Tasmanian Government resists calls for new parliamentary committee to analyse coronavirus actions

Calls are growing louder for a joint parliamentary committee to be formed to inquire into the state’s response to and recovery from the coronavirus outbreak.

Nelson independent MLC Meg Webb on Wednesday said she had written to state party leaders and independent parliamentarians to make the case for an inquiry.

She said there was a need to capture, record and review the successes and challenges around the health and economic measures taken to fight the virus.

She said the Australian Parliament and other state parliaments besides Western Australia had appointed similar committees

 “Such a committee will also give Tasmanians confidence that during our reduced parliamentary sitting schedule, there will be a comprehensive, accountable process of review of government decision-making that may otherwise be hijacked by partisan politics,” Ms Webb said.

“Our community has sacrificed great deal in recent times, but Tasmanians should feel confident they aren’t being short-changed on democratic decision-making.”

Premier Peter Gutwein said it was unnecessary to convene a joint committee as a two parliamentary committees already existed to scrutine coronavirus-related legislation and economic measures taken by the government.

“Furthermore, we have committed to an independent inquiry for which the terms of reference are under development,” he said.

The Tasmanian Greens tabled a notice in Parliament on April 30 to move for a parliamentary inquiry into the state’s response to coronavirus.

Party leader Cassy O’Connor said an inquiry would provide an opportunity to obtain a clear picture of the coronavirus outbreak in Tasmania, analyse measures taken against it, identify resourcing issues, and establish a best practice model for the future.

Labor leader Rebecca White said her party supported a joint committee inquiry given the enormous public interest in the government’s actions and plans for economic and social recovery.

Murchison independent MLC Ruth Forrest said a parliamentary inquiry had merit to enable scrutiny and capture public health and safety as well as economic support and recovery aspects.

“The Premier has often said during this period he is open to scrutiny on all aspects of the government response,” she said.

“I will be listening to the views on the government and other members if a motion is put forward and am inclined to support such a committee.”

Matt Maloney

The Advocate and Examiner 28 May 2020