Fireworks as Tasmania’s parliament resumes for 2022

Peter Gutwein has told Parliament former sports Minister resigned for “personal and family reasons” and not over an alleged conflict of interest.

PREMIER Peter Gutwein has told Parliament former Liberal Minister Jane Howlett had resigned for “personal and family reasons” and not over an alleged conflict of interest.

In a fiery Question Time in state parliament this morning, Labor leader Rebecca White repeatedly asked Mr Gutwein whether Ms Howlett quit the cabinet because of persistent rumours of a conflict between her duties as Minister for Sport and Recreation and her close personal relationship with JackJumpers CEO Simon Brookhouse.

The Premier said Ms Howlett was not involved in the “major contractual arrangements” surrounding the JackJumpers basketball team – which benefits from tens of millions of dollars in government funding.

Ms Howlett stepped down from her ministerial roles last Friday.

Premier Peter Gutwein Photo: Linda Higginson

Mr Gutwein said at the time the recent death of her brother was a major factor in her decision.

Deputy Labor leader Anita Dow asked Mr Gutwein when he became aware of the rumours of an affair between Ms Howlett and Mr Brookhouse.

“That has taken this place to a new low to be frank,” he said – adding that Ms Howlett had denied the rumours.

He said was only became aware of the rumours when asked about them by The Mercury in early February.

Labor Leader Rebecca White Photo: Linda Higginson

Mr Gutwein said the former Minister had made the reasons for her departure clear to him.

“To be frank after three months off, if that’s the best you can do? Dear me,” he said.

“Ms Howlett when she spoke to me very clearly and very sadly indicated she needed to take time away from her role due to personal and family circumstances,” he said.

Labor Anita Dow Photo: Linda Higginson

Ms Dow accused Mr Gutwein of having “played dumb” by accepting at face value denials by Ms Howlett, as he had from former MP Adam Brooks when he was accused of serious misconduct.

Former Minister for Sport Jane Howlett. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Mr Gutwein accused Ms Dow of peddling “grubby allegations” and challenged her to repeat them outside parliament.

Greens leader Cassy O’Connor accused the government of mishandling the reopening of the state’s borders.

Cassy O’Connor Photo: Linda Higginson

Mr Gutwein described Ms O’Connor of having overstated the threat of Covid to Tasmanians in comments she made during the summer parliamentary break.

“Some of the crazy stuff you were talking about. Eugenics! Eugenics is where you went. Out there day by day trying to frighten people,” he said.

“You should be ashamed of yourself.”

Parliament began with the swearing-in of new Liberal MP for Bass Lara Alexander and with expressions of condolence for the victims of the Hillcrest Primary School disaster and of concern for the invasion of Ukraine.

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