Wilkie vs Collins: MPs lock horns on housing
Tasmanian MPs have gone head to head in federal parliament on Wednesday, with member for Clark Andrew Wilkie and Housing Minister Julie Collins clashing over housing funding.
Politics
Gambling card delay angers MPs
Anti-gambling MPs have expressed disappointment that plans for a card-based precommitment scheme for poker machines have been delayed by at least 18 months.
Senator Jacqui Lambie calls for inquest into Eden Westbrook case
“A botched investigation and potentially a blatant cover-up.” Outspoken Senator Jacqui Lambie has passionately spoken out about the Tasmanian tragedy of teenage girl, Eden Westbrook.
Plan to reverse Tassie’s ageing population revealed
Tasmania has the oldest population in the nation. The state government has revealed its plan to reverse that. Here’s how.
‘We’re not sheep’: Lambie MP smothers talk of disunity
A Jacqui Lambie Network state MP has denied sending an ultimatum to the party’s federal leader to butt out of state affairs. He signalled what’s ahead for the network.
Battle to save priceless natural heritage takes emotional toll
Cambridge farmer Robyn Lewis is approaching exhaustion, waging a five-year battle to save her property’s ecologically rich Milford Forest from the impacts of a proposed highway upgrade.
Questions raised over Tas contract awarded to job search giant
The Opposition has criticised the Tasmanian government’s decision to award a multimillion-dollar contract to job search company SEEK, describing it as “taxpayer-funded wastage”.
Changes from July 1 for first-home buyers, renters and investors
The property market is poised to receive a boost from July 1, as a slew of government initiatives come into effect. What this means for first-home buyers, renters and investors.
Blomeley blast: Ousted Liberal launches scathing attack
The fallout from the expulsion from the Liberal Party of Clarence mayor Brendan Blomeley continues. Read why he’s planning to continue in the party.
‘Lies and negativity’: Fresh health cuts claim provokes Liberal fury
A war of words has erupted over a claim from Labor and the health union that two critical staff have been cut at the Royal Hobart Hospital, with the state government labelling it a “lie”.
Mining company’s move to exit Tas prompts calls for change
A Perth-based mineral exploration company is set to exit Tasmania even after receiving six grants from the state government, prompting calls for a review of mining laws.
When to expect $250 credit to your electricity bill
‘Every dollar counts’ when is comes to household bill relief, says Tasmanian homeowner Nic Collar. When you can expect to see the state’s energy credit on your power bill >>
Costco tops state budget wishlist for parliament’s ‘kingmakers’
Among the JLN MPs’ budget requests, the party has revealed it does not support a “decadent” election promise that it believes “says to the public let them eat cake”. Here’s what they want.
Wooley: Sorry Albo, you are not living on Struggle St now
Loads of Aussie politicians are enjoying the tax benefits of negative gearing property – sometimes more than one, writes Charles Wooley.
Doctor broke law when he signed death certificates, inquiry finds
A senior medical officer at the Launceston General Hospital acted outside the law by signing death certificates for patients he had not seen, an independent inquiry has found.
Premier says environmentalists hellbent on shutting down key industries
Premier Jeremy Rockliff says environmentalists “would stop at nothing” to shut down the state’s salmon, tourism, mining and forestry industries – placing thousands of jobs at risk.
TT-Line sunk extra €50m on ships amid ferry fears
TT-Line was worried it could have lost the two partially completed Bass Strait ferries if the Finnish shipbuilder had collapsed, a parliamentary committee has heard.
$110m to build biggest recycling acquatic system in southern hemisphere
Huon Aquaculture claims its $110m investment will double its Port Huon Whale Point facility, but what does it entail? Watch the video to see inside >>
All hands on deck for taskforce to protect kids
The state government has announced a multi-agency taskforce to speed up and improve reforms to youth justice. Here’s what it will look like.
New AFL stadium the wrong priority: Lambie Network
The state government is being accused of falling ‘asleep at the wheel’ by prioritising a new AFL stadium over struggling Tasmanians, a Lambie MP says. Here’s why.
Crikey! Mag mistakes Tassie for Tanzy
An American gossip magazine has made an 11,000km blooper, mistakenly placing Tasmania’s beloved Cradle Mountain in the wilds of Africa.
Assange decision long overdue, Tasmanian supporters say
Tasmanian politicians have played a huge role in rallying for the freedom of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange. Here’s who’s been instrumental in the campaign.
Government lambasted over blacked out sections in RTI report
The opposition leader has slammed the government, saying it’s been secretive for years, while a Liberal minister says those decisions are made “at arm’s length”. Here’s the latest.
Another costly surprise as new Spirit ferries take to sea
The state government had delivered another financial blowout at the new Spirit of Tasmania ferries begin sea trials. See the video
Warnings blackout risk looms after negotiations fail
A union is warning of the looming risk of power blackouts in Tasmania after TasNetworks employees threaten to strike. Find out why.
We’re gonna need a bigger plane: Tassie’s online shopping boom
Tasmanians have a flare for shopping online with the sector experiencing a ‘substantial’ boom. Find out how what changes one airport has made to keep up.
Green light for inquiry into Tasmania’s education system
The state government has announced an independent review into the Tasmanian education system. Here’s who will lead the review.
Staffing crisis putting children at ‘significant risk’ union says
The Tasmanian government will soon announce ways to help the staffing crisis in child protection. Find out why the union is so concerned for vulnerable children.
TT-Line compelled to explain $80m Spirit of Tasmania payment
The government business in charge of operating the Spirit of Tasmania ferries will front a public inquiry into the replacement vessels being built in Finland.
Wooley: Future power options require a leap of faith
In the absence of scientific detail, I’m tempted to givemore credit to anyone who can pronounce ‘nuclear’, writes Charles Wooley.
Outgoing federal MP content with not being in “the bright lights”
By entering politics, Gavin Pearce says he broke a promise he made to himself after his first wife died in 2009, which he believes has taken an “incredible toll” on him.
Stadium costs bound to blow out, Flanagan claims
The proposed Macquarie Point stadium are bound to blow out and amounts to a “catastrophe of accelerating chaos,” one opponent says. Here’s the mammoth amount he says it will cost.
State makes offer to settle Ashley lawsuit
The state government and lawyers in a class action brought by former detainees at Ashley Youth Detention Centre have reached an in-principle agreement to settle the case.
Government stepping in to stop uni selling off Sandy Bay campus
Legislation to ban UTAS selling off land at its Sandy Bay campus has been tabled in the state parliament. The move has drawn the ire of the university.
Children’s commissioner leaves months into her five year term
The trail of senior officials resigning continues with the Commissioner for Children and Young People the latest to move on from the role she’s served in for five and a half years.
‘Concerning’: WA’s open interest in snagging Antarctic Program from Tassie
The WA Ports Minister’s indication that the resource-rich state is interested in pinching the Australian Antarctic Program from Tasmania has been described as “particularly concerning”.
Fresh abuse claim at Ashley Youth Detention Centre emerges
Pressure grows to close the Ashley Youth Detention Centre as another allegation of misconduct at the notorious facility emerges. Here’s the latest.
Major milestone in years-long campaign to change begging laws
The Tasmania Greens have hailed a significant milestone in their years-long effort to repeal the offence of begging. But the government isn’t happy their move didn’t gain support.
Public Trustee funding under negotiation two years after review
Government funding of the state’s Public Trustee was essential to protect those needing guardianship, parliament has heard. Two years on, concerns have been raised on its funding.
Parliamentarians behaving badly: the words that caused offence
Parliament’s unusual run of good behaviour has come to a juddering halt with members taking offence at three separate instances. Here’s why.
Promise to not cut ‘frontline workers’ — but who’s included?
Doctors, nurses and paramedics, but who else fits the bill of a frontline worker? The state government on whether other jobs in the health sector will be abolished.
Fifth attempt to bring in harsher sentences for child sex offenders
The state government is making make a fifth attempt to introduce mandatory sentences for those convicted of serious sexual crimes against children.
Iconic Tassie hiking tracks being snubbed: Greens
Some of the state’s most iconic bushwalking tracks are falling into disrepair because the government is focused on properly funding only its own pet projects, the Greens say.
Lessons for govt to learn from abuse survivor’s $2m payout
Former star student Katrina Munting was awarded a huge payout on Monday, which Greens leader says should send a message to the state government on future lawsuits. Here’s the latest.
Opposition parties turn heat up on Lambies
Labor leader Dean Winter has launched a broadside at the Jacqui Lambie Network — accusing the party of having abandoned its election pledge of holding the government to account.
Tasmania’s dental care waitlist times revealed
Tasmanians needing their regular dental check up face lengthy wait times as a new report reveals those facing the worst hurdles. An inside look into the system.
Tasmania’s parliament evacuated after alarm sounded
About 100 people milled outside Tasmania’s parliament after an alarm went off with firefighters attending the premise. Find out the latest >>
Breaking down how much power bills are increasing
Tasmanian electricity bills are set to rise for the next financial year after the regulator approved an increase on prices. But can rebates balance the books? How much households will be paying.
‘Down right dangerous’: health job cuts claims to dominate debate
Labor and the Greens will call on the state government to justify what they describe as job cuts in health when parliament resumes on Tuesday. Liberal minister Eric Abetz responds.
Cash injection for 40 road projects to improve safety
Pedestrians and cyclists are among those set to benefit from a $4.7m cash boost to improve road safety across Tasmania. Find out where some of the money will be going to.
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