Rosalie Woodruff MP | Greens Planning spokesperson
Planning Minister Roger Jaensch demonstrated exactly why so many Tasmanians are concerned about the Liberals’ proposed Major Projects legislation in Parliament today.
Amidst his usual bluster, Mr Jaensch outlined exactly how his proposed laws will sideline local communities and undermine democratic accountability.
In the context of the Liberals’ track record of secret donations, dodgy deals, and corrupted processes, the community is right not to trust Minister Jaensch.
Minister Jaensch’s disdain for local communities is palpable every time he opens his mouth about these laws. He clearly has no understanding of how deeply most Tasmanians care about our state.
The Heritage Protection Society slammed the Liberals for using the pandemic to impose this bill on the community when people have been under severe pressure. Westbury Residents Against the Prison also understand that the Major Projects Bill does away with normal assessment processes, and hands the decision to a hand-picked unaccountable Panel.
The Major Projects Bill is a recipe for community discord, which is the last thing the state needs in a coronavirus recovery. While the Minister appears committed to pursuing these laws no matter what, Tasmanians who care about their island will not rest to defend it from this latest attempt to scuttle strong planning laws.