, and called on him to support the Greens' Bill.

"Mr Butler needs to decide whether he supports the pulp mill, including
the noxious and anti-democratic Section 11 of the Act which seeks to
prevent the public from making a legal challenge in respect of the
assessment or approval of the pulp mill."

Mr McKim said that other areas of focus for the Greens this week would
include Marine Protected Areas, Tasmania's hospital system and
Launceston's air quality.



Any opinions expressed in this e-mail are those of the individual and not necessarily the Parliament of Tasmania.  This e-mail and any files transmitted with it are confidential and solely for the use of the intended recipient. If you are not the intended recipient or person responsible for delivering to the intended recipient, be advised that you have received this e-mail in error and that any use is strictly prohibited. If you have received this e-mail in error, advise the sender immediately by using the reply facility in your e-mail software.

Warning: Computer viruses may be transmitted or downloaded onto any computer system via e-mail communication. It is the recipient's responsibility to take appropriate action to prevent computer viruses being transmitted In this way. Accordingly the Parliament of Tasmania disclaim all responsibility which arises directly or indirectly from such transmission of computer viruses.