Anti-protest laws, an end to native forest logging and increased bipartisan co-operation between the state's three major parties were all discussed at the Tasmanian Greens annual general meeting on Saturday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Party leader Cassy O'Connor said while the Greens and the state government disagreed on fundamental issues she was open to a more bipartisan relationship with Premier Peter Gutwein's government.
"I think that's what Tasmanians want. So anytime they see politicians across parties working together, they're very happy," she said.
Ms O'Connor said while the Greens were committed to working with the government for the benefit of the state, she would not compromise on key party policies.
"On issues like native forest logging, it's really hard because there's no common ground with us and the Liberal and Labor parties, they just want to keep logging," she said.
"I guess it's a case of you just have to agree to disagree on that, and argue it out, and then where we can co-operate, get some good outcomes."
She said the recent decision by the Western Australian government to phase out native forest logging by 2024 was a watershed moment for the country and said it was inevitable Tasmania would follow suit.
A Tasmanian government spokesperson said the state would not be following suit.
"The Tasmanian government takes a balanced approach," the spokesperson said.
"We won't be decimating our sustainable native timber harvesting sector and returning to the dark days of the job-destroying Labor-Green Tasmanian Forest Agreement when they were last in government in Tasmania."
At Saturday's meeting, Ms O'Connor addressed party members at the East Launceston Bowls Club on a range of topics including the upcoming pokies legislation due in Parliament in October.
She said if the proposed legislation was to pass, it would consign generations of Tasmanians to social and economic misery and hardship.
"Obviously we won't be supporting the legislation in any way," she said.
"We'll be working hard to lay out the problems with the legislation and put forward amendments that we would like the parliament to support to minimise harm."
Mr Gutwein has said the industry was already adequately regulated and that "people can sit on their couch, they can bet online and they can lose their house".
"The poker machine industry - gaming lounges we have - are highly regulated with trade personnel in them," he said.
Ms O'Connor said she would also be opposing the government's proposed anti-protest laws.
"They are designed to stifle dissent and target conservationists and civil society," she said.
"The real damage here is twofold. One is that if you don't have a civil society that's able to peacefully object to something, then you're going to see more damage to natural and cultural values, and to landscape values, and the second more chilling effect is that it will make people more cautious about taking part in a peaceful protest that might obstruct a business.
"In a healthy democracy, you need people able and empowered to stand up against something when it's wrong."
Ms O'Connor said the proposed legislation was designed to benefit Liberal Party donors in mining and gambling and logging industries.
She said the legislation was an attempt to shut down the state's conservation movement in order to access and exploit the state's natural assets without opposition.
"You only have to have a look at the legislation," she said.
"It makes specific mention of agriculture, mining and forestry, and it's passed, Liberal Party donors in mining and gambling and logging, will be able to conduct their business absolutely unfettered."
Mr Gutwein said the legislation would "ensure that people can go about their lawful occupations without being hindered, without having their business affected"
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
- Bookmark www.examiner.com.au
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter: @examineronline
- Follow us on Instagram: @examineronline
Follow us on Google News: The Examiner