Bryan Green issues call for would-be Labor candidates ready to take reins from ‘one-term Liberals’

TASMANIA’S Opposition leader has issued a call for would-be Labor candidates, saying there’s a real chance the Liberals could be a one-term government.

Tasmanian Labor Leader Bryan Green after giving his speech at the ALP state conference in Queenstown. Picture: CHRIS KIDD

TASMANIA’S Opposition leader has issued a call for would-be Labor candidates, telling the party faithful there’s a real chance the Liberals could be a one-term government.

In his address to the ALP state conference in Queenstown, Bryan Green described a renewed sense of excitement and optimism around Labor.

Mr Green said he had been “overwhelmed” by the number of people who had expressed an interest in running for Labor at the state election.

“The results in the Upper House and the Federal election mean people are now looking at Labor in a different light. There is a real sense we can win the next state election,” Mr Green said.

Bryan Green during his speech at the Labor state conference. Picture: CHRIS KIDD

“Right around the country we have seen a trend for single-term governments. We saw it in Victoria, we saw it in Queensland, we very nearly saw it in the ACT … we certainly saw it in the Northern Territory, a massive change.

“Governments that choose headlines, break promises and betray the people who put them in power only have themselves to blame when they get turfed after a single term.”

Mr Green said the decision to hold the conference in Queenstown was a deliberate show of support for regional Tasmania.

“We are here to show the people of the West Coast Labor has not forgotten about them,” he said.

Mr Green announced initiatives to stimulate the West Coast’s mining and tourism industries.

A West Coast tourism package would include upgrades to the Strahan Visitor’s Centre, revitalisation of the end point for cruises on the Gordon River, a regional airport feasibility study for Strahan and refurbishing the Lake Margaret Power Station.

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A mining stimulus package would include co-contributions of up to $100,000 for drilling projects, and rehabilitation and waste removal projects.

“Mining can, will and must play an important role in the West Coast’s future – a future that has been all but abandoned by the visionless Liberal Government,” Mr Green said.

“Over three successive mining ministers during the life of the Hodgman Government so far, there has been no plan for rebuilding the mining industry that is so critical for the West Coast.”

Originally published as Bryan Green issues call for would-be Labor candidates ready to take reins from ‘one-term Liberals’