The closure of regional government services, including On-line Access Centres, has had dire consequences for regional communities, according to new Lyons Labor MP Jenna Butler.
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In her first speech to state parliament, Ms Butler said community connectivity was the strength of Lyons.
“The centralisation and rationalisation of services from rural areas to the cities is a policy, which Tasmanian Governments have focused on for too long,” she said.
“I have watched the policy makers implement closures of government services in many of the remote areas of Lyons with some dire consequences.
“Economic rationalism has its merits, however, our policy makers must consider the impacts these policies make on smaller communities and the people living in these regional communities.
“Sometimes a short term cost saving, results in a long-term expense, especially in areas such as health, training, education and basic government services.”
Ms Butler said the progressive closure of Online Access Centres was “a perfect example of city based (often-southern) policy makers rationalising a government service to minimise budget expenditure.”
“The problem is that sometimes these policies do not consider the importance of a service to a small community.
“Online Access Centres provide access to information in areas of Tasmania with the highest social disadvantage.
“Centre Coordinators and volunteers provide instruction and assistance for people with poor literacy, MyGov assistance, Census forms, Passport applications, TAFE courses and other services. These centres are cost neutral.
“Online Access Centres are again threatened for closure next year. Internet access and accompanying services are unaffordable or inaccessible to many people in these communities.”
Ms Butler made history with her mother Heather Butler by becoming the first mother and daughter to serve in the Tasmanian Parliament.
“It has not been an easy journey. I have had to fight for this role, which will, keep me humble and dedicated to serving the people of Lyons,” she said.
Ms Butler’s parents were both involved in politics and she said Labor Party branch meetings were often held around the family’s kitchen table.
“My first campaign was at the age of six when my father ran for local council,” she said.
“Letter boxing was mandatory and fierce debate about local issues and social justice seemed the norm.
“We held an annual vigil on the anniversary of Gough Whitlam’s dismissal which, according to my family was (and still is) - an injustice to democracy and freedom of expression.”
Ms Butler paid tribute to former deputy premier David Llewellyn AM for the many years he represented the people of Lyons - “for your vision in relation to irrigation, agriculture and tireless work to open Tasmania to the world.”