Clouds over election’s secret deals

Kingborough Chronicle | April 20, 2021  

Tasmania is not having a free and fair state election, according to an associate professor of public policy at the University of Tasmania and a director of the Tasmanian Election Inquiry group, reported in the Tasmanian Inquirer on April 14.

Solicitor and Tasmanian Election Inquiry Director Roland Browne reportedly said State Government promises of transparency have so far proven hollow and the deals show Tasmania is not having a free and fair election where voters are fully informed, and where funding for parties is out in the open.

Kate Crowely, an associate professor of public and environmental policy at the University of Tasmania, reportedly said political parties should be transparent with the public about secret agreements with industry groups.

The comments came after Liberal and Labor Parties reportedly refused to reveal details of all secret agreements made with industry groups. 

Independent Member for Nelson, Meg Webb MLC agreed with Ms Crowely and Mr Browne and commented to the Kingborough Chronicle on April 15 that the community deserves so much better.

Ms Webb said that it’s completely unacceptable for political parties or candidates to put themselves forward for election with secret deals and policy commitments up their sleeves.

Ms Webb said the community deserves so much better.

“The 2018 state election remains under a cloud due to the overwhelming influence of direct donations and third-party campaigning from the poker machine industry,” said Ms Webb.

“By sending the state to an unnecessarily early election without promised reform of electoral donation laws or reform of the poker machine industry, the Liberal Government has prioritised its political self-interest above an open, healthy democracy in this state.

“It is completely unacceptable for political parties or candidates to put themselves forward for election with secret deals and policy commitments up their sleeves,” continued Ms Webb.

“Tasmanian voters deserve to know what policies and commitments each party and candidate have made so they can best consider who they want to support.

“It’s such a shame to see Tasmanian political leaders so actively erode trust and confidence in our democracy by failing to deliver donation reform, keeping secrets from the Tasmanian people and making important decisions based solely on political self-interest. 

“The Tasmanian community deserves so much better,” Ms Webb concluded.