Senator Jacqui Lambie has re-entered politics with a bang.
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The vocal and blunt senator has demanded Tasmania's $157 million housing debt to be wiped, in exchange for her vote.
The money is small change compared to Andrew Wilkie's deal back with prime minister Julia Gillard for the Royal Hobart to be upgraded.
The Clark independent secured $340 million for the hospital back in 2010.
Senator Lambie's demands preempt the tax bill that the Morrison Government spruiked as a key component to their election campaign in May.
"I am yet to arrive at a final position on the Coalition's tax cuts," Senator Lambie said in a video posted on Facebook.
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Senator Lambie said while the tax cut offered by the Liberals would save some Tasmanians $1000, many Tasmanians would not benefit from the tax bill due to those who receive pensions, social welfare or do not earn enough money to pay tax.
The divisive senator, who is loved by so many "battlers" around the nation, said the Commonwealth did not need the $15 million it was collecting from Tasmania annually.
Instead, the money should be spent on moving people from sleeping in cars to affordable housing.
This strong message is why people vote for independents like Senator Lambie into the Senate.
They are searching for a hero, someone who speaks their language and will fight for their constituents, not follow a party line.
This is where Sue Hickey has gone wrong. You cannot do both.
As Senator Lambie said, the tax debt will not fix the problems in Tasmania. But debt cleared would offer $157 million or about $15 million a year that could go straight to investing in long-term solutions and offering short-term relief.
Very little action has occurred since the housing summit last month. Maybe all we needed was a passionate politician who plays by her own rules and with a statewide vision to get the ball finally rolling.
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