An Aboriginal group wants Speaker Sue Hickey considered for the Aboriginal affairs portfolio.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Ms Hickey has said she is considering whether to stay in the Liberal Party after again being overlooked for a ministry in the weekend reshuffle.
The Aboriginal Land Council of Tasmania has urged Premier Will Hodgman to consider appointing Ms Hickey as aboriginal affairs minister, taking over from Roger Jaensch.
The state's Constitution Act allows for a maximum of nine ministers, so Mr Hodgman would need to axe an existing minister if he was to offer a ministry to Ms Hickey.
"Ms Hickey did great work with Aboriginal people when holding the office of Hobart lord mayor," land council chairman Michael Mansell wrote to Mr Hodgman on Monday.
"She has consistently advocated for Aboriginal reconciliation.
"Ms Hickey has a very respectable relationship with Aboriginal people."
Mr Hodgman batted away the suggestion, saying: "The government has a strong commitment to Aboriginal affairs, and to delivering policies that improve the social, cultural and economic outcomes for Tasmanian Aboriginals."
"This is important work for this government, and I have absolute confidence in Roger delivering."
Comment was being sought from Clark MHA Ms Hickey.
Mr Mansell said the suggestion meant no disrespect for Mr Jaensch.
"We believe he has enough on his plate as it is," Mr Mansell wrote.
Mr Jaensch is also minister for human services and community development, housing and planning.
Mr Mansell said there would be no point appointing Ms Hickey unless she had the freedom to deal directly with outstanding Aboriginal issues.
"The West Coast Aboriginal landscape zone protected for its unique Aboriginal cultural values by the federal government should be considered now for return to Aboriginal people," Mr Mansell said.
"Land returns, empowerment and financial support and compensation for dispossession are matters that cannot be dealt with inside a combined portfolio of a welfare nature.
"Our issues are not welfare related.
"They are about governments taking moral responsibility for remedying dispossession, providing for Aboriginal representation in parliament and negotiating an economic base for my people.
"Holding review after review on Aboriginal policy achieves nothing."
