Ms O'CONNOR question to PREMIER, Mr HODGMAN
As you are aware, the Australian Bureau of Statistics is sending out postal votes for the survey on marriage equality because Prime Minister Turnbull did not have the courage to allow for a free vote. You have said, very quietly, that you will be voting yes. Why are you not being out and proud on this issue and standing by LGBTI -
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER - Order; I am going to pull the member up. I am sick of pulling the House up for the same thing, and that is for the entire House from all sides, including friendly fire from behind. The member has the call and will be heard in silence.
Ms O'CONNOR - Thank you, Madam Speaker. Premier, why are you not being out and proud on this issue and standing by LGBTI Tasmanians, particularly young people who are already experiencing the negative affects of the kind of language being used by some individuals and organisations opposed to marriage equality? It would make a difference if you, as Premier, had the courage to be vocal on this issue, or are you being intimidated into silence by the likes of Mr Hidding, Mr Barnett, Mr Ferguson and Senator Abetz?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the Leader of the Greens for the question. It is absolute rubbish. I have stated very clearly and expressed my view in this place and voted in accordance with my views on this issue. It is entirely untrue and rubbish for the Leader of the Greens to make such a claim. Everyone will have their say, everyone is entitled to their views and are able to express them. I hope it is done in a way that is respectful and courteous.
We are a government that provides support for those in our community who might suffer pressures through -
Ms White - Tell us why you are voting yes.
Mr HODGMAN - I appreciate the gratuitous advice from members opposite. I stand for marriage equality. I also stand for a cable car up Mount Wellington. What is your view on that? I also support the role the gaming industry plays in Tasmania. What is your view on that? Silence? This your chance to stand up and be statesmen, as they say. It is farcical in the extreme. It appears there is only one thing they are able to have a position on, although not everyone shares it. It is such a shame the Labor Party does not have a firm position on the cable car, on gaming, on salmon and all these other matters. I will continue to argue for the things I believe in and stand up for. You are not getting any of that from the Labor Party.