Tasmanian Government talks up majority after losing Bill

A fiery Will Hodgman spent Question Time talking up his commitment to victims of crime and the Liberal Party’s majority after another Government Bill failed in the Lower House.

A FIERY Will Hodgman spent Question Time talking up his commitment to victims of crime and the Liberal Party’s majority after another Government Bill failed in the Lower House.

Speaker Sue Hickey sensationally crossed the floor late Wednesday to block a Government bill that would have imposed mandatory minimum sentences for child sex offences.

The policy was a key platform for the Liberal Party ahead of the 2018 state election and has been spruiked by Liberal candidates in the Legislative Council election.

Mr Hodgman said this morning that only the Liberals could be trusted to protect victims of crime.

Premier Will Hodgman and Speaker Sue Hickey. Parliament Question Time. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

“We will continue to do all we can to better protect those in our community,” Mr Hodgman said.

Later on Wednesday night, Ms Hickey supported a Bill that would introduce mandatory minimum sentences for assaults against police.

In a statement released this morning, Ms Hickey said legal experts had raised “significant concerns” about the mandatory sentencing bill she opposed.

“Parliament should never make laws based on popular opinion,” Ms Hickey said.

“It should only be on informed advice.”

Mr Hodgman copped flak against the chamber from Labor members goading him about losing majority.

Clark Labor MHA Scott Bacon asked: “What’s the definition of majority?”

“Thirteen,” Mr Hodgman replied, adding Ms Hickey had guaranteed supply and confidence.