The Hodgman Liberal government’s true colours have emerged from beneath the thin progressive-veneer they had tried to recoat themselves with prior the last state election, with their sudden backflip on strengthening public sector workers’ rights, said Greens Leader Kim Booth MP.
“There we have it, absolute proof that Liberal leopards do not change their spots, they merely paint over them while in opposition,” Mr Booth said..
“The last of that paint washed away along with any remaining credibility they may have had, with the Premier’s backflip today on increasing the redeployment timeframe for public sector workers.”
“Last year, Mr Hodgman voted for the exact same amendment, to restore redeployment provisions from six months back to 12 months as had originally been in the State Service Act 2000, to that which he voted against today.”
“During the debate in November last year, Mr Hodgman stated that the six months redeployment situation had ‘created massive uncertainty about the jobs security of public servants around the state’ and the Liberals voted in support of the Bill.” [1]
“Premier Will Hodgman must now explain to our public sector workers what has changed between now and November last year? Why did he vote for this exact same Bill last year, but today voted to continue that ‘massive uncertainty’ for Tasmania’s public servants?”
“The take-home message is clear. The Liberals cannot be trusted.”
“They will spend and sweet talk their way into power, and then without shame backflip and break promises made along the way,” Mr Booth said.
Last year the same Bill to restore redeployment provisions from six months back to 12 months as had originally been in the State Service Act 2000, was passed with unanimous support. Unfortunately the Legislative Council failed to deal with the Bill before Parliament rose for the election.