Media Release – Release Ministerial Diaries in Light of Policy Announcements

Media Release issued by Meg Webb MLC | 20 July 2023

Independent Member for Nelson Meg Webb today called for the immediate release of the state Ministerial diaries for the last quarter, in light of the Rockliff Liberal Government’s sudden local government and planning announcements.

“Given the shock waves caused by the government’s sudden announced intention to remove some planning decisions from local councils without consulting that sector, Tasmanians deserve to know who did have access to ministerial ears in advance,” Ms Webb said.

“The established best-practice of timely regular release of ministerial diaries acknowledges the legitimate public interest in knowing who had direct access to Ministers and senior advisors, when, how frequently and for what purpose.

“We know local councils were not included in any discussions regarding this latest planning move, but it is incumbent on the government to disclose who was.”

Ms Webb said there are also legitimate questions surrounding whether the on leave-Planning Minister was involved in forming the policy decision.

“Or was Mr Ferguson side-lined yet again? Was the Minister for Local Government included and aware of this policy development?  If so, did Mr Street argue for the sector to be involved and informed?

“Premier Rockliff’s claims of leading ‘the most transparent government ever’ has rung hollow of late. He needs to start demonstrating actual transparency with the immediate release of detailed ministerial diary disclosures for the last three months.”

Ms Webb also said clarification is required urgently over the regularity of ministerial diary disclosures.

“When debating my successful motion in the Legislative Council in March, I urged consideration of a monthly disclosure regime as is in place in Queensland.

“However, the Government at the time indicated they would establish a quarterly disclosure regime – content for January to March was released in April this year.

“The next instalment of ministerial diary disclosure should be imminent according to that quarterly calendar.

“But alarmingly the DPAC website states routinely disclosed information is to occur only twice a year in April and October.

“It is utterly unacceptable for the Government to apply such a miserly and minimalist approach to ministerial diary disclosures.”

• DPAC Ministerial Diaries Routine Disclosures link here.
• Speech by Meg Webb MLC on her Mandatory Disclosure of Official Ministerial Diaries motion debated on Tuesday 28 March 2023, here

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