Parliament: Premier says attacks on MPs over integrity are ‘grubby politics’

Premier Jeremy Rockliff has angrily denounced opposition attacks on the integrity of his ministers as “grubby politics”. LATEST >>

Parliament House, Hobart Waterfront, Tasmania. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Richard Jupe

Premier Jeremy Rockliff has angrily denounced opposition attacks on the integrity of his ministers as “grubby politics”.

In state parliament on Thursday, questions continued about the conduct of Speaker Mark Shelton and Racing Minister Madeleine Ogilvie.

Mr Shelton is under fire for his role in securing government grants for a community hall whose committee includes him and three family members.

Ms Ogilvie has been criticised for repeatedly stating the CEO of TasRacing was leaving “to spend more time with his family”, despite knowing he had been sacked.

In parliament, Labor leader Rebecca White asked Mr Rockliff what had happened to the government of integrity he had promised to lead.

Parliament, Premier Jeremy Rockliff. Picture: Chris Kidd

The Premier replied that his government was focused on creating jobs, cutting red tape, investing in schools, police and housing and growing the economy.

“These are the issues that Tasmanians care about. They don’t care about the grubby politics of the Labor Party,” he said.

“You’re a toxic outfit and that’s why you’ve had members resign from the parliamentary Labor Party, because of the toxic culture within your team,

“I have a very capable and united team that is continuing to deliver for Tasmanians.”

Mr Shelton knocked back a Greens attempt to suspend Question Time so he could answer questions about the hall grants affair.

The Premier backed the member for Lyons.

“I’ll never make any apologies for members of parliament doing their job advocating for local communities and that’s what we’re here to do. That is what we’re elected to do,” he said.

“I’m proud of the work that our team are doing day in day out representing Tasmanians and focusing on their need at a local level, ensuring that when they’re out and about, they’re engaging with their communities, talking to their communities about particular needs.”