Opposition Leader is no doubt an impressive force but Labor has not shown they deserve government

WHEN Tasmanians enter the ballot box tomorrow, they should think about where our state is right now. We have a sense of optimism about the future. We are growing economically and people are flocking south to share in the lifestyle we enjoy.

Opposition Leader Rebecca White and Premier Will Hodgman in the Mercury/Sky News People’s Forum at the Hobart Town Hall on Wednesday night. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

WHEN Tasmanians enter the ballot box tomorrow, they should think about where our state is right now. We have a sense of optimism about the future. We are growing economically and people are flocking south to share in the lifestyle we enjoy. These are important points to make on the eve of election day, because it is true that on most measures Tasmania has turned a corner over the past four years under Premier Will Hodgman.

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There is no doubt Opposition Leader Rebecca White is an impressive — and popular — new-generation political leader who has proven a solid performer during her year in the job and the five weeks of the state election campaign leading into tomorrow’s vote.

The Opposition Leader also deserves credit for her truly brave decision to make a break with Labor’s questionable past on poker machine policy and take on the powerful gaming lobby. It was brave because that bold decision to ban pokies from pubs and clubs — a move that polling suggests is favoured by a clear majority of Tasmanians — led directly to an as-yet undisclosed river of cash flowing to the Liberals, delivering the party a massive campaign war chest.

And by most estimates, that has allowed Premier Will Hodgman’s Liberals to outspend Labor by four, or five, times to one. The Liberals’ message has therefore been overwhelmingly the dominant one presented to voters.

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But putting that aside for a moment, the Liberals have also run the better campaign, centred on their proven record in government of implementing sound, forward-looking policies. Their strategic plan for the future is strong, more focused than that of Labor’s, and they have been careful to ensure they presented a team — not just a leader — to voters.

Labor’s campaign has clearly been focused on their best selling point — Ms White. But this has also highlighted its key weakness. Government is a team, not an individual operation. Labor’s policy platform hints at a party not having expected to be in a position to challenge for government and indicates that at this important time in the state’s history, they are not quite ready for the task ahead.

Labor has also failed to make the case for change. The Hodgman Government has presided over a period of very rare economic growth. It has delivered some big wins on education. And it has managed to get through a four-year term without major scandal. The Premier has also proven to be, for want of a better term, a good bloke. Today — and this is telling — polling tells us more voters trust the Liberals to manage not only the Budget but also health and education.

Four years ago, Tasmania was not far from its lowest ebb. Today, we are a state full of self-confidence that knows we are going somewhere; we are cool, on-trend — and we are open for business.

That is not to say the Hodgman Government has been perfect. The Liberals like to spruik the state’s current record low unemployment figures, but most of the jobs that have been created in recent times have been part-time, casual or seasonal. And so creating more full-time jobs must be a priority for the government elected tomorrow. The state’s health system still needs significant improvement — so this must also be a priority. And the government must be conscious that Tasmanians want open government. Because of this, it was disappointing the Premier refused this week to reveal, other than “in accordance with the rules” (so not before February next year), how much money the Liberals have received from Federal Group and the gaming lobby.

This is a shame. The stench of crony capitalism pervades Tasmania’s political history. Even the perception of a continuation of that tradition concerns Tasmanians. And so, the Mercury today puts the Liberals on notice that, if they are returned tomorrow, we will pursue vigorously the right of Tasmanians to know what their government is doing and we will campaign strenuously for changes to political donations laws.

We also acknowledge a majority of Tasmanians are worried about the social impact of poker machines and so will also do our part in ensuring the Liberals follow through on their promises for additional support for problem gamblers.

But the Liberals also offer the best option for majority government and the surety for policy decisions that provides.

Your choice tomorrow, then, is between a vote for a proven team that has presided over strong economic success and given Tasmanians confidence in their future.

Or you could take the risk of uncertainty with an inexperienced Labor team — but the side that is promising a popular social change. On balance, the Mercury believes the Liberals deserve to be returned for a second term in office.

Responsibility for all editorial comment is taken by The Editor, Chris Jones, Level 1, 2 Salamanca Square, Hobart, TAS, 7000