The gov’t remains determined to as good as disappear the benchmark Murphy report into gambling reform, and its key recommendation to ban gambling advertising. The PM needs to be called out as the one blocking an ad ban. #politas #auspol
Do we really want a world where the strong can do as they please and the weak suffer as they must? I wrote for The Guardian today about why Australia shouldn’t stand for this, and why international law matters for a middle power like Australia #auspol #politas
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Ludicrous and entirely avoidable that health care is still a postcode lottery in a country as rich as Australia. GP bulk-billing in Hobart is still much lower than the average, and Tasmania also lagging behind on most other measures. #auspol #politas
ABC news article with the headline 'Tasmanian salmon farming emergency licence for antibiotic florfenicol revoked over 'unacceptable risk'
Better late than never. After my question to the Ag Minister on Monday, the regulator finally recognises the risk salmon companies are putting on the Tas environment and community. Removing the approval is good, but the companies still need to clean up their act. #politas #auspol
I’m no fan of the Iranian regime, but the attacks on Iran are patently illegal. It’s galling that rather than standing up in defence of international law, the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister have as good as cheered the US and Israel on for this latest illegal action. #auspol #politas
AEC proposes big change to all of Southern Tasmania’s electorates. It will make for a fascinating contest, including for state MPs whose boundaries are the same. For me? Bring it on!
Lots of blame shifting but no mention of penalties. And all the while the Tasmanian environment and community are put at risk. #auspol #politas
We are on the cusp of the greatest intergenerational wealth transfer in history. Without action, it risks deepening inequality particularly on housing. Thank you to Marcus, 18, for reminding Parl we must act boldly now so the next generation can survive & prosper. #auspol #politas
Reform of the Defence Estate is warranted but will be confronting for some in the community. So the Gov must continue to push information out & be open-minded to feedback. After all, flexibility in war is much better than reinforcing defeat. #auspol #politas
4Corners last night was compelling tv. But its claims about the tragedy at Bondi are contested, which is why we need the Royal Commission to get to the bottom of these matters.
I welcome the news that the Anglesea Barracks site is secure & receiving additional funding. However, further details on the Derwent Barracks closure are needed & I will be encouraging the Gov to ensure the land is used for housing & much needed community infrastructure. #politas #auspol
I welcome the PM flagging pollie reunion travel only to Canberra & only economy, which I pushed for weeks ago. But concerned Ministers will sometimes still be allowed to fly their family to the footy. So a win of sorts but more work to be done. #auspol #politas
Today’s news of more Antarctic funding is good. Hobart is the gateway to the Antarctic & Tas is home to the world’s best Antarctic scientists. But this is a bandaid & we still need a long-term plan for an improved physical presence & more research down there #auspol #politas
I didn’t vote for the social media ban; the real issue has always been tech companies allowing harmful behaviour to run rampant on their platforms. But with the ban in place, the Govt mustn’t forget to ensure social media platforms also clean up their act. #auspol #politas
Today marks Human Rights Day. I’ve twice introduced a Human Rights Bill into Parliament because it’s long past time for the Fed Govt to catchup with other democratic countries & enshrine the rights of every Australian. #politas #auspol
The amended environmental laws are not perfect, but there is at least some more protection for the environment. Laws should never remain stagnant, so I will continue to push for improvements that prioritise the environment over vested interests. #auspol #politas
Tell the PM he’s dreaming if he thinks the issue of banning gambling ads is going to go away in the new year. The Parliament can no longer ignore the devastating impacts of gambling on Australians. The pressure for reform will only increase #auspol #politas
Moody’s had no option but to downgrade Tassie’s credit rating to the worst of any state. To say the Government and Opposition are fiscally illiterate is being kind, as they couldn’t even be trusted to manage the cash for a chook raffle. #auspol #politas
It’s clear that there’s momentum from across the Parliament for a free vote as the way to solve the gambling reform paralysis. While my motion today didn’t pass, the PM would be wise to start listening and act #auspol #politas
I asked the Prime Minister to allow Labor MPs a free vote on banning gambling advertising. His response? The same old guff to sidestep the uncomfortable reality that he’s the one holding this reform back #auspol #politas
It would be gross negligence if the Fed Gov & state govs were to wait for another catastrophic bushfire event & absolve themselves by claiming it was unprecedented. Gov’s must pull every lever available to assist the experts in protecting Australians. #auspol #politas
Greyhound racing is a deeply unpopular and cruel industry that is propped up by online wagering. It is beyond time to ban online betting on greyhounds & hasten the industry’s demise. #auspol #politas
Always a delight to meet with the great people at Tassie Mums. On the agenda today was the End Child Poverty campaign, and the value of the Fed Gov adopting a child-centric definition of poverty and appointing a Minister for Children. #auspol #politas
Great to see $3.2 mil fed funding for planning & design of the Halls Saddle Precinct. I’ve long lobbied for funding for a precinct at the former quarry site to enhance the mountain experience for both visitors & locals in a culturally sensitive & sustainable way #auspol #politas
An upgraded security treaty with Indonesia is significant & a welcome return to seeking our security in the region rather than from it. Of course, details matter & what lies behind the agreement still remains to be seen #auspol #politas
The Gov’s FOI bill makes it harder for the public to access info and easier for govs to hide it. Protecting public servants’ frank and fearless advice is an excuse, covering up gov missteps and mischief is the reality. My experience in 2003 tells that story. #auspol #politas
In introducing these environmental law reforms, the gov forgot the word ‘protection’. A slip of the tongue that tells us all we need to know about the so-called reforms. If these laws pass, environment ministers are sure to oversee the next mass extinction event #auspol #politas
Aged care providers shouldn’t be balancing their books off the back of vulnerable older Australian’s who are stretching every dollar to remain at home safe and independent. The Government must ensure older Australians get the care they pay for. #auspol #politas
