Cassy O'Connor MP | Committee Chair
The Report of the Select Committee on the House of Assembly Restoration Bill will be presented to the Speaker at noon today.
The Committee found there is strong support for the restoration of the House of Assembly to 35 Members from a broad range of stakeholders – from the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TCCI) to the Tasmanian Council of Social Services (TasCOSS).
Committee Chair, Cassy O’Connor, MP, said, “It is clear from the evidence we received that senior political figures and former Members of Parliament from across the political spectrum agree it was a mistake to reduce the numbers in the House of Assembly.”
“The cost to democracy and good governance of not having an effective Parliament to undertake its functions on behalf of the Tasmanian people, is significantly greater than the monetary cost of restoring the numbers.
“The Committee unanimously agreed the House of Assembly Restoration Bill should be passed by the Parliament.” Ms O’Connor said.
“The Committee also heard compelling evidence that Aboriginal Tasmanians are under-represented in State Parliament, and it agreed this is a failing that requires remedy.”
“The Committee believes the mechanism for this remedy is not contained within the House of Assembly Restoration Bill 2018 and therefore recommend a Joint Select Inquiry of both Houses of the Tasmanian Parliament be established to develop a preferred model for formal Aboriginal representation.”
“On behalf of the Select Committee, I would like to thank all those who took the time to make submissions or provide evidence to the inquiry.” Ms O’Connor said.
