Gutwein needs to watch for Ferguson, says ALP leader

Labor leader Rebecca White says new Premier Peter Gutwein leads a divided party — and he better watch his back.

THE leaders of the state’s opposition party have congratulated Peter Gutwein on his elevation to Premier — but says he has a big job ahead of him.

Labor leader Rebecca White said Mr Gutwein was right to put health and housing high on his agenda, but said the Liberals appeared to be a party divided.

“My concern is that the new premier will be too distracted looking over his shoulder, trying to figure out where Michael Ferguson is to actually get on with tackling some of these challenges.

“I don’t think we’ve seen the last of Michael Ferguson’s leadership ambitions and that is going to distract the Liberal Party from getting on and doing its job looking after people and making sure that they do change course and do challenge some of the status quo issues that are confronting our state.”

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Ms White said Mr Gutwein would need to work to distance himself from his reputation as budget-slashing treasurer.

“He’s been the Treasurer that’s been the architect of the budget cuts that have resulted in the health crisis that we are unfortunately dealing with today,” she said.

“Now apparently as the Premier he’s going to find compassion — tell that to the thousands of people waiting for healthcare or waiting for affordable housing.”

Greens leader Cassy O'Connor addresses the media as Peter Gutwein was announced as the new Tasmanian Premier. Picture: Zak Simmonds

“Greens leader Cassy O’Cononor said it was obvious that Mr Gutwein needed to put the environment at the top of his agenda and end the privatisation of public assets including national parks.

“We are now in a climate emergency and in putting together his new cabinet he does need to have a minister for climate change,” she said.

“And really, if Peter Gutwein wants to be a good premier of Tasmania, he needs to rethink the whole approach to poker machines because Peter Gutwein was part of the problem.”

Independent Madeleine Ogilvie said she looked forward to meeting Mr Gutwein to discuss her priorities for Clark.

“I was particularly pleased to hear the Premier immediately highlight the need to more on climate change,” she said.