Jacqui Lambie Network MP Andrew Jenner defends skipping budget estimates hearings

Jacqui Lambie Network MP Andrew Jenner has been a rare sight during one of parliament’s busiest times of the year — budget estimates hearings. He explains why.

Andrew Jenner the remaining state member of the Lambie Network in his office at parliament. Andrew Jenner Lambie Network member for Lyons with sit in parliament solo when the House of Assembly returns. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Jacqui Lambie Network MP Andrew Jenner has defended his decision to skip the bulk of parliamentary estimates hearings — saying nothing the government said about the budget would persuade him to support it.

The JLN’s sole MP, Mr Jenner has appeared only sporadically during this week’s four days of committee hearings and has asked just a single question.

He said engaging with constituents was a more productive use of his time than sitting in a committee room for days on end.

“I made my decision not to vote for the budget before the start of budget estimates,” he said.

“Saul Eslake, one of the best economists in Australia, gave his assessment on the budget and it is shocking.

“This is a budget that does not prioritise the needs of Tasmanians, but prioritises Liberal Party wants, which is why I cannot vote for it.

“It wouldn’t have mattered how many questions I asked in budget estimates, the budget would remain the same. This is a government that does not respond to criticism.”

Member for Braddon Miriam Beswick, Member for Lyons Andrew Jenner, and Member for Bass, Rebekah Pentland in April. Picture: Linda Higginson

Mr Jenner was one of three Jacqui Lambie Network members elected at the March state election.

He became the JLN’s only member in August after Miriam Beswick and Rebekah Pentland were kicked out of the party by its founder.

Mr Jenner took a veiled shot at his former party colleagues, who have at times appeared to ask “Dorothy Dixer” questions of government ministers.

“While I commend both the Labor and Greens members and some of my fellow crossbenchers for their work scrutinising the budget, I also note there were other crossbenchers doing the work of Liberal back benchers.

“This is pathetic and not what the crossbench is for.

Independents Rebekah Pentland and Miriam Beswick attended every day of the hearings and asked dozens of question of ministers.

Mr Jenner said that despite not being in parliament, he had still been working.

“Tasmanians with urgent needs have contacted my office and I feel it a better use of my time finding solutions for them,” he said.

“One of the several issues I have been dealing with this week is urgent housing for Tasmanians with a disability.

“Tasmanians with disabilities are well aware that this government would prefer to spend money on a stadium rather than dealing with their issues.”

JLN MP Andrew Jenner has largely avoided budget estimates committee hearings this year, spending time in his electorate instead.

JLN MP Andrew Jenner has largely avoided budget estimates committee hearings this year, spending time in his electorate instead.

Mr Jenner has missed seven of Parliament's 24 sitting days so far this year due to ill-health.

His attendance record drew comment from his former party colleague Rebekah Pentland.

“I am not sure why the media is in such a flap about Mr Jenner’s agreement or non-agreement with the government,” she said in Parliament.

“I am pretty sure you have to actually be in the chamber for your vote to count.”