Premier Peter Gutwein’s well earned family time in Launceston

It has been a long three weeks for Premier Peter Gutwein made even more difficult by being separated from his family. A special milestone has drawn him north this weekend.

PREMIER Peter Gutwein has travelled north to the Tamar Valley to see his family for the first time in three weeks.

Mr Gutwein has not had a chance to return home due to the overwhelming challenges of the coronavirus pandemic.

During his daily press conference in Hobart on Friday, he wished his daughter Millie a happy birthday.

She will turn 16 this weekend. In an interview with the Mercury, Mr Gutwein described her as a “very forthright thinker”.

“She’s a vegan, has a range of views that she brings to my attention regularly and challenges me on matters,’’ he said.

“When I was Environment Minister she was very pleased I had that job, she just thought I should be doing a better job.

“My son Finn who is only 13 has been an absolute rock for his sister and his mum.”

Premier Peter Gutwein speaks at the daily COVID-19 government update. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

Mr Gutwein said he was looking forward to spending time with his wife and children.

The Premier has held media conferences every day and will continue to attend as many as possible. But he said responsibility would now be shared between him, Deputy Premier Jeremy Rockliff and Health Minister Sarah Courtney.

The Premier praised Opposition Leader Rebecca White and Greens Leader Cassy O’Connor for their support.

Mr Gutwein said he had spoken to both on Friday to update them on actions taken by the Government and to hear their concerns.

“I want to say to both Bec and to Cassy that I really do appreciate the way that they have engaged,’’ he said.

“It is constructive [and] I think it’s important that Tasmanians know that their political leaders are all working together to ensure we get the best outcomes for Tasmanians.”

Mr Gutwein said he was also in regular contact with Independent Member for Clark Madeleine Ogilvie and Speaker of the House of Assembly, Sue Hickey.

Ms O’Connor said it was important for communities to work together when the chips were down, and said politics was no different.

“We all know we’ve been elected to look out for communities and we are doing that by working together, respecting views and differences, being constructive,’’ she said.

“It’s been a warm, bright spark in a time of stress and uncertainty for everyone.”

“I’ve been impressed and reassured by the Premier’s leadership and inclusiveness in a time of real crisis. He’s carrying a huge load.

“Rebecca White has also been terrific. She’s right across the issues and has a good handle on what needs to be done.”

Ms Ogilvie also praised Mr Gutwein’s leadership and the response to issues raised about members of the community in need of help.

“There is no politics at the moment and what’s been really pleasing to see is all our leaders working together and pulling together,’’ she said.

But Ms Ogilvie said there was more work to do to ensure the vulnerable were looked after.

And with Parliament sittings suspended until August, she called for a scaled-back committee system to contend with challenges in coming months.

Mr Gutwein said he was looking into other mechanisms to ensure the Government could provide accountability and transparency.

“Obviously Parliament is not sitting but the government needs to be held to account and I have no problem at all with that,’’ he said.

“In terms of the decisions that we’re making, I’m fully prepared to accept the responsibility, as is my cabinet, for what we do.

“But it’s important that as a government and as a group of MPs that we work together for the best interests of Tasmania.”

Mr Gutwein said he was looking into other mechanisms to ensure the Government could provide accountability and transparency.