Question Time: University caught in ‘political war’ with government, MP says

The relationship between the State Government and UTAS has been described as “political war” during Question Time. Here’s what else happened during Question Time.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff. House of Assembly question time returns in the Tasmanian parliament after the Winter break. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

The relationship between the State Government and UTAS has been described as “political war” in Question Time.

JLN member for Lyons Andrew Jenner said educational outcomes and housing opportunities were being put at risk by the spat over the university’s proposed move into the Hobart CBD.

“Premier will you show leadership and sit down with the university before this saga drags out even further?” Mr Jenner asked.

Andrew Jenner Lyons member for the Lambie Network with Miriam Beswick member for Braddon the Lambie Network. House of Assembly question time returns in the Tasmanian parliament after the Winter break. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Mr Jeremy Rockliff told Parliament the government was always willing to sit down and engage with UTAS.

“In terms of where the campus and indeed other infrastructure is located, there’s been a concerted effort by the community to ensure the site’s future is secure,” he said.

“We’ve listened and introduced legislation … effectively keeping the UTAS campus at Sandy Bay.

“We’re also working with the university on a STEM-led plan for the Sandy Bay campus as well.

“I speak to the Vice-Chancellor on a regular occurrence and will continue to engage in the University of Tasmania on their future plans.”

Government’s commitment to child safety changes questioned amid budget cuts

Police Minister Felix Ellis has assured Parliament the Tasmanian Government is committed to implementing the recommendation of the Weiss independent review into former police officer Paul Reynolds.

Greens Police, Fire and Emergency Management spokesperson Tabatha Badger asked Mr Ellis how the Government would fund a restorative framework and redress scheme for victim-survivors if $35m was going to be cut from the DPFEM budget over the next four years.

“How do you expect Tasmanian police to implement the Weiss recommendations if you’re slashing their budget?” Ms Badger asked.

Mr Ellis said that his heart went out to all the victim-survivors of Reynolds’ atrocious crimes, and paid tribute to the courage of those who came forward.

“We want to support everyone who was a victim of his hateful, heinous crimes over many decades, and our Government is committed to taking action on that,” the Minister told the House of Assembly.

“We’ve accepted all five recommendations, just as we accepted the 191 recommendations from the Commission of Inquiry which of course also mentioned Mr. Reynolds had terrible crimes against children.

“There is no higher priority … than keeping Tasmanian children safe.

“We’ll be working through the budget process of course in the usual way, and work has already begun in terms of the policy work to deliver on these important recommendations.

“All parts of government need to ensure that they continue to do their work more productively, and finding those efficiencies will be important.

“But our absolute commitment to the Tasmanian communities will continue to invest in services that will keep you safe.”

Premier couldn’t rule out health redundancies

Premier Jeremy Rockliff has refused to rule out redundancies in Tasmania’s Department of Health, as the Labor Party continued its Question Time attack ahead of the next State Budget due in just 44 days.

Labor health spokesperson Ella Haddad asked the Premier if vacancy controls did not achieve the efficiency dividends required of the Department of Health, whether the Government would then initiate a redundancy program.

“Can I say, once again, we’re investing in health services, and we’re recruiting more health professionals,” Mr Rockliff said.

“The budget is out on the 12th of September for everyone to see.

“I look forward to that day which will demonstrate that we do have a very clear plan for continued investment in the vital services that Tasmanians deserve.

“The views of the Leader of the Opposition are a little unclear when it comes to … their alternative budget, and I look forward to the first alternative budget in 11 years.”

Premier grilled on health ahead of state budget

Tasmania’s Opposition has used Question Time to zero in on the upcoming budget and the Government’s handling of the state’s health system, as parliament returned after a five-week break.

While Labor health spokesperson Ella Haddad attacked the Government’s record on ambulance response times, Labor Leader Dean Winter asked Premier Rockliff how many Tasmanian public health jobs would be cut following the State Budget, which is due to be handed down on September 12.

“You had on your watch Category 1 patients who have been waiting more than 2100 days to see a specialist, more than 70 times longer than they should have waited,” Mr Winter said.

“This is totally unacceptable.

“How many jobs will be lost from the Department of Health as part of your budget cuts which you announced last year.”

In response Mr Rockliff said the Government was very proud of Tasmania’s health professionals, and that the state’s public health system was delivering a record number of elective surgeries.

“This is a government that has invested in health services, particularly frontline health services, over the course of the last 10 years,” Mr Rockliff said.

The Premier said the Government was actively recruiting nurses, midwives, allied health physicians, and paramedics, most recently through full-page ads in mainland newspapers.

Mr Rockliff said the Liberals were “the only party” committed to reducing ambulance ramping in Tasmania.

Originally published as Question Time: University caught in ‘political war’ with government, MP says