Tasmanian independent and opposition MPs react to Hodgman shock plan to resign

Tasmanian independent and opposition MPs have reacted to Will Hodgman’s plans to resign with a few parting shots.

State Opposition Leader Rebecca White says she and Premier Will Hodgman had a great respect for each other.

“Outside the cut and thrust of parliament, Will and I have always respected each other despite our political differences,’’ she said.

“I recognise Will’s love for Tasmania and his passion for this great state and I know that has driven him. It’s a passion we share.

“Will Hodgman has given a long period of service to the state and I respect his decision to spend more time with his wife and kids.

“I give my best regards to Will and his family and wish him all the best for the next challenge.”

Labor Leader Rebecca White said she and Premier Will Hodgman had a great respect for each other.

WATCH THE ANNOUNCEMENT: TASMANIA PREMIER WILL HODGMAN TO RESIGN

Meanwhile, Greens Leader Cassy O’Connor said Mr Hodgman had left his mark as a “popular Liberal Premier”.

“On a personal note, I’ve always found Will to be very likeable and excellent company outside parliament,’’ she said.

“We have clashed in the House over the direction his government is taking Tasmania – but that’s politics, a sometimes fierce contest of values.”

Greens leader Cassy O'Connor acknowledge Premier Will Hodgman’s tenure, but took aim at the Government’s record on certain policy issues.

But Ms O’Connor also took aim at the Government’s record under Mr Hodgman on certain policy matters.

“Without wanting to sound churlish, I note Will Hodgman says he is proud of his government’s emissions profile,” she said.

“In very significant part, Tasmania’s measure as a net carbon sink since 2013 is due to the protection of forests and transition to plantations that was made possible because of Greens in government,

“356,000 hectares of those carbon-sink forests need the permanent protection which has been denied to them by the Hodgman Government.”

Ms O’Connor said she and fellow Greens MP Rosalie Woodruff wished Mr Hodgman and his family a happy life post-parliament.

“The changing of the guard is an opportunity for a fresh approach,’’ Ms O’Connor said.

“While Tasmania has experienced some good fortune and economic growth during Will Hodgman’s time as Premier, there needs to be a much stronger emphasis on tackling social inequality, the impacts of global heating on this island and its people, and on setting a genuinely sustainable course for the future.”

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Independent Member for Clark Madeleine Ogilvie has paid tribute to Will Hodgman’s tenure as Premier.

“I’d like to wish Will all the best for whatever the next steps are for him and to acknowledge the great work that he’s done over 17 years in parliament,’’ he said.

“When these great characters of our political life retire, we need to take a breath and acknowledge the contribution which in Mr Hodgman’s case has been substantial.”

Ms Ogilvie said Mr Hodgman would leave a strong legacy.

“I think the economic development focus of the current Government has been important,’’ she said.

“There is obviously still work to be done but the steady hand he’s shown in the leadership position must be acknowledged.”

Ms Ogilvie said a decision on Mr Hodgman’s successor was a matter for the Liberal Party but she said she was looking forward to seeing what transpires in the coming weeks.