Parliament uncertain as Miriam Beswick and Rebekah Pentland cut from Jacqui Lambie Network
After nearly a day of uncertainty, Jacqui Lambie has swung the axe on two out of three of her Tasmanian MPs. LATEST.
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Senator Jacqui Lambie has parted ways with two of her three Tasmanian MPs saying they no longer hold the party’s values of “accountability, transparency and integrity”.
A statement from the Jacqui Lambie Network said the members for Bass, Rebekah Pentland, and Miriam Beswick, the member for Braddon, would no longer serve as JLN members in the House of Assembly.
In a separate statement the JLN member for Lyons, Andrew Jenner said he supported the decision to “immediately” remove both Ms Pentland and Ms Beswick.
The removal has been sparked by Senator Lambie’s call for Infrastructure Minister, Michael Ferguson to be sacked.
“For far too long, ministers have not been held to account for disgraceful public administration failures, which needs to stop,” the statement said.
“It is unfortunate that Mrs Beswick and Mrs Pentland failed to uphold the Jacqui Lambie Network values of transparency and accountability.
“Their cosy relationship with Minister Ferguson and the sharing of Question Time questions with the government before asking them undermines the duty to the people of Tasmania to hold the government to account.
“Saul Eslake’s independent report on the state’s finances painted a bleak outlook of Tasmania’s economic future.
“Ms Beswick and Pentland have squandered their golden opportunity to hold the government to account and improve Tasmania’s position.”
Mr Jenner said the difference of opinions and values between Ms Beswick, Ms Pentland and “I had meant our relationship had become unworkable”.
“The Jacqui Lambie Network made it very clear. We did not have policies, but we had core values – to not uphold those values once elected is a slap in the face to every single person who voted for the Jacqui Lambie Network.”
Will they stay or go? Parliament uncertain as Lambie MPs consider party exit
August 24, 1pm: Two of the three Jacqui Lambie members of the House of Assembly are considering their future in the party.
The member for Bass, Rebekah Pentland, and Miriam Beswick, the member for Braddon did not deny reports in the Australian newspaper on Saturday that they were preparing to leave the party.
“It’s been a very challenging week for us, and while I haven’t made any final decisions, my focus is on how to best represent the community of Bass,” Ms Pentland said in a statement.
“I’m continuing to communicate with the network as I reflect on the best path forward.”
Ms Beswick’s response was similar.
“We’ve had a tough week and are taking some time to think things through,” she said.
“Right now, my main concern is making sure I’m doing the best job for Braddon.”
The Australian reported that relations between Senator Lambie and her state MPs had soured.
A government spokeswoman said the government had “a constructive relationship with all the JLN MPs”.
“Tasmanians want certainty and stability and we will keep working hard to ensure Parliament continues to be collaborative and productive,” she said.
“We will continue to work constructively with all MPs in Parliament as Tasmanians would expect.”
Parliament is due to resume on September 10 with the State Budget handed down on September 12.
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