[Greens-Media] Tas Greens_Proactive Greens Suggestion Bears Fruit_N McKim MP

[greens at parliament.tas.gov.au]

GREENS TO CONVENE MEETING WITH PREMIER, LEADER OF OPPOSITION AND
PRESIDENT OF LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON MP NUMBERS

Positive and Proactive Suggestion Bears Fruit

Nick McKim MP
Greens Opposition Leader

Thursday, 28 August 2008
Contact: State Parliamentary Offices of the Tasmanian Greens, (03) 6233
8300

www.tas.greens.org.au


Tasmanian Greens Leader Nick McKim MP today confirmed he would contact
Premier David Bartlett, Opposition Leader Will Hodgman and President of
the Legislative Council Sue Smith to convene a meeting to discuss a
process for moving forward on the issue of the size of Tasmania's
Parliament after Mr Bartlett today dropped his opposition to the
proposal.

Mr McKim MP said that he hoped that the meeting would result in a
consensus being developed that would enable a constructive community
debate to occur without the issue being politicised.

"I am pleased that after a positive and proactive suggestion from the
Greens, the four political leaders will be sitting down to work together
on this crucial issue," Mr McKim said.

"There is no doubt that the current size of the Parliament is
inadequate, and I am very keen to engage with the Tasmanian community in
a constructive debate on a way forward."

Mr McKim urged Premier David Bartlett to come to the meeting with an
open mind, saying that some of his previous statements on the issue
indicated a view that the current size of Parliament is appropriate.  

"The challenge for Mr Bartlett is to not just show up, but to commit to
working constructively to improve our parliamentary democracy."

"I personally believe that the House of Assembly should be restored to
its former size of 35 Members, with five electorates of seven Members
each, but I see this meeting as being about process and dialogue, not a
prescriptive outcome."



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