New Tasmanian Labor leader Josh Willie says his party will be the state’s “real opposition” when parliament resumes on Tuesday.
The Clark MP, who took over the flailing party just weeks ago, said Labor will hold the Liberal government and the crossbench MPs who voted to keep Premier Jeremy Rockliff in power to account.
He confirmed Labor will not take part in a multi-partisan budget panel set up by Treasurer Eric Abetz.
“The Greens and the crossbench voted to continue the Liberal government. They can get involved in the multi-partisan panel, but somebody needs to sit outside of that to hold all parliamentarians accountable,” Willie said.
In recent weeks Willie has been travelling across Tasmania, where he says even Liberal voters are “deeply disappointed” with Rockliff’s performance since the election.
He said Tasmanians were especially worried about the government’s flagship TasInsure policy and the financial risks it could pose.
Willie also accused the government of “trading away industries and Tasmanian livelihoods” in salmon, forestry and greyhound racing through deals to appease the Greens.
“Since becoming leader I’ve made a point of highlighting the fact that I will be respectful of all members of parliament,” he said.
“I want to see a new style of politics where Tasmanians are put first.”
“But that doesn’t mean I will shy away from calling a spade a spade, or highlighting when Tasmanians have been let down.”
