I would like to congratulate all members
newly elected to this House and all
re-elected members. And, Mr Speaker, I must
also extend congratulations to you, on your
re-election to the esteemed position of
Speaker. I concur with the sentiments
expressed by Leader of the Opposition in
noting your willingness to inform, to
advise, and to make welcome new Members to
the Parliament.
The landscape of this
Parliament has of course changed
significantly following this year’s
Election. It would indeed be inappropriate
and ungracious for me to fail to note the
achievements of the Government in securing
an impressive vote of confidence from the
Tasmanian people. And to the Greens also, in
dramatically increasing your vote across the
State, your appeal to a broader section of
community is apparent.
Mr Speaker, I will always
accept the views, and trust the judgment of
the Tasmanian public at an election. Not
the least in accepting how this year’s
election result has reflected on my own
Party. But, Mr. Speaker, I have taken some
heart from my personal electoral success,
and also that of my Parliamentary Liberal
colleagues - who stemmed the tide and
survived a severe drop in Party support.
My colleagues and I are now encumbered with
a huge responsibility; to restore
credibility to the Liberal Party, but more
importantly to present as a credible
Opposition. And from this base position, we
can start to rebuild, to regain support, and
to win approval. But, for now, we are small
in number. We are in a position of numerical
disadvantage, even a position of adversity.
Though, in the words of the eminent
politician, lawyer and philosopher, Sir
Francis Bacon; “Prosperity is not without
fears and distastes, and adversity is not
without comforts and hopes… Prosperity doth
best discover vice, but adversity doth best
discover virtue”
I will not presume to advise the Premier, or
his Government, on the risks of becoming
complacent, indolent, or even arrogant. But
I will declare that while we, the Loyal
Opposition, may be small in number, we are
rich in spirit, enthusiasm and hope. And we
are, contrary to wishful thinking, a
cohesive and unified outfit.
The Parliament now also
features a new breed; a new generation of
members. The people of Tasmania have clearly
expressed a view that they want new people
with fresh ideas, and a different approach
in their Parliament. I believe they have
also grown tired of negativity and cynicism.
They want ideas and solutions; productivity
and initiative. They want greater
representation from their elected
Parliamentarians, irrespective of which side
of the House they sit on.
And of course in
Opposition we face a challenging task to
achieve a delicate balance. We must serve as
a responsible outlet for the expression of
legitimate and constructive criticism. Yet
we should not appear overly negative or
cynical; or to be criticising for the sake
of it. We are to hold the Government, and of
course our colleagues the Greens, to
account; without leaving an impression that
we are ourselves devoid of any substantial
contribution. We must present our own ideas
and credible alternatives that engage and
appeal to the community. And we must
convince the public that we are a genuine,
thoughtful, and effective Opposition. That
we are in fact a viable alternative
government. At least one in the making.
And I would hope that the
public, and moreso the Government, will
appropriately extend credit where it is due.
It is not, under the Westminster system, for
the Government to simply stifle valid
criticism, scrutiny or examination. To do so
is arrogant and dismissive. To do so is to
ignore a legitimate and worthy expression of
those who may take issue, may appreciate an
alternative way, or may even - dare I say it
- disagree with the views of the Government.
Conversely, of course,
the Government should not be subject to
meaningless obstruction. And it is not my
plan to adopt that sort of approach. In
fact, Mr Speaker, much of my Election
Campaign was based on the premise of making
a positive contribution; providing a fresh
approach. Another key aspect involved making
a concerted effort to travel my Electorate
and meet as many people and community groups
as I could. And, importantly, to listen to
them and to find out what they think. And
throughout my Parliamentary career I intend
to continue to seek out, to consult, to
listen, and to understand - before I try to
represent. But above all, I intend to make a
positive contribution.
Mr Speaker, I would like
to briefly acknowledge those who played a
role in my election success and who are, far
more importantly, a special part of my life.
Firstly I thank my wonderful wife Nicky, who
five years ago made a brave decision and a
great sacrifice in leaving her home in
England to come to Tasmania and to make a
new life with me. She has always been a
great support, and an encouraging influence.
She enthusiastically joined me on the
campaign trail, and we walked the electorate
doorknocking, letterboxing pamphlets,
attending community functions, and meeting
many wonderful people in the electorate of
Franklin. And with us we took our lovely
son, and my inspiration, William. Turning
what can be at times a tiresome, lonely
venture into an exciting, challenging and
rewarding experience for our young family.
To my father, the Member for Denison. Who,
until now, has never looked over my
shoulder. But I must admit I am little
uncomfortable with him sitting right behind
me. A tremendous a role model, and a great
source of love and motivation. Throughout my
life, my professional career, and in my more
recent political pursuits, he has not sought
to intrude or to influence, or to play any
greater role than that of a supportive,
caring and proud father. And for that, I am
extremely fortunate and immensely grateful.
In return, I was immensely proud to see him
achieve such a momentous victory at the
recent Election. A tremendous effort ,
really against the odds. And I am thrilled
that we will sit in this Chamber together.
Not to continue some sort of family
tradition, but because I unashamedly believe
that our Parliament is better for having
people like my father in it. And if nothing
else, I hope that I can display the same
level of passion, commitment, and service to
the community that my father has displayed
over many years.
I am also conscious of
the role my late mother played in shaping my
character – and I attribute much of who I
am, to her influence. To my two sisters who
endured me, their baby brother, and who have
provided guidance and encouragement
throughout my life. And to my extended
family, and wife’s family far away in
England, I thank them for their generous
love and support and their preparedness to
trust my judgment. I am indeed very
fortunate to be part of such a large, and
close family network.
I am aware of, and greatly appreciate the
significance and the value of the family as
a fundamental social institution. But I am
also conscious of the fact that many people
are not as fortunate as I am. That there are
many disadvantaged and alienated people in
our society. And I am motivated by the
prospect of being able to make a difference,
to make a change and to achieve a better way
of life for all Tasmanians.
I must also thank my
campaign team, and most notably my campaign
director James Groom, who generously gave
hours of his time to assist, encourage, and
humour me. And to all other helpers, and
Liberal Party volunteers, I am immensely
grateful for your efforts, and pleased we
achieved such a rewarding personal result.
Mr Speaker, I am
currently the only Liberal Member
representing the fine electorate of
Franklin. This electorate is a dichotomy,
divided by our beautiful River Derwent. In
fact a rich tapestry. A blend of city,
suburban, rural… Featuring most
extraordinary natural beauty and areas of
wilderness…Battling and affluent…Developing
and struggling…yet full of great potential.
And wonderful people. Franklin is, a
microcosm of Tasmania.
Mr Speaker, I consider
myself extremely fortunate to live in this
wonderful State, and indeed this fantastic
country. And I have also been equally
fortunate to have lived and worked overseas,
spending time in the United Kingdom and also
the United States. Not the least for having
met my wife abroad, I found living overseas
extremely rewarding, enlightening, and often
challenging. The experience certainly gave
me a greater appreciation of my home, but
also exposed me to the realities of a
bigger, faster, tougher world. It gave me a
greater sense of perspective. And a wealth
of memorable, and valuable experiences.
Like so many young Tasmanians I was anxious
to leave our island State and travel the big
wide world. To pursue dreams and adventures.
Yet unlike so many, I did come back. So many
do not. And of course so many are happily
living interstate, often with no intention,
no inclination of returning home. In many
cases deterred, or even prevented from
returning, as a consequence of a lack of
opportunities.
And Mr Speaker, we do of
course face a problem of a declining
population. A problem that cannot be simply
pushed aside with occasional news of a minor
shift in statistics. It is essential that we
address this pressing issue with a degree of
urgency. It is critical to the efficiency of
our economy, and our ability to generate
employment opportunities. It is a
significant factor in our social and
cultural development. Mr Speaker, this issue
is obviously far too complex to
appropriately address it today. But it is
of such importance that it must be
addressed, in detail, within the term of
this new Government.
Mr Speaker, I was especially pleased to have
been presented with the responsibility of
being Shadow Minister for Education.
Education is, of course, a most fundamental
component of our community and our culture.
It is the soul of our society. To take the
words of former British Prime Minister,
Benjamin Disraeli; “Upon the education of
the people of this country, the fate of this
country depends”. That is in no way
overstating the case. Education, or perhaps
more accurately, the education of our
society, is a resource to be utilised,
developed and improved upon. Our children,
our young, and also our adults, pursuing a
course of lifelong learning.
Liberalism, or liberal
philosophy, I find, sits comfortably with
many of the objectives and benefits of
education. The transmission of core values;
the promotion of rights, freedoms and equal
opportunities for all people. It seeks to
nurture and encourage individuality; to
promote personal exploration, initiative,
and enterprise, and broadening of the mind.
To produce contributors and responsible
citizens. Education transmits experience,
culture, and provides alternative views of
the world and the way we live. Our
Government plays a major role as primary
service provider – and I am encouraged by
the fact that it is widely held that our
country contains a top quality education
system.
Mr Speaker, I will also take this
opportunity to acknowledge the work of our
current Minister for Education, Ms Wriedt
and the respect she obviously enjoys amongst
the education fraternity. I share the
Ministers stated passion for our public
education system, and endorse her desire to
see it become ‘world-class’. I also
acknowledge and support the role of
independent education providers, private
schools and Catholic Education. And also the
rights of parents, who are fortunate enough,
to exercise choice in where their children
are schooled. These schools do, to varying
degrees, also require support and assistance
from our Government. A progressive,
responsible government will acknowledge this
fact. And it should ensure sufficient
support, in the interests of all our
children - irrespective of the type of
school they attend.
I believe there is much
to be taken from the extensive and detailed
findings of the consultative Tasmania
Together process; a document derived from a
caring and concerned Tasmanian public, and
an expression of fundamental benchmarks.
And, like the Minister for Education, I
firmly believe we must aim to exceed
expectations when it comes to our education
system. Tasmania’s isolation, or
geographical limitations should be no
barrier to us becoming information-rich, and
abundant in intellectual capital. We must
keep pace with the rest of the world, and we
are not bound to follow. We can take a
leading role in this most crucial and
demanding of social institutions.
I would also like to pay
tribute to those who work within our
education system – particularly our
teachers, their aides and support staff.
Their contribution is significant, and their
responsibilities are considerable, and
increasing. The demands and expectations
placed on teachers and support staffs have
changed dramatically in recent years. It is
imperative that the Government keeps pace
with these changes; with this rapid
transition.
Now I concede I have, to an extent, detailed
an expression of ideals. And, as I say, I am
aware that there are many who suffer
disadvantage in our education system, and
indeed the wider community. Those who can
not, or do not, achieve an appropriate level
of literacy and numeracy skills. Those who
are failed by our system. And those who
suffer inequity and disadvantage - economic,
social, ethnic, gender or disability based.
I would like to briefly mention, in this
context, the National problem that exists in
providing our indigenous communities with an
appropriate and effective education system.
I understand that we are failing to properly
engage indigenous people in meaningful,
relevant and effective learning and that we
must improve access to services and
participation rates – to seek levels that
are comparable with other Australian
children. Conversely, we must provide all
Australian students with an understanding
and respect for indigenous traditional and
contemporary cultures.
Mr Speaker, in recent
years I have developed a far keener
understanding, and awareness of the needs of
our young. I am sure it has much to do with
my recent elevation to the position of
parent; proud father. I am certainly more
sensitive to the educational needs of our
young. And that all children must be given
support, encouragement and protection to
grow and hopefully achieve their potential.
But I am also now acutely
aware of the need to protect our children,
in what can be a considerably dangerous
world. That there is a frightening reported
increase in the incidence of child abuse and
neglect. Our children confront numerous
challenges and hurdles, and many dangers and
potential pitfalls, which may manifest in
the horrifying province of alienation and
depression, substance abuse and youth
suicide. And they are subject to violence,
stress and emotional trauma.
Whilst living in England
I was employed as a prosecutor in a Child
Protection Unit, in a region of the country
that records a considerable occurrence of
child abuse and neglect cases. I was
extremely fortunate to have worked in this
field as it opened my eyes to the suffering
of many innocent children, and to some stark
realities. To the hardships and challenges
faced by police, educators and social
workers. This issue, this problem, is a
priority for this and all governments. And
we must not for a moment be fooled into
thinking it is a problem we do not have.
The United Nations Convention on the Rights
of the Child is worthy of thorough and
regular analysis, as a framework for
defining the rights of children, and indeed
any government’s role in protecting,
providing for, and nurturing our most
precious of assets. Under this charter, all
governments are obliged to play an active
role. Children’s rights are no longer an
aspiration, but are a binding
responsibility.
On another plane, I consider much needs to
be done in terms of improving the state of
our childcare system in Tasmania. I
acknowledge the role of the Federal
Government in this domain, but I believe it
appropriate for a responsible State
Government to actively pursue all avenues,
and all reasonable means to alleviate this
dilemma, which has far reaching
consequences. Most significantly, in
restricting the ability of many parents – of
course predominately women – to enter or
return to the work force. It reduces
opportunities and the ability for families
to exercise choice. It retards social and
economic development.
Time does not permit me
to dwell on other areas of personal interest
such as; the law, and law reform; the
protection of our natural heritage, and
environmental concerns; economic development
and our tourism potential.
I have, however, identified issues - perhaps
with a wider National or even global flavour
- that may provide some understanding of who
I am, and what is important to me. Certainly
subjects that are a source of inspiration.
And that provide some explanation as to why
I have embarked on a Parliamentary career,
and offer some insight into what I hope to
achieve.
