West Coast Mayor criticises Senator Jacqui Lambie as her candidates speak out
Jacqui Lambie Network candidates stand by party’s choice to not announce detailed policies, instead listing the key issues of their campaigns. Meanwhile, mayor slams Lambie over salmon farming.
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Several Jacqui Lambie Network (JLN) candidates have outlined their key priorities for the state election as the West Coast mayor criticises the party’s namesake over her views on the salmon industry.
The Liberals have criticised the JLN for not having detailed policies.
“We’re a minor party; it’s unrealistic to announce detailed policies. Unlike the government, we don’t have access to the books,” JLN party leader Senator Jacqui Lambie previously said.
However, despite the criticism, JLN Lyons candidate Troy Pfitzner said his party’s leader “was right in saying that”.
“As a minor party, we can’t dictate and run policies,” Mr Pfitzner said.
“What we can do is have input into whichever parties are putting forward policies. We can have our opinion and put our spin on them.
“I don’t think there’s any point in three, four parties throwing policies out there that may or may not get delivered.
“We’re better to make government and get some action happening with whoever’s in government.”
Mr Pfitzner said cost of living and health were the main issues he was campaigning on.
“We keep talking about those things, but we don’t see any action. Those things really need some major discussion and some major repairs done.
“Education is another big one.
“Tasmania is well behind the eight-ball with the mainland, and that needs an overhaul for sure.”
As well as the cost of living and health, for Bass JLN candidate Rebekah Pentland, the proposed AFL stadium was a big issue.
“It’s pretty clear that Tasmanians are worried about the AFL stadium and the lack of transparency around the deal,” Ms Pentland said.
“It doesn’t matter if you’re talking about the stadium, cost of living, or the health system; I think that transparency has been a big problem across the board.
“We need a balance of power with these major parties just to keep it honest.”
Along with Mr Pfitzner and Ms Pentland, JLN Franklin candidate Chris Hannan had not thought about which party she would side with in the event of a hung parliament.
“I really want to sit down and see what things look like because I want to get the best deal for Tasmania.
“I’m not attached to either party, so I don’t have to vote any particular way.”
Mayor slams Lambie’s stance on salmon industry
West Coast Mayor Shane Pitt said he was concerned about Senator Lambie’s recent comments that she was not supportive of the salmon industry ahead of the federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek’s decision on whether to revoke aquaculture licences for companies operating in Macquarie Harbour.
“Salmon is the lifeblood of our West Coast community, and Ms Lambie’s comments are incredibly concerning,” Mr Pitt said.
“This is no joke; there are hundreds of jobs on the line here, and Ms Lambie owes us an explanation.
“It is unacceptable for her to play politics with what allows West Coast families to put food on the table, a roof over their heads and their kids through school.
“I am seeking an urgent meeting with Ms Lambie so she can clarify her position.”
Senator Lambie said that as of Thursday afternoon, Mr Pitt had not contacted her office asking for a meeting.
“There is clearly a problem with salmon farms in the harbour – that’s what the scientists have been saying for a while now.
“The lack of good regulation by the Liberals and the Labor Party before them has let this industry get out of control.
“It’s to the major parties that Mayor Pitt should direct his anger.
“I am very worried about salmon workers in Strahan, and for that matter, down in the Huon. Every job is important, especially in our smaller towns.”
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