Cassy O’Connor MP | Greens Leader
It’s a good day for Tasmania’s democracy, with the Expansion of House of Assembly Bill 2022 through both Houses of Parliament.
In 1998, the Liberal and Labor parties made a cynical deal to try to remove the Greens from Parliament by cutting the size of the House of Assembly. Today that wrong was set right.
The passage of the Expansion of House of Assembly Bill 2022 is a huge step forward for democracy.
Lutruwita/Tasmania has suffered the consequences of a weaker democracy and poor governance ever since the numbers were cut from 35 to 25 in the House of Assembly.
After 1998, Parliament's talent pool became shallower, scrutiny was reduced, and Ministers were massively overloaded.
Tasmanians and the State’s democracy was failed by overburdened Ministers and MPs who were unable to properly represent their constituents.
This is why the Greens have been steadfast advocates for restoration. We saw the damage and disarray, the poor governance caused by the cut in numbers, and saw it as our duty to push successive governments towards enacting this much-needed reform.
Restoring the House to 35 seats will mean a stronger democracy, improved governance, better scrutiny, and Tasmanians from all walks of life better represented. Today is truly a day to celebrate democracy.