Humbled Shelton takes over role of Speaker

LYONS Liberal MP Mark Shelton has been elected the 39th Speaker of the Tasmanian House of Assembly.

Mr Shelton, the State Government’s nominee for the position, was elected by a vote of the House yesterday.

He was bodily escorted to the Speaker’s chair by former Speaker, Justice Minister Elise Archer and Premier Will Hodgman, in the long-running tradition of feigned reluctance by the new Speaker under the Westminster system.

In the early days of the British Parliament, several early Speakers were beheaded after displeasing the king.

Between 1399 and 1535, no fewer than seven Speakers were beheaded, so nominees were once dragged to the chair.

Mr Shelton said he was honoured to be elected to the position and promised to carry out his role with dignity and impartiality.

“I am humbled and honoured to have been sworn in as the 39th Speaker of the House of Assembly,” he said.

“I look forward to continuing to serve the people of Tasmania in my new role for the remainder of this session of Parliament.”

The ceremony was watched by former minister for state growth Matt Groom, smiling broadly from his new spot on the backbench between MPs Adam Brooks and Nic Street.

Ms Archer was elevated to the ministry after the resignations of Mr Groom and Legislative Councillor Vanessa Goodwin, taking over the roles of Minister for Justice, Corrections, Environment, Parks and the Arts.

Mr Hodgman took over responsibilities as AttorneyGeneral, while Treasurer Peter Gutwein added the State Growth portfolio.

Guy Barnett has been appointed Energy Minister in addition to retaining roles as Minister for Building and Construction and Minister for Resources. A by-election will be held in Dr Goodwin’s vacant seat of Pembroke on November 4.