Premier Peter Gutwein heeds calls for greater accountability, announces Parliament will return early

Tasmanian Parliament will return from suspension months earlier than planned, with the Premier saying it was the “most accountable mechanism” to ensure transparency.

STATE Parliament will be permanently recalled to ensure accountability during the coronavirus crisis, Premier Peter Gutwein has announced.

It comes after repeated calls from opposition members and community leaders for a multi-party committee to be established to meet remotely.

Parliament had been suspended until August due to the COVID-19 situation.

But Mr Gutwein said on Friday that sittings would resume this month and continue along the regular schedule, albeit potentially with less sitting days.

The Premier said there had been a strong “tripartite” approach to this point but said he had listened to calls for increased levels of accountability.

“Parliament is the most accountable mechanism we can use in terms of holding the Government to account,” he said.

Premier Peter Gutwein addresses the media during the Tasmanian Government daily COVID-19 update. Picture: Zak Simmonds

Mr Gutwein said the Government had been “open” and “transparent”, presenting at press conferences every day and keeping in regular contact with opposition members.

But Mr Gutwein said with appropriate social distancing measures, it was safe for Parliament to resume.

“We’ll be bringing Parliament back to ensure that, at the end of the day, people can get an opportunity to see questions that may not come from this room to be asked in that forum of Parliament,” he said.

Labor leader Rebecca White said the party had been lobbying for increased transparency measures and said Parliament was an essential part of democracy.

“Labor has been working collaboratively with the Government throughout this crisis, but there is no substitute for the transparency and scrutiny of Parliament,” she said.

“The decisions that have been made and the measures put in place have been necessary to limit the spread of COVID-19, but it is important there is transparency in decision making.”

Labor leader Rebecca White says there needs to be transparency in the Government’s decision making. Picture: CHRIS KIDD

Greens leader Cassy O’Connor said the Premier was to be commended for listening to concerns about the need for scrutiny of government during the emergency period.

“Mr Gutwein’s announcement that Parliament will return to more regular, albeit adjusted, sittings will be welcomed by Tasmanians concerned to ensure checks on power,” she said.

“The Greens recognise the health and safety issues for people who work in the Parliament building and the need to protect at-risk members and staff.

“We have been reassured appropriate arrangements will be put in place to reduce risk.”

Greens leader Cassy O’Connor welcomes the decision to recall Parliament. Picture: ZAK SIMMONDS

Independent member for Clark Madeleine Ogilvie said she had pushed in recent weeks for Parliament to be restored.

“We can operate in a scaled-back way, with more use of digital technology,” she said.

“It is important that the people of Tasmania have a direct voice into political decision making at this important time.”

Madeleine Ogilvie. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

Last week, a group of prominent Tasmanians and organisations, including equality and civil liberties advocates, law professors and a Legislative Council member, penned an open letter to the Premier.

In it they had called for an oversight committee to be set up — similar to one that exists in New Zealand — to fill what they said was a gap in accountability.