Tasmania’s Christmas lunch limit of 20 is ‘Grinchy’, an independent MP has told parliament

Christmas lunches would be made impossible for large families by the current limits of 20 people at household gatherings, parliament has heard.

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CHRISTMAS lunches would be made impossible for large families by the current limits of 20 people at household gatherings, parliament has heard.

Independent MP Madeleine Ogilvie told Premier Peter Gutwein said the limit would stop large families — including hers — holding their annual get-togethers.

“Keeping the limits at 20 is a bit Christmas Grinchy,” she said.

She said limits interstate were higher and asked for a review in time for people to plan and cater.

“Otherwise I’m going to have to ask you to call granddad, because I’m too scared to.”

Mr Gutwein acknowledged that in Queensland and South Australia the limits were 50 people and in Western Australia there was no limit.

“At the moment the limit [in Tasmania] is 20 and I don’t want to set expectations that there will be a significant change to that, but it is something that is being discussed” he said.

“I will not in this place stand and set expectations that will lead to people being disappointed, but it is something that is being reviewed … and I hope that we will find a way.

The Premier said large family gatherings at private homes was considered a risk factor for the spread of COVID-19 because of the lack of social distancing, be he understood the concerns.

“Hopefully the Mercury or any other newspaper won’t be putting a picture of me on the front page as the Christmas Grinch.”

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