Cassy O'Connor MP | Greens Leader and Aboriginal Affairs spokesperson
As Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Premier Hodgman not only urgently needs to meet with representatives of the Tasmanian Aboriginal people, but get on the phone to his Federal colleagues and ensure this disgraceful, disrespectful decision is reversed .
It is not good enough for the Premier to stand in the Tasmanian Parliament and say he is waiting for further information from Attorney General Brandis' office and won't be meeting community leaders until Thursday.
The Premier should meet with members of the Tasmanian Aboriginal community today, not on Thursday - at the start of a convenient two month break in parliamentary scrutiny.
The Liberal Government committed to 'resetting the relationship' with the Tasmanian Aboriginal people and they are being put to the test over this critical issue.
As Premier and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Mr Hodgman can fix this and he must to ensure Tasmanian Aboriginal people have access to their own, local and experienced legal service.