A former MLC has questioned if Mersey Independent MLC Mike Gaffney was doing enough to earn his keep in the Legislative Council following his resignation from five parliamentary committees since May.
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Former McIntyre Independent MLC Greg Hall said it was bizarre Mr Gaffney had now resigned from five committees.
"You've got to ask, what's going on?" Mr Hall said.
Related: Gaffney resigns from AFL commitee
Mr Gaffney resigned from the AFL inquiry commitee on Tuesday, coining it "an unnecessary burden on the committee staff and the Legislative coffers".
Earlier this year, Mr Gaffney also stepped down from the Standing Committee for Integrity, the Standing Committee Public Accounts, the Production of Documents Committee and the Standing Orders Committee.
Mr Gaffney said he chose to streamline his workload this year in order to focus his energy on one or two committees and carrying the Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill, which is hoped to be tabled in the upper house later this year.
"From my work on a private members bill in 2012, I am very aware of the amount of work required of a member who is presenting a bill, especially one related to an issue as complex and controversial as voluntary assisted dying," Mr Gaffney said.
"Given the emotive arguments we are encountering with some stakeholders, it can be draining.
"I need to devote a lot of time and energy into that."
Mr Gaffney said after elections there is a chance for committee work to be shared around and with the retirement of President Jim Wilkinson there has been a domino impact on committees.
"For six or seven years I was on the integrity committee and for four years I was on public accounts - there's only three people from the upper house on those committees so I've had my share.
"In fact, [President] Craig Farrell was on one of those committees and is long gone. I don't think there would be any question Craig is not doing enough work."
Mr Gaffney said he stepped down from the Production of Documents Committee to allow the newly elected member for Nelson Meg Webb the chance to gain committee experience.
"It allows other members who have not been on those committees to have experience [of them]," he said.
"For another member who is no longer there to question my work ethic is quite unbelievable. I'm just gobsmacked."
Mr Gaffney said, although he had previously expressed concerns about the AFL committee, he had hoped to contribute due to his extensive AFL background as a player and coach, however after other groups were formed he said the council's inquiry would be a duplication of work.
Mr Hall said the AFL committee was a valuable inquiry because it was the only forum where evidence would be given under oath.
"That's by far the best vehicle for democracy in Tasmania in that regard," Mr Hall said.
"The Parliament decided it was an important issue and voted on it to proceed.
"[Committees] are all important, and to turn around and say this is a waste of time and money is a slight on the other members."