COVID-19

Deloitte Report Confirms Need to Keep Tenancy Protections in Place

The Deloitte Economic Business Outlook confirms the end of JobKeeper, along with JobSeeker supplements, will hurt Tasmania more than other states & territories.

Cassy O'Connor MP | Media Release | 18 Jan 2021

Labor Needs to Stand with Tenants

Tasmanian Labor needs to take a position on the looming expiry of COVID-19 emergency tenancy protections on 31 January.

Cassy O'Connor MP | Media Release | 14 Jan 2021

Greens Question Lack of Border Restrictions

The Greens, like the majority of Tasmanians, appreciate the efforts of the Gutwein Government and public health officials to keep Tasmanians safe in 2020.

Cassy O'Connor MP | Media Release | 2 Jan 2021

Estimates Reply - Minister Barnett

There are still questions outstanding, which we hope will be dealt with through the independent inquiry into the Ruby Princess.

Cassy O'Connor MP | Parliamentary Activity | 2 Dec 2020

Health – COVID-19

Despite our having responded and weathered the situation well, there is still an outstanding level of risk.

Rosalie Woodruff MP | Parliamentary Activity | 23 Nov 2020

Local Government – Coronavirus Restrictions

During the COVID 19 pandemic we recognised councils have had to make a number of adjustments to the way council meetings are held.

Rosalie Woodruff MP | Parliamentary Activity | 26 Nov 2020

Primary Industries – Ruby Princess

My understanding is that the secretary was in charge of border controls at the time that the Ruby Princess passengers arrived in Tasmania.

Cassy O'Connor MP | Parliamentary Activity | 26 Nov 2020

Primary Industries – THA Lobbying

The head of the THA, Mr Steve Old, contacted the secretary seeking assistance to enable Mr Rodger Powell, to have an essential workers' exemption.

Cassy O'Connor MP | Parliamentary Activity | 26 Nov 2020

Advanced Manufacturing and Defence Industries – Medical Manufacturing

The COVID pandemic has shown us very starkly how reliant we are on the import of specialised medical equipment to keep our hospitals functioning.

Rosalie Woodruff MP | Parliamentary Activity | 24 Nov 2020

Government Commitment on Hotel Quarantine Workers Needed

The government must ensure no worker at any hotel quarantine facility is also working in another setting, and compensate affected workers.

Rosalie Woodruff MP | Media Release | 23 Nov 2020

Budget Reply

The year 2020 began with a firestorm that devastated communities, forests and wildlife from the south coast of Victoria to the south east of Queensland.

Cassy O'Connor MP | Parliamentary Activity | 18 Nov 2020

Greens Present Alternative Budget to Tackle COVID and Climate Crises

The Tasmanian Greens today delivered our fully costed, triple bottom line Alternative Budget that tackles the twin crises of COVID and the climate emergency.

Cassy O'Connor MP | Media Release | 18 Nov 2020

Alternative Budget 2020-21

The Tasmanian Greens' fully costed Alternative Budget for the financial year of 2020-21.

Cassy O'Connor MP | Policies | 18 Nov 2020

Budget 2020-21 - Climate Change

This Budget should have tackled the twin crises of COVID-19 and climate together but it failed to do so.

Rosalie Woodruff MP | Parliamentary Activity | 17 Nov 2020

Premier’s Radio Performance Fuels Public Suspicion on Small Business Hardship Grants

The Liberals' refusal to release details of where $26 million of taxpayer funds went through a business grants program is raising big questions in the community

Cassy O'Connor MP | Media Release | 29 Oct 2020

Caution and Public Safety Campaign Needed as Borders Reopen

With borders reopening today, the Gutwein Government needs to reinforce public health messages to keep Tasmanians safe.

Cassy O'Connor MP | Media Release | 26 Oct 2020

Cuts to JobKeeper and JobSeeker will Hurt Tasmania

The Morrison Government’s heartless cut to JobKeeper today will hurt thousands of Tasmanian families still struggling in the middle of a global pandemic.

Cassy O'Connor MP | Media Release | 28 Sep 2020

Jobs Guarantee

Call for a a Jobs Guarantee program to strengthen our COVID recovery, and support economic transition to tackle the climate emergency.

Cassy O'Connor MP | Parliamentary Activity | 23 Sep 2020

Bureaucracy, Professional with Paperwork

PESRAC Future COVID 19 Management Strategy

No-one on the planet could have looked into a crystal ball and understood where those early cases were going to lead us.

Rosalie Woodruff MP | Parliamentary Activity | 23 Sep 2020

Greens Move on Job Guarantee Passes Parliament

We were proud to see our job guarantee motion pass Parliament this evening.

Cassy O'Connor MP | Media Release | 23 Sep 2020

A Fair Social and Economic Recovery

We will be supporting the member for Clark's notice of motion that the House agrees that Tasmanians deserve a fair social and economic recovery.

Cassy O'Connor MP | Parliamentary Activity | 23 Sep 2020

Premier Needs Strategy for Tackling COVID-19 Misinformation

Flyers promoting COVID-19 conspiracy theories have been dropped into Tasmanian letterboxes.

Rosalie Woodruff MP | Media Release | 23 Sep 2020

COVID-19 - Seasonal Workers and Quarantine Provisions

The government has made the decision to open our borders to seasonal workers without requiring them to have a strict two-week quarantine.

Rosalie Woodruff MP | Parliamentary Activity | 22 Sep 2020

Tenant Protection Extension Welcome

Tasmanians living in rental homes will warmly welcome today’s announcement of extended residential rental protections and the Rent Relief Fund.

Cassy O'Connor MP | Media Release | 4 Sep 2020

ANMF Submission Confirms North West PPE Allegations

The ANMF submission to the investigation of the North West COVID-19 outbreak confirms many public reports about the lack of access to PPE.

Rosalie Woodruff MP | Media Release | 2 Sep 2020

Rent Relief Fund Must Be Extended

With borders closed until December, and federal income support to soon be cut, thousands of Tasmanians will be in financial hardship for months to come.

Cassy O'Connor MP | Media Release | 28 Aug 2020

Covid-19 Disease Emergency (Miscellaneous Provisions) Amendment (Quarantine Debt Recovery) Bill 2020

It is entirely reasonable for government, on behalf of taxpayers, to recoup some of the costs of quarantine measures that are necessary to keep Tasmanians safe.

Cassy O'Connor MP | Parliamentary Activity | 20 Aug 2020

COVID-19 - Essential Worker Status

The economic and social fabric of Tasmania is being altered beyond a state that any of us could have predicted a year ago.

Rosalie Woodruff MP | Parliamentary Activity | 19 Aug 2020

Budget Management

There is no question - we too had a briefing from Treasury - that Tasmania's finances are in a very difficult situation.

Cassy O'Connor MP | Parliamentary Activity | 19 Aug 2020

Government Must Listen to Struggling Tenants

The Gutwein Government needs to listen to Tasmanian tenants and act immediately to extend residential rental protections beyond the 30 September deadline.

Cassy O'Connor MP | Media Release | 26 Aug 2020

Community Leaders Should Support Public Health Advice

It is the responsibility of community leaders to support the advice of public health officials.

Rosalie Woodruff MP | Media Release | 20 Aug 2020

Ministerial Statement on COVID-19

The announcement that the border restrictions will be maintained until 1 December is absolutely the right thing to do.

Cassy O'Connor MP | Parliamentary Activity | 18 Aug 2020

Border Controls

It has been seven weeks since we have been in this Chamber and much has changed in Australia in relation to where we are with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rosalie Woodruff MP | Parliamentary Activity | 18 Aug 2020

Resolutions Rescinded - COVID-19 Emergency Provisions

We will be supporting motion number 303 to return the business of parliament, in large part, to the way it was before.

Cassy O'Connor MP | Parliamentary Activity | 18 Aug 2020

COVID-19 - Definition of Essential Worker

What is the difference between an essential worker, an essential traveller, and someone who is subject to two weeks' mandatory quarantine?

Cassy O'Connor MP | Parliamentary Activity | 18 Aug 2020

COVID Rental Protections Must Be Extended

The government must recognise the ongoing difficulties faced by Tasmanian tenants and extend the state’s residential rental protections beyond October 1.

Cassy O'Connor MP | Media Release | 14 Aug 2020

Minister Must Explain COVID Child Safety Response

The Minister for Human Services must explain why vulnerable children were unable to access safe accommodation or key support services during COVID restrictions.

Cassy O'Connor MP | Media Release | 6 Aug 2020

Hear the Collective Sigh of Relief Across Tasmania

The vast majority of Tasmanians will be relieved the state’s tough border measures will be in place until at least the end of the month.

Cassy O'Connor MP | Media Release | 3 Aug 2020

Economy, Finance, Calculator, Pen and Graph

Premier Needs to Stand Up to PM on Pandemic Income Supports

Premier Peter Gutwein needs to muscle up to the Prime Minister to prevent tens of thousands of Tasmanians from being driven to below the breadline.

Cassy O'Connor MP | Media Release | 31 Jul 2020

Workers Submitting to NW Inquiry Need Protection Guarantee

The opening of submissions for the Independent Inquiry into the NW outbreak is welcome, but the government must guarantee protection for all who provide input.

Rosalie Woodruff MP | Media Release | 25 Jul 2020

PESRAC Report Ignores Climate Emergency

Tasmanians have been sadly let down by the Premier’s Economic and Social Recovery Advisory Council.

Cassy O'Connor MP | Media Release | 21 Jul 2020

State of Emergency Extension

The decision to extend the emergency declaration to match Victoria’s lockdown restrictions is understandable, and pragmatic.

Rosalie Woodruff MP | Media Release | 9 Jul 2020

Government Must Prioritise Respiratory Health Housing Refits

The reports of respiratory illness from a Housing Tasmania complex in South Hobart are distressing.

Rosalie Woodruff MP | Media Release | 3 Jul 2020

COVID-19 Emergency

Things have changed dramatically across the globe when it comes to this pandemic.

Rosalie Woodruff MP | Parliamentary Activity | 24 Jun 2020

Land Tax Amendment Bill 2020

This amendment bill gives the Commissioner for State Revenue significant discretion in assessing applications for land tax relief.

Cassy O'Connor MP | Parliamentary Activity | 24 Jun 2020

Homebuilder Grants Bill 2020

We have some serious issues with the eligibility and the framework around the Commonwealth Homebuilder Grant.

Cassy O'Connor MP | Parliamentary Activity | 24 Jun 2020

Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Kate Warner AC - Extension of Term of Office

The Greens are very happy that the Governor of Tasmania, Professor the Honourable Kate Warner, has agreed to continue in that role until 9 June next year.

Cassy O'Connor MP | Parliamentary Activity | 24 Jun 2020

Government Must Provide Worker Immunity for COVID Inquiry

Health workers and public servants who want to contribute to the independent inquiry into the North West COVID-19 outbreak should be guaranteed protection.

Rosalie Woodruff MP | Media Release | 25 Jun 2020

COVID-19 Milestone A Tribute to All Tasmanians

Tasmania has reached a milestone after a three month battle that claimed lives, closed businesses and caused thousands of job losses.

Cassy O'Connor MP | Media Release | 12 Jun 2020

Tasmania must resist influence and reduce reliance on China

Two news items in the past week should be a wake-up call to any remaining doubters that Tasmania is far too heavily dependent on China.

Cassy O'Connor MP | Opinion | 12 Jun 2020

Trans-Tasman Travel Bubble a Winner

Now is the time to speed up negotiations on a Trans-Tasman travel bubble between Hobart and New Zealand.

Cassy O'Connor MP | Media Release | 11 Jun 2020

COVID-19 Emergency

We are in a unique time in Tasmania's history. For the first time in a very long time we are effectively sealed off as an island.

Cassy O'Connor MP | Parliamentary Activity | 4 Jun 2020

Joint Select Committee on Tasmania's COVID-19 Response and Recovery

A joint select inquiry with a specific reference is supported not only by a majority of members in the other place.

Cassy O'Connor MP | Parliamentary Activity | 4 Jun 2020

Gutwein Must Step Up on World Environment Day

The best gift the Gutwein Government could give Tasmania on World Environment Day is a policy reset.

Rosalie Woodruff MP | Media Release | 5 Jun 2020

Major Projects Legislation

The ongoing fight against exploitation has involved countless instances of communities pushing back.

Rosalie Woodruff MP | Opinion | 2 Jun 2020

Housing Led Recovery a Reality

The Premier’s announcement of increased housing investment and expansion of the HomeShare program is welcomed by the Greens.

Cassy O'Connor MP | Media Release | 4 Jun 2020

COVID-19 Emergency

I am happy and proud to be able to speak today about the Greens' interim submission to the Economic Recovery Advisory Council.

Rosalie Woodruff MP | Parliamentary Activity | 3 Jun 2020

Jaensch Confirms Community's Major Projects Fears

Planning Minister Roger Jaensch demonstrated exactly why so many Tasmanians are concerned about the proposed Major Projects legislation in Parliament today.

Rosalie Woodruff MP | Media Release | 3 Jun 2020

Major Projects Legislation

The Minister has been deceiving Tasmanians about the need for the damaging and unnecessary major projects legislation.

Rosalie Woodruff MP | Parliamentary Activity | 3 Jun 2020

COVID-19 - Inquiry into Response

Despite a solid response to the pandemic and no evidence that they have anything to hide, the Premier is dismissive of a COVID-19 response inquiry.

Cassy O'Connor MP | Parliamentary Activity | 3 Jun 2020

Imminent Housing Spend Announcement Welcome

The Greens look forward tomorrow’s $3.1 billion construction announcement.

Cassy O'Connor MP | Media Release | 3 Jun 2020

Now is the Time to Regulate Airbnb

CoreLogic’s latest data about the availability of rental properties in Tasmania shows the clear impact Airbnb has had on housing availability.

Cassy O'Connor MP | Media Release | 2 Jun 2020

Greens Release Interim Recovery Plan for Better, Fairer Tasmania

The Greens have written to the Premier’s Social and Economic Recovery Advisory Council with our interim submission on the path out of the COVID-19 crisis.

Cassy O'Connor MP | Media Release | 2 Jun 2020

Interim Submission to Recovery Council

The Tasmanian Greens interim submission to the Premier’s Social and Economic Recovery Advisory Council.

Cassy O'Connor MP | Submission | 2 Jun 2020

Winter Warning on Homelessness Crisis

The Greens urge Housing Minister Roger Jaensch to step up and ensure homeless Tasmanians don't bear the brunt of another freezing winter outdoors.

Cassy O'Connor MP | Media Release | 1 Jun 2020

Greens Thank Teachers on Public Education Day

On Public Education Day, the Greens thank all teachers and support staff in the public system for the dedicated, tireless work they do.

Cassy O'Connor MP | Media Release | 28 May 2020

Undercutting Public Health Irresponsible

Constant pressure by some elected representatives for the Premier to accelerate the easing of social restrictions is irresponsible.

Rosalie Woodruff MP | Media Release | 25 May 2020

Recovery Council Has Critical Role in Avoiding Business As Usual

The Premier’s Social and Economic Recovery Advisory Council has a critical role to play in the future direction of Tasmania.

Cassy O'Connor MP | Media Release | 25 May 2020

A Housing Led Recovery for Tasmania

The Tasmanian Greens today released the first pillar in our plan for Tasmania’s recovery from COVID-19.

Cassy O'Connor MP | Media Release | 23 May 2020

A Housing Led Recovery

Tasmania’s long road to recovery from the coronavirus crisis is an opportunity to shape our island’s future for the better and fairer.

Cassy O'Connor MP | Policies | 23 May 2020

Logging During COVID-19

The continuation of destructive logging activity has been a disappointing blight on an otherwise thoughtful approach by the Premier through this pandemic.

Cassy O'Connor MP | Media Release | 22 May 2020

Rushed Major Projects Bill Wrong Way for Recovery

Tasmanians will be angry, but not surprised, at the Liberals’ plan to rush their divisive Major Projects legislation through Parliament.

Rosalie Woodruff MP | Media Release | 21 May 2020

YWCA Housing Survey Highlights Need for Housing-Led Recovery

Homelessness data released in the YWCA National Housing Survey is a stark reminder of the depth of Tasmania’s housing crisis.

Cassy O'Connor MP | Media Release | 21 May 2020

Premier Must Listen to Health Advice Over Industry Lobbyists

The Premier is right to be concerned about a second wave of coronavirus disease.

Rosalie Woodruff MP | Media Release | 19 May 2020

No Place for Major Projects in Recovery

Tasmania’s largest council has sent a strong message to the Government that the Major Projects legislation is unnecessary and destructive.

Rosalie Woodruff MP | Media Release | 19 May 2020

Rent Relief Fund Welcome

The Gutwein Government has today responded to the consistent advocacy on the part of the housing sector and the Greens for strong rent relief.

Cassy O'Connor MP | Media Release | 19 May 2020

Housing Led Recovery Should Increase Home Ownership

Government stimulus money might be better directed into increasing the supply of affordable housing.

Cassy O'Connor MP | Media Release | 17 May 2020

Buy Tasmanian on World Whiskey Day

Times are hard for so many sectors of the economy, but Tasmanian whiskey distillers have cause to celebrate this World Whiskey Day.

Cassy O'Connor MP | Media Release | 16 May 2020

Aggressive Infrastructure Spend Needs to Focus on Housing Led Recovery

The Greens urge the Premier to ensure increasing the supply of quality social and affordable housing is front and centre.

Cassy O'Connor MP | Media Release | 15 May 2020

Job Figures Savage, but Room for Measured Optimism

The ABS Job figures released today reflect the pain Tasmanians are feeling as a result of the pandemic shutdown.

Cassy O'Connor MP | Media Release | 14 May 2020

Leaders Must Listen to Young People in COVID-19 Rebuild

The Greens welcome the Commissioner for Children and Young People’s 'Listening to Children and Young People in Tasmania Report 2019'.

Cassy O'Connor MP | Media Release | 14 May 2020

Clearance Tests for COVID-19 Needed

Public Health today confirmed two coronavirus patients, who were categorised as ‘recovered’, had subsequently redeveloped symptoms.

Rosalie Woodruff MP | Media Release | 12 May 2020

Vacancy Data Highlights Need to Regulate Airbnb

SQM Research vacancy rate data released today clearly shows reform of short-stay accommodation is well overdue.

Cassy O'Connor MP | Media Release | 12 May 2020

Large Net Debt Inevitable in Pandemic

News of Tasmania’s net debt likely to reach $2 billion within a year is unsurprising.

Cassy O'Connor MP | Media Release | 12 May 2020

Franklin River, Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area

Unlocking of Green Spaces Welcome

The Greens welcome the Premier’s announcement that Tasmania’s green spaces will be open to locals from this coming Monday.

Cassy O'Connor MP | Media Release | 8 May 2020

Steady as she goes Gutwein on the right track

The Premier has outlined a clear, staged and steady pathway to short term recovery from the coronavirus lockdown.

Cassy O'Connor MP | Media Release | 8 May 2020

COVID-19 Matter of Public importance

I return to the letter that was written by some doctors from the north-west who have been at the forefront of the coronavirus pandemic in Tasmania.

Rosalie Woodruff MP | Parliamentary Activity | 7 May 2020

COVID-19 - Concerns of North-West Doctors

North-west doctors have been at the forefront of the COVID-19 pandemic. They have been risking their safety, working day after day, caring for patients.

Rosalie Woodruff MP | Parliamentary Activity | 7 May 2020

COVID-19 - Major Projects Legislation

Regrettably, the Government is trying to make divisive and flawed major projects legislation the centrepiece of Tasmania's recovery.

Cassy O'Connor MP | Parliamentary Activity | 7 May 2020

Coronavirus Impacts on Economy

Over the next week or two we will be making some very large decisions about where we head in the near future.

Rosalie Woodruff MP | Parliamentary Activity | 6 May 2020

COVID-19 Pandemic

On Friday we will hear from the National Cabinet the result of their views about where we are going to head in Australia.

Rosalie Woodruff MP | Parliamentary Activity | 6 May 2020

COVID-19 Disease Emergency (Commercial Leases) Bill 2020

The Greens recognise that formulating this bill and balancing the interests that are contained within it has been challenging.

Cassy O'Connor MP | Parliamentary Activity | 6 May 2020

COVID-19 - Implementation of Recommendations

The north-west COVID-19 outbreak has been devastating for the families of people who died and hugely affected the 5000 people who went into quarantine.

Rosalie Woodruff MP | Parliamentary Activity | 6 May 2020

COVID-19 Commercial and Residential Tenancy Protections

We recognise this state has moved to freeze evictions and rent increases for residential tenants.

Cassy O'Connor MP | Parliamentary Activity | 6 May 2020

COVID-19 Update

Some of us would have heard stories late last year of a mysterious virus coming out of Wuhan, China.

Rosalie Woodruff MP | Parliamentary Activity | 1 May 2020

COVID-19 Update

That piece of legislation handed government enormous powers. It had to be scrutinised. It should have been amended.

Cassy O'Connor MP | Parliamentary Activity | 1 May 2020

Coronavirus - We're all in this Together

It’s a strange time for all of us. We’re coming to terms with fundamental changes to daily life and how the world operates.

Rosalie Woodruff MP | Opinion | 15 Apr 2020

Community Testing a Critical Part of COVID-19 Suppression

The approach to COVID-19 testing in Tasmania needs to change for us to fully understand the pattern of transmission.

Rosalie Woodruff MP | Media Release | 6 May 2020

Greens Welcome Tenant Support Fund

In a pandemic emergency it’s essential that everyone has a secure and affordable place to call home.

Cassy O'Connor MP | Media Release | 6 May 2020

North West Doctors' Forest Protection Calls Must be Central to COVID-19 Recovery Plan

The plea from 23 GP's, registrars, and emergency doctors to protect Tasmania's high conservation value forests should be heeded by all Members of Parliament.

Cassy O'Connor MP | Media Release | 4 May 2020

Social and Affordable Housing Key to Recovery

Significant investment in social and affordable housing would kickstart Tasmania’s social and economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.

Cassy O'Connor MP | Media Release | 3 May 2020

Minister Barnett Needs a Big Rethink

Resources Minister, Guy Barnett, needs to take a broader view of Tasmania’s forestry sector and its role in this island’s recovery from coronavirus.

Cassy O'Connor MP | Media Release | 3 May 2020

North West COVID-19 Restrictions

The Premier’s decision to ease restrictions for the North West will be welcome news for residents in the region.

Rosalie Woodruff MP | Media Release | 1 May 2020

Police Officers in High Visibility Vests

COVID-19 Disease Emergency (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill (No. 2) 2020 - In Committee

We should not be afraid to allow the Subordinate Legislation Committee to look at directions made by the Director of Public Health.