Parliament ignites over government’s backflip on UTAS land sale

Labor is questioning what ‘Rocky 3.0’ stands for after government announced its backing for a UTAS land sale. Follow for the day’s latest parliament updates.

Member for Clark Madeleine Ogilvie speaks to the media in Parliament Square on Thursday 21 November 2024.

Time is ticking for the government as the countdown begins for the last sitting days of Tasmania’s parliament in 2024. Follow for The Mercury’s rolling coverage.

Government backs UTAS land sell-off

12.42pm: The Liberal minority government says it will allow the University of Tasmania to sell off land to help fund a new STEM Centre.

In a departure from its unequivocal election pledge, the government says it will allow the University to dispose of land above Churchill Avenue.

It will be rezoned, and is expected to be redeveloped for housing.

Minister for Innovation, Science and the Digital Economy Madeleine Ogilvie announced the change shortly before tabling amendments to the government’s legislation on Thursday.

“UTAS believe disposal of surplus land above Churchill will help achieve that goal and, following consultation, we will assist by proposing that land is excluded from our bill and available to the university unencumbered,” she said.

Minister Madeleine Ogilvie. Budget estimates 2024. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“This amendment still requires both houses of Parliament to approve this, which is consistent with the intent of our amendment.

“We believe this approach gets the balance right and ensures UTAS campus at Sandy Bay will remain while delivering a future-led STEM plan.”

Labor questioned what was going on with the government.

In Question Time, Opposition leader Dean Winter accused the government of adopting its policy on the University of Tasmania.

“Since the March election, the Spirits Fiasco is the biggest infrastructure stuff-up in Tasmania’s history, the business community says it can’t trust this government anymore, his collation agreement with the Jacqui Lambie Network imploded after less than four months and two senior Ministers have resigned from his cabinet – including his Deputy Premier,” Mr Winter said

“After a fortnight of adopting Labor’s policies, backflipping on election promises, and undercutting his own Ministers, it’s clear that Rocky 2.0 has failed as well.

“Now onto his third strike, what does Rocky 3.0 stand for?”

UTAS rezoning amendment in debate

10.15am: Labor says the government is preparing to amend its legislation on the University of Tasmania to allow the rezoning of parts of the Sandy Bay campus for residential development.

Opposition leader Dean Winter accused the government of stealing the policy from the opposition.

“Is your government planning to change position on the University of Tasmania once again?” he asked.

Labor leader Dean Winter speaks to the media at Parliament Square in Hobart on Monday, November 18, 2024.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff said the government was mainly interested in helping young Tasmanians to gain access to an education.

“If you’re indicating you’re willing to work with us, I welcome the opportunity to work with you,” he said.

“I will give you great credit”.

The government’s University of Tasmania (Protection of Land) Bill 2024 is listed on today’s order of business in the House of Assembly.

The bill as it currently stands prohibits the University from selling, bartering, swapping, raffling or gifting its land without the approval of both houses of Parliament.

Animal DV bill passes lower house

9.15am: A bill to classify threats against family pets as domestic violence has passed the House of Assembly.

Independent David O’Byrne said his Family Violence Amendment (Protecting People and Their Pets Bill) 2024 strengthened protections from harm or threats of harm to an animal with the intent to coerce, intimidate or control a person’s spouse or partner.

The reforms was recommended by the Australian Law Reform Commission and had been championed by Lucy’s Project — a national charity that aims to improve the safety of people and animals experiencing family violence.

Independent member for Franklin David O’Byrne in parliament on Tuesday 19th November 2024. Picture: Linda Higginson

“Causing injury to an animal, including a pet, can be incredibly distressing and a cruel

form of family violence. Australian and international research on animal abuse in the context

of family violence found the prevalence of animal abuse in these contexts is high, ranging

between 12 per cent and 89 per cent,” Mr O’Byrne told parliament.

“By explicitly recognising this common form of family violence in legislation, it is the

intent of the bill to empower police officers, support services and Tasmania’s justice system to

appropriately and rapidly recognise and respond to such conduct as a family violence matter.”

Attorney-General Guy Barnett endorsed the bill.

“I indicate our support for that going forward and acknowledge the commitment to doing everything we can to respond to family violence,” he said.

“The bill … will expand the definition of family violence under section seven of the

Family Violence Act.

Dogs in a garden. Picture: iStock

“The amendments will clarify that any conduct committed or threats made by a person regarding the potential death, neglect of, or injury to an animal that directly or indirectly intimidates, coerces or controls the person’s spouse or partner, or causes mental harm

to, or apprehension or fear in the person’s spouse or partner will be considered family violence.”

The bill must be considered by the Legislative Council before it can become law.

If you or someone you know is impacted by family violence, call the Safe at Home Family Violence Response and Referral Line on 1800 633 937.