[Greens-Media] Tas Greens_Debate Challenge to Bartlett_N McKim MP

[greens at parliament.tas.gov.au]

BARTLETT CHALLENGED TO DEBATE

On Merits of Power-Sharing vs Absolute Power

Nick McKim MP
Greens Leader

Thursday, 13 August 2009
Contact: State Parliamentary Offices of the Tasmanian Greens, (03) 6233
8300

www.tas.greens.org.au


The Tasmanian Greens today challenged Premier David Bartlett and
Opposition Leader Will Hodgman to a public debate on issue of
power-sharing parliaments, saying that Mr Bartlett's admission that he
will be resorting to a fear campaign on the issue exposes Labor's
desperation following a poor opinion poll.

Greens Leader Nick McKim MP said that it is time for a new co-operative
and constructive approach to government after eleven years of absolute
power in Labor's hands, and accused Mr Bartlett of lacking the courage
to debate the issue publicly.

"I have no doubt that Tasmanians want political leaders who are prepared
to work constructively and co-operatively to deliver a positive future
for Tasmania. If a power sharing parliament is elected next year,
Tasmanians deserve maturity from their political leaders, not the
petulance they are getting from Mr Bartlett." 

"Rather than a fear campaign driven by an increasingly desperate
government, the real debate should be about policy ideas and plans for
the future, and how we can work together to achieve good outcomes for
Tasmania."

Mr McKim said that he believes that any scare campaign from
Labor-aligned interests will be of minimal effectiveness after three
years of instability and shonky governance from a Labor government in
absolute power, and power-sharing arrangements which are currently in
working well in the ACT, South Australia and Western Australia.

"Mr Bartlett obviously believes that Tasmania is incapable of acting as
maturely as other Australian states, but I think he is underestimating
the intelligence of the Tasmanian people, and their desire for a new,
constructive way of doing politics."

"Tasmania's successful debt reduction strategy was implemented under a
1990s power-sharing arrangement, and the Hydro was saved by a power
sharing Parliament. In contrast, Labor's reign of absolute power has
seen shonky governance, a lack of stability, back-room deals, and a
revolving door of Ministers."




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