Power in safe hands

WITH regard to Tony Mulder’s letter “Curtail veto power” (March 28), on November 28 I moved a motion in the Upper House to have the Legislative Council support the removal of its constitutional power to reject money bills in favour of a suspensory veto provision in line with those in Victoria and NSW. This would eliminate the Legislative Council from having the power to reject the budget and send the government of the day to an election, while the Legislative Council remained unscathed. The motion was supported, with the added amendment, to engage in “a consultation process regarding the removal of its constitutional power” so that more investigation could occur. A suspensory veto would enable the Legislative Council to achieve changes to the budget and fulfil its role as a check on the government, without leading the Tasmanian people to an election. full-time deputy lord mayor elected by the Hobart community for two lord mayors and during those seven years been acting lord mayor many times, the most recent the past two and half months, while Lord Mayor Sue Hickey contested the state election. I did not receive additional allowance. I will carry out this duty with the full integrity and accountability expected of me. It is my intention to focus on what is expected from our community, implementing our capital works program, improving city amenities, building bridges, preserving heritage and reducing traffic congestion, just some of the challenges ahead. Arthur was an atrocity and met with strict firearm laws. About the same number of lives are taken on Tasmanian roads every year with speed and alcohol significant contributing factors. Where is the clamour to have laws that prohibit vehicles from our roads that are capable of speeds more than 110km/h? Why isn’t it mandatory to have all vehicles fitted with alcohol ignition interlock devices? Why don’t drivers have to submit to a police background check before being granted a licence and why don’t all vehicles have to be fitted with immobilisers so they don’t fall into the hands of criminals? It would appear that not all lives are worthy of the same level of concern.