‘Politics has no colour right now’: State’s politicians unite for Team Tasmania

Political adversary was pushed to the side in Question Time as politicians united to discuss measures to protect Tasmanians from coronavirus.

IT was a Question Time like no other.

No arguments, no shouting, no interrupting, no warnings and no ejections.

The first hour of a sitting day in the House of Assembly is typically adversarial, with political opponents routinely slinging metaphorical mud at each other across the chamber.

But it was not the time for that on Thursday in the middle of an unprecedented pandemic which has seen the coronavirus leave a deadly trail throughout several countries, including Australia.

Speaker Sue Hickey is usually kept busy bringing the house under control, but she barely had to speak in what was a level of decorum not seen in recent memory.

Instead, political differences were emphatically set aside as Question Time refreshingly turned into Team Tasmania.

Premier Peter Gutwein address Parliament on Thursday. Picture: CHRIS KIDD

Politicians of all persuasions united and engaged in calm, measured and respectful discussions about what could be done to protect Tasmanians from the dreaded virus.

Opposition Leader Rebecca White set the tone, declaring “politics has no colour right now” and said there was no greater challenge in Tasmania than overcoming coronavirus.

Ms White applauded Premier Peter Gutwein for his strict new border measures to protect Tasmanians, which now includes mandatory 14-day quarantine for mainland travellers.

The tough stance was also backed by the Greens and independent member for Clark, Madeleine Ogilvie.

“It’s fantastic to have such a helpful Parliament,” Mr Gutwein said.

It is understood the Premier called Ms White and Greens Leader Cassy O’Connor early on Thursday morning to inform them of the new border rules.

Mr Gutwein later said he was grateful for the support of the whole Parliament in backing in the measures.

“We will always put Tasmanians first and right now the health and wellbeing of our community is paramount,” he said.

“It is clear in Parliament that is our absolute mutual priority.”

Labor leader Rebecca White in Parliament on Thursday. Picture: CHRIS KIDD

Ms White said parliamentarians were working together because the coronavirus crisis was “bigger than politics”.

“It is incomprehensible to me that we would argue at a time like this, we need to work on solutions to deal with this crisis and we stand shoulder to shoulder with the Government on any measure they need to take to protect the community and make sure people can survive this,” she said.

“There’s no doubt there’s a completely different dynamic in the Tasmanian parliament and that reflects the seriousness of the situation we are facing.”

Ms O’Connor said she had never experienced a Question Time like Thursday’s.

“There was a deep and genuine and highly unusual sense of connectedness and a sense of responsibility to the people we’re elected to serve,” she said.

“I think it’s exactly what people are looking to their Parliament for now, a sense that we are working together for them, that we are sticking together for them, and that’s what we have to do.”

Ms Ogilvie declared support for Team Tasmania and hailed parliamentary unity as the best approach during uncertain times.

The mood among all members present was serious and focused — and even occasionally jovial — and there was a clear sense of unity. It also felt strangely sincere, not fabricated.

Times of crisis require decisive political co-operation and leadership that the community can look towards for reassurance.

This is no time for bickering and arguing, but it is time to be unified and working collaboratively to protect our island state.

There is no question our representatives have delivered that.