Throwing down the gauntlet

SUE Hickey has thrown a challenge out to all Tasmanian politicians to finally put the people before politics while throwing the gauntlet down to her own party for courage in leadership, and for collaborative and innovative ways of addressing the burgeoning problems impacting so negatively on Tasmanian lives, not least of all in the health system (Talking Point, October 12). Hopefully Sue’s words will be followed up by effective action and she won’t just be yet another voice in the wilderness throwing out a plea for sanity, co-operation and selfless action in order to restore hope, health and wellbeing in what is a deeply troubled and spiritually dysfunctional state.

Plans under way

HOW disappointing that rebel Speaker Sue Hickey criticises her own team to gain publicity. If she had joined her fellow Liberals at the State Council she would have heard Premier Will Hodgman outline the challenges facing Tasmanians. Hodgman’s speech not only outlined the achievements of a stable majority Liberal government but addressed the growing demand for health and welfare services that despite record spending in the past four years is outpacing funds available. Members of the party, some of whom preselected Sue as a candidate at the state election, discussed the benefits of the policies her party advocated in February and March that were accepted by voters as long-term solutions to the underlying causes, needs and expectations of our state. Ms Hickey needs to listen to the ordinary members of the party without whom she would not be in the Parliament.