Tasmanian political rivals call Christmas truce after ‘bruising’ year in parliament
Tasmania’s political leaders have set aside their differences to exchange Christmas greetings and beer invitations as parliament winds down after a bruising year.
Tasmania’s political leaders have put aside their differences and extended the hand of friendship across the political divide to wish each other a merry Christmas as parliament winds down for the year.
Members of the House of Assembly delivered their traditional end-of-year speeches on Thursday night.
In keeping with the spirit of the season they thanked their friends, family, staff, political parties and those who work to keep parliament humming.
After a bruising year which included a no-confidence motion and an election, Premier Jeremy Rockliff said he’d even picked out a present for his Labor counterpart Josh Willie.
“I looked everywhere today so that I could hand you a beer with a TasInsure stubby holder,
but you know what? I cannot find one anywhere; they are so popular,” he said.
“But I’m going to track one down, and one’s coming your way to enjoy a cold one, which you and all your team, and all members of parliament here, thoroughly deserve.
“I was mindful of some history where former premier Eric Reece and his opposite Angus Bethune often had dinner together, as I understand it, so I offer Josh, and any members
of parliament, to have a beer at any time.”
Mr Willie was equally gracious in response.
“I will take the Premier up on his offer to have a beer,” he said.
“I would enjoy a stubby holder, because I could take that to a few barbecues and have a few stories along the way over summer.
‘So, if you find it, let me know, but let’s have a beer over summer and celebrate what is great about Tasmania and our democracy.”
In her address, Greens leader Rosalie Woodruff reflected that the members of parliament had a lot in common.
“People often ask me what it’s like to work in this workplace and what it’s really like. “Sometimes when I just want a short, snappy description, I describe it like a big dysfunctional family, where you have your whole variety of people ... but I can genuinely say, and I do say to people, what you see in here isn’t actually the way we work.
“Because the truth is, we are all here to represent our communities. We have trenchant, strong views, and that’s why we’re here.
“We wouldn’t be if we didn’t have them but at the end of the day and especially coming up to Christmas, I’m reminded that we are kind of like a family to each other, and that must be a shock to people who just got elected.
“I wouldn’t be surprised about that, because it’s probably been a wild ride for you.”
Even Speaker Jacquie Petrusma has a few kind words for her sometimes unruly charges.
“To all the members of this House, I do love you dearly. It’s just like being at home with my kids, just on a bigger scale,” she said.
The House of Assembly is now in recess until March 3. The Legislative Council sits for three days next week, before adjourning until March 17.
Originally published as Tasmanian political rivals call Christmas truce after ‘bruising’ year in parliament
Bioblitz uncovers new algae species in the Tarkine
