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But we are witnessing a disintegration of standards
under the Paul Lennon led Tasmanian Government.
Our state was recently described in a national newspaper
as ‘rotten to the core’. Accountability, transparency
and a respect for democratic process have plummeted.
This is not good enough for the people of Tasmania.
Labor has not outlined a clear direction or long-term
plan for our state. There is no doubt this Government is
more fixated on electoral fortunes and short-term
political expediency, than governing Tasmania well.
I believe that Tasmania must aspire to stand alone, and
we should always aim high.
We must:
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look after everyone who lives in our state |
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make Tasmania the best place to do business in; and |
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protect and enrich our unique lifestyle. |
We need to
create an environment for growth in business,
innovation, and enterprise.
Businesses and individuals - not government - are the
true creators of wealth and employment. The growth of
economic activity and business enterprise will help
deliver the highest possible standards of living,
health, education and social justice. Our businesses,
which are the driving force behind our economy, have
enjoyed some prosperity in recent years - predominately
on the back of a booming national economy, generated by
substantive national reform and sound fiscal policy.
But the Lennon Government is risking what we have
gained, and is not planning for the future. Labor has
milked increased confidence and a period of prosperity
for some reflective glory.
Tasmania should lead the way in terms of innovation,
research and development - which will in turn increase
productivity, employment and economic activity in our
state. A key objective of the Tasmanian Liberals is to
see Tasmania become truly an ‘Intelligent Island’, and the best place to do business in.
We have a precious and inimitable lifestyle, which does
not exist anywhere else in the World. We need to balance
development with our underlying concern for the
environment, our natural heritage, and our unique way of
life.
Despite Paul Lennon’s simplistic mantra that “we have
never had it better”, in many parts of Tasmania, most
notably our outlying regions, people are still doing it
very tough. In my electorate of Franklin, one township
suffers an unemployment rate that doubles the state’s
average. In parts of the North West our tourism
operators are now experiencing tough times. And in many
communities, like on the gorgeous East Coast and in the
north east of the state, people can not even access
clean drinking water. This is totally unacceptable, and
it shows that the Lennon Government has forgotten our
regional communities.
We will look actively at a more defined and strategic
way that better capitalises on the strengths of our
regions, and which generates better growth and
development for the whole State.
I have a genuine commitment to discard complacency, and
for Tasmania to become an even better place to live,
where we provide the greatest opportunity, and the
highest possible standards of living for all Tasmanians.
Where we encourage and nurture initiative and
resourcefulness. Where we have a government that is
accountable and responsive to all Tasmanians, and
which conducts itself with the highest level of honesty,
integrity and transparency. And where we set out a
long-term strategy for a prosperous Tasmania. This is my
aim for the people of Tasmania and I am committed to
seeing it achieved.
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