There are growing concerns the scandal surrounding the candidacy, election, and almost immediate resignation of embattled former minister Adam Brooks has done irreversible damage to the Liberal party.
Greens Leader Cassy O'Connor has confirmed her party will be referring the matter to the Integrity Commission, saying what was known about Mr Brooks' alleged conduct ahead of, during, and in the days after the state election needed investigation.
"There are very real concerns about whether he was a fit and proper person to be standing for Parliament. What did the Premier know and when?," she asked.
"Tasmanian voters did not have the full picture on election day. They still don't today."
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Premier Peter Gutwein stood behind Mr Brooks as allegations of the use of false identities and ammunition storage charges came to light, and when concerns were raised about his' fitness to stand as a candidate.
On Saturday Labor leader Rebecca White said there were more questions than answers "when it comes to Mr Brooks".
"Particularly in relation to what Peter Gutwein knew, and when he knew those things," she said.
"It seems incredibly convenient that on the same day the polls were declared, just a couple of hours later, Peter Gutwein received a call from Adam Brooks saying he was going to step aside as a member of parliament - the timing of that is incredibly convenient for the Premier,.
"The fact is, the concerns around Mr Brooks were well known before the declaration of the polls, the concerns around Mr Brooks were wide-reaching.
"These are all things that really reflect poorly I think on Peter Gutwein, on his integrity, on his acceptance of a candidate who is very questionable and has now proven to be that, and whether or not he was so desperate to have Mr Brooks on his team that he was willing to overlook those things."
Ms White said she understood why the Greens would refer the matter to the Integrity Commission.
"Whether it's through that process or through another process through the parliament, we'll be trying to find out those answers, on behalf of the voters who cast their vote in good faith," she said.
Mr Gutwein said that given the current circumstances, Mr Brooks not taking his seat was the "only appropriate course of action".
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Ebony Abblitt
Ebony Abblitt is a features writer at the Examiner in Launceston, with an interest in pets, politics and people. | ebony.abblitt@examiner.com.au
Ebony Abblitt is a features writer at the Examiner in Launceston, with an interest in pets, politics and people. | ebony.abblitt@examiner.com.au
