The 51st Parliament of Tasmania will sit for the first time this week, welcoming an additional 10 Members of Parliament following an increase to 35 seats.Â
Leader of the House, Eric Abetz (pictured) said the Government’s focus heading into a new Parliamentary term was firmly on delivering the agenda it took to the Tasmanian people: our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future which takes action on the things affecting Tasmanians right now, like cost of living, health and housing.Â
“The first order of business will be election of the Speakership and Her Excellency the Governor, Barbara Baker will deliver the Governor’s Speech,” said Mr Abetz.
“We will then introduce supply bills to enable government spending ahead of the September budget, as well as the address in reply debate where Members will respond to the address given by Her Excellency.”
He said that next week, the Government will be advancing its First 100 Days Plan with work progressing on major new infrastructure developments into health, hospitals and ambulance stations, schools and child and family learning centres, roads, bridges and co-located emergency services hubs.
“With 13 new Members – across all political divides – to be sworn into Parliament, it’s a reminder of how fortunate we are to live in a democracy.”
“The beauty of democracy is that we agree to differ. This Parliament will be different to previous years and it will require a collaborative and consultative approach.Â
“We recognise the goodwill of those who have provided the certainty and stability Tasmanians deserve by agreeing in good faith to a workable Parliament.Â
“A stable government is the best thing for Tasmania, and past experience proves this. It provides confidence for business, the economy and Tasmania.Â
“The Tasmanian Government looks forward to working with the new Parliament, and delivering a better Tasmania – which is what the 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future is all about,” said Mr Abetz.