Launceston MLC Rosemary Armitage
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Grade: C+
SHE SAID: "A very busy year with much legislation, including the three Tasmanian Health Organisations Bill providing some autonomy for our Launceston General Hospital. Available to all 24-7, I'm dedicated, read, listen and research thoroughly, and while people won't always agree with my vote, I endeavour to make the best decisions possible for Launceston and Tasmania. Inappropriate to rate myself."
WE SAID: "Has been more active in first full year in the Legislative Council. Continued her passionate advocacy for the LGH and health services in the North. Surprised even her partner by declaring she would vote for forestry legislation, but struggled under the pressure of intense lobbying in the lead up to the same-sex debate, describing it as `horrible'. Get used to it."
Windermere MLC Ivan Dean
Grade: B
HE SAID: "Electorate work, housing, police, pulp mill, forestry and employment, constituent issues. Work in area of Fox Eradication Program has partly paid off with renaming of program and greater focus on feral cats. Unanimous support for motion requiring investigation of a 2000 tobacco smoke-free generation, point of sale restrictions, removal of menthol cigarettes and improved education. Currently sitting on eight committees, also chair of the PV Fortescue and prison overtime committees. With respect, it is not for me to rate my year's performance and no doubt that will be done by my electorate and Tasmanians generally."
WE SAID: "Reliable in his unrelenting pursuit of foxes, smoking and police issues. Keeps an open mind; reputation for being happy to meet anyone and everyone. No surprises this conservative was against same-sex marriage and the forestry agreement. Could benefit from shortening his speeches by about an hour."
Apsley MLC Tania Rattray
Grade: D
SHE SAID: "The Apsley electorate continues to have varying degrees of success, fantastic recognition for quality accommodation and features on the East Coast, water development is a shining light right through the electorate and building on those opportunities is key to its prosperity. Many challenges remain without resolution and a positive way forward for our forest and timber industry. My voice will remain strong on all issues as my communities indicate their views and expectations. Upon reflection regarding a rating, the Apsley electors will always be the best judge of that."
WE SAID: "Clearly passionate about her election and cares deeply for her constituents - particularly those struggling due to the forestry downturn - but fails to string together a logical and rational argument that justifies her emphatic views. Out of her depth."
Hobart MLC Rob Valentine
Grade: C
HE SAID: "Given I'm in my first six months, I would have to give myself an F for productivity but perhaps a C for application because I'm sure there is certainly room for improvement. I have found the operational aspects both fascinating and, in part, frustrating. There are definitely technological changes that could be made to improve scrutiny, and I have raised those issues for consideration."
WE SAID: "Followed a well- worn path from local government to the Legislative Council successfully this year. Has gone with the flow, ruffled few feathers and proved he's a much-needed ally for the embattled government. With the honeymoon now over, it's time to make his mark."
Rosevears MLC Kerry Finch
Grade: B
HE SAID: "It's an invidious position to rate oneself but the most important rating on my performance as a parliamentarian will be reflected by the community of my Rosevears electorate when I stand again for re-election in May 2014. My connection to the community as their representative is uppermost in my mind as I go about my work as a Legislative Councillor. This was exemplified during the debate on same-sex marriage this year. I supported this initiative and was part of a strong community discourse. When forced to a personal rating it would be a "B", thereby allowing room to strive for constant improvement."
WE SAID: "One of the most likeable in the chamber with his sense of humour livening up proceedings. There is a serious side to this jovial character too, in fighting passionately for same-sex marriage and supporting laws to progress forestry agreement. Thrived in the spotlight, genuinely excited about people getting involved in debate and contacting him about the big issues."
Western Tiers MLC Greg Hall
Grade: B
HE SAID: "Pleased to have been re-elected with 73 per cent of the vote. Active issues include scrutiny of blanket rural speed limit cuts, concerns relating to poppy importation and levies, need for a review of high-cost penalty rates, support for foreign investment, concerns affecting the agricultural and forestry sectors, Bass Strait freight issues and the need for container deposit legislation."
WE SAID: "One of the most active in the upper house. Stepped up publicity this year before he faced the polls in May, but the media releases kept coming even after romping it in. Campaigned strongly for a container deposit scheme, and against lowering rural speed limits and a levy on poppy growers. Part of an emerging influential conservative bloc with Jim Wilkinson and Paul Harriss."
Mersey MLC Mike Gaffney
Grade: B-
HE SAID: "Researching the various pieces of legislation is both interesting and challenging. Making a positive contribution to assist with the strengthening of bills is a priority for me. I also enjoy listening to and working with constituents and community groups. The dual leadership role affords an opportunity for me to remain connected."
WE SAID: "Turned down the job of leader of the government in the Legislative Council to preserve his independence, only to consistently support the government's position anyway. Not the most popular among his colleagues after implying they were dinosaurs when he let rip in favour of same- sex marriage. The speech, easily the best of the year, was an unusual outburst from the normally quiet and calm MLC. Closely guards his views, refusing to comment publicly in the lead-up to debates. Should speak up more often."
Derwent MLC Craig Farrell (Labor)
Leader of the Government in the Legislative Council
Grade: B+
HE SAID: "It's been a steep learning curve since my appointment as Leader of the Government in the Legislative Council, but I believe I have been an effective link between MLCs and government. While this role has been time-consuming, I believe I have still been an active and accessible local member as well."
WE SAID: "Took on a huge burden as the only government member in the Legislative Council. Marked improvement on his predecessor and well respected by fellow MLCs and party colleagues. Sticks to the government line but when he veers off the script he's more engaging. With government failing to progress two pieces of major legislation this year, is it time for him to take charge?"
Pembroke MLC Vanessa Goodwin (Liberal)
Opposition justice and corrections spokeswoman
Grade: C
SHE SAID: "I've been very disappointed by the lack of law reform. The loophole that allows adults to have sex with children hasn't been fixed, we still don't have unexplained wealth laws and we still don't have a victims of crime representative on the parole board. I'm going to keep campaigning on these issues."
WE SAID: "The Legislative Council has been accused of dancing to the Liberals' tune, but doubtful it has much to do with the party's sole representative there. Reliably spouts the party line and the contrast between that and her independent colleagues' ability to speak their minds is stark. Looked like a hypocrite in supporting a committee process that keeps the forestry debate dragging on when her leader is constantly calling for it to be scrapped. Question time would be non-existent without her constant queries, but needs more mongrel if she wants to make an impact."
Murchison MLC Ruth Forrest
Grade: A
SHE SAID: "I have continued to take an active interest in the state's economic challenges, been actively involved in the area of health and health reform, seeking support for one THO to enhance efficiency in health services and chairing an inquiry into budget cuts to health services that produced a damning interim report. I sought support for marriage equality and will continue to support employment growth through the best outcome possible for Tasmanians from the Tasmanian Forests Agreement."
WE SAID: "Stepped up to take responsibility for carrying the same-sex marriage bill through the upper house and came tantalisingly close to success. A natural leader, having also spearheaded an influential inquiry into health budget cuts and keeping the government honest on all things financial."
Rumney MLC Tony Mulder
Grade: B-
Did not supply a self- assessment.
WE SAID: "This year shrugged off the title of `independent Liberal' by surprising most with a yes vote for same-sex marriage and forestry legislation. Offends some with his blunt style and lack of patience towards his more cautious colleagues. Some would call this rude."
Huon MLC Paul Harriss
Grade: B
Did not supply a self- assessment.
WE SAID: "As one of the longest-serving MLCs, he knows all the tricks in the book and frequently uses them to his advantage. Often the first to make his views known and doesn't beat around the bush. His credentials as a forestry industry crusader were tested when a company he had strongly supported took an opposing view. So focused on forestry, could work on giving other issues some air-time to avoid being cast as a single-issue politician."
Nelson MLC Jim Wilkinson
Grade: C+
Did not supply a self- assessment.
WE SAID: "Appears distracted from his parliamentary duties by his other job as a lawyer, which will leave him open to claims he's a `part-time MP' in the lead-up to a Nelson election in May. Despite continuing his law work, he clearly does his homework, judging by his considered contribution to debate and committee work. The exception was arguing that he supported marriage equality but not the version proposed for the state. That might also come back to bite him."
Elwick MLC Adriana Taylor
Grade: C-
Did not supply a self- assessment.
WE SAID: "Constituents would be justified in thinking they have been let down this year by an MLC who was elected 2 1/2 years ago on a progressive platform. Expressed cringe-worthy views against same- sex marriage, suggesting it would lead to polygamy and comparing being gay to the struggles of her red-haired son. On a better note, set up a committee to investigate public transport options in the South that attracted a lot of interest. All eyes will be on her next year as the government's hopes of progressing forestry legislation rest on her changing her mind.
Montgomery MLC Sue Smith
President
Grade: B+
Did not supply a self- assessment.
WE SAID: "This stickler for process is more than capable in the president's chair. Not that the MLCs give her much trouble compared with the rowdy lot downstairs. May not get a voice on the floor during the debate, but uses other forums to make her point. When she speaks, her views carry more weight with the public and government than other MLCs. Not afraid to go toe-to-toe with Premier Lara Giddings, taking her to task over handling of politicians' salaries and financial mismanagement."