What information is the government yet to release as the state election looms?

AT the close of the 48th State Parliament, State Political Reporter Alexandra Humphries highlights a number of issues that are yet to be resolved ahead of a looming election.

At the close of the 48th State Parliament, State Political Reporter Alexandra Humphries highlights five big issues that are yet to be resolved ahead of a looming election.

Adam Brooks

New mining minister Adam Brooks found himself in hot water almost 18 months ago due to a perception of a conflict of interest between his business interests and his portfolio, when it was revealed he maintained an email account with his company Maintenance Systems Solutions.

Premier Will Hodgman almost immediately announced an audit of the account by the Crown Solicitor, but it was dropped in August after Mr Brooks’ then-wife objected.

Despite Mr Brooks’ divorce proceedings wrapping up eight months ago, there is no sign from the Government that the audit will be completed before voters head to the polls.

Safe Pathways report

AN investigation into out-of-home care provider Safe Pathways was launched late last year after the Government received complaints about the way children under the business’ care had been treated.

Former staff alleged children under the care of Safe Pathways had survived on a pittance and gone without basics such as food, clothing and health care, despite the State Government paying the company $9000 a child each week. In June, the Government revealed a total of $1,160,240 (plus GST) was paid to Safe Pathways since July 1, 2015.

Human Services Minister Jacquie Petrusma says she cannot release the final report from the Safe Pathways review because of confidentiality requirements under the Children, Young Persons and Their Families Act.

Tamar Valley Power Station letter

TREASURER Peter Gutwein risked possible contempt of Parliament findings after he disobeyed a summons from the Public Accounts Committee in March to produce a letter containing Treasury advice relating to the potential sale of the Tamar Valley Power Station.

A redacted version of the letter had previously been provided.

The Government’s actions on the power station are considered an important chapter in the 2015-16 energy crisis, which was being investigated by the committee.

Mr Gutwein refused to hand over the letter, citing Cabinet in confidence and concerns about leaks from the committee.

The contents of the letter remain unknown, despite numerous right to information requests and various attempts by committee chairman MLC Ivan Dean to have it released.

TasTAFE audit report

AN explosive Integrity Commission investigation tabled in State Parliament in May revealed a raft of issues within TasTAFE, including nepotism allegations and the misuse of Tasmanian Government cards.

The State Government subsequently announced a wide-ranging, 12-month independent audit of the training organisation, with different areas of concern to be tackled each quarter.

TasTAFE staff were told that at least quarterly reports on progress would be released, with Education Minister Jeremy Rockliff saying in early September “the first quarter of the independent audit into TasTAFE is expected to be finalised shortly and the Government will release the audit as well as the Government’s response in coming weeks”.

But the Government has not released any of the 25 recommendations from the first quarter audit report since receiving the report in late September.

Premier Will Hodgman has said it is unlikely they will be released before the election.

Deloitte health report

FIRST there was a Cabinet in confidence Deloitte report. Then there was no report. Then there was a public report based on work being carried out by Deloitte, and then there was no report. Again.

The curious case took some twists and turns in November and December as Health Minister Michael Ferguson repeatedly changed his line.

The public update report, released on December 16 and curated by the Government, was damning of the Tasmanian Health Service executive, recommending a long list of improvements.

The Government subsequently announced planned changes to the executive structure if re-elected, which led to calls for Parliament to be recalled to implement the changes immediately.

Although there was a public update, the full review provided by Deloitte to the State Government as part of the New Beds Implementation Team’s work has not been publicly released, with the Government again citing Cabinet in confidence.