Politics

Dorset councillors to be suspended for two more months after ‘new allegations’ surface

North-east Tasmanian councillors will remain barred from the council chambers for at least the next two months after ‘new allegations’ surfaced during the Dorset Council Board of Inquiry investigation. Minister for Local Government Nic Street suspended all councillors at the Dorset Council in July last year after ‘governance failings’ were uncovered. He has now announced […]

Tue Jan 16, 2024 - 4:00am

Politics

King Islanders to head to the polls after councillor misses three meetings in a row

King Islanders will head to the polls next month to elect a new member for their local council after a councillor failed to attend three consecutive meetings. Councillor Sarina Laidler has not been seen at the past three King Island Council’s monthly meetings, meaning a by-election or recount must be called under the Local Government […]

Sun Jan 14, 2024 - 5:00am

Macquarie Point

Green raise eyebrows at concerns over ‘conflict of interest’ in Hobart stadium proposal

The Greens have raised concerns about a potential conflict of interest regarding the Hobart stadium proposal, pointing out that the Macquarie Point Development Corporation will both propose and assess the project. Vica Bayley says the MPDC, which is responsible for the project, is also the author of the planning guidelines for the site. He said […]

Wed Jan 10, 2024 - 5:00am

Politics

Mayor Michelle Dracoulis drops out of Labor MP race to focus on Derwent Valley

The mayor of the Derwent Valley has dropped out of the race to become a Labor Member of Parliament, just two weeks after being announced as a candidate. Mayor Michelle Dracoulis told councillors at a meeting on Thursday night that she would be withdrawing as a candidate in the next state election to focus on […]

Thu Dec 14, 2023 - 10:00pm

Politics

Tasmanian parliament recalled to decide fate of Supreme Court Judge Gregory Geason

The Tasmanian Parliament will be recalled next week for MPs to decide on the future of Supreme Court Judge Gregory Geason. In a statement released on Tuesday afternoon, Attorney-General Guy Barnett announced that Parliament would “consider legislation to establish an inquiry into Justice Gregory Geason” when parliament is recalled on Tuesday, December 12. Justice Geason faces […]

Tue Dec 5, 2023 - 5:05pm

Politics

Federal Government urges premier to step in and save endangered Maugean skate

The federal government is urging Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff to take immediate action to save the endangered Maugean skate, a fish species endemic to Macquarie Harbour on the West Coast. Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek has sent a letter to Rockliff, emphasising the urgent need to improve low oxygen levels and poor water quality in […]

Tue Nov 7, 2023 - 5:00am

Macquarie Point

Govt’s questions on $2.3 billion Hobart waterfront redevelopment, stadium plan

The Tasmanian Government is demanding more details on an alternative stadium proposed by a former Premier and top architect for Macquarie Point. The state government has given the Stadia Precinct Consortia until February 5, 2024, to answer five key questions related to the stadium’s design and its accompanying facilities. The concerns include the source of […]

Mon Nov 6, 2023 - 5:30pm

Politics

Hidden toll: Labor claims hundreds die on Tasmanian health waiting list

Labor has claimed that hundreds of Tasmanians are dying each year while on the waiting list for outpatient appointments in the public health system. The opposition says that around one-third of the reduction in the waiting list claimed by the government is due to people dying before receiving their health appointment. Information released under Right […]

Fri Nov 3, 2023 - 1:00am

Politics

Independent MP reveals possible Commission of Inquiry misconduct ties

Independent MP Meg Webb has revealed a list of individuals and organisations who faced potential adverse findings from the Tasmania’s Commission of Inquiry. The list includes the Commissioner for Children and Young People, the Ombudsman and the CEO of the Integrity Commission. In a statement, Webb said it was “startling clear” that the Commissioners had […]

Wed Nov 1, 2023 - 3:00am

Politics

Beggars shouldn’t be fined or sent to prison, says Tasmanian Greens

Tasmania’s Greens think begging should be decriminalised and say removing the current fines and possible prison sentences will ‘improve the situations’ for those facing homelessness and poverty. Leader Rosalie Woodruff plans to introduce a bill to Parliament next week that will change the “outdated and unfair” law. “With the cost of living crisis deepening, more and […]

Fri Oct 27, 2023 - 4:00am