PRIME Minister Tony Abbott says Tasmania can lift itself off the bottom of the table in education, employment and economic performance with the Liberals in power at state and federal levels.
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Addressing the Liberals’ State Council in Launceston yesterday, Mr Abbott told the party faithful that Tasmania needed to be an economy and not just a national park.
“For too long you’ve had our nation’s highest unemployment, our nation’s lowest gross domestic product per person, our nation’s lowest life expectancy and our nation’s lowest educational attainment,” he said.
“I know that you are better than that and I know that under good government you will be better than that.”
Mr Abbott paid tribute to the state’s farming, mining and fishing workers.
“I don’t see environmental vandals, I don’t see people who are trying to pillage what they can from the countryside and from our oceans,” he said.
“I see the ultimate conservationists, that’s what I see, and I particularly see that in Tasmania.
“I see people who are wanting to do the right thing by the environment that sustains them.”
Among the motions passed by the council was one supporting the definition of marriage as being between a man and a woman.
The motion triggered an emotional debate, but was carried on the voices.
The council also passed a motion to push for the legalisation of paintballing.
A motion calling on the government to support and encourage amalgamations between some of Tasmania’s 29 local government areas will be debated today.
The motion says Northern councils have an insufficient ratepayer base to provide and maintain community facilities.
‘‘(It) doesn’t make economic sense for major community assets like Launceston Aquatic Centre, Launceston Airport, York Park, Bell Bay port and Silverdome to be administered by different councils,’’ the motion says.
’’There is a strong message from ratepayers that there are too many councils in Tasmania.’’
The government has previously said it would not force councils to merge but would work co-operatively with those that volunteered.
The State Council will also debate a motion from the Western Lyons and South Esk branches calling on the government to investigate a way for the state to move to single-member electorates for the House of Assembly.
The motion says the Hare-Clark system is not well understood by voters and is subject to political manipulation.
Premier Will Hodgman will address the council this morning.
