Ex-top pollies back Hickey

FORMER speakers and premiers have ruled in favour of the fiercely independent Sue Hickey.

The Liberal Speaker invited former speakers and premiers for a catch-up luncheon in Parliament yesterday.

Labor veteran Michael Pol- ley, who was speaker for about 20 years and retired in 2013 as Australia’s longest-serving politician, said he believed the Government had an opportunity in Ms Hickey’s independence.

“I think the Speaker is doing an excellent job,” the former Lyons MHA said.

Former Braddon Liberal MHA Tony Rundle, who was speaker from 1988-89 and premier from 1996-98, said Ms Hickey’s independence was positive.

“Obviously it presents difficulties for the Government, but it’s a good thing,” Mr Rundle said. The sentiment was echoed by Liberal party veteran Ron Cornish.

“The closer the numbers between parties the better [parliament] operated,” said Mr Cornish, who held 14 ministerial portfolios over almost 22 years.

Former Labor premier Lara Giddings — who was the state’s first female leader — said it was an “interesting parliament” that could not hide behind politics when examining issues.

“I think there’s nothing better than actually seeing political debate that matters,” Ms Giddings said.

“Now with a Speaker who’s willing to look at issues on merit, it means the Government actually has to look at the issues.”

Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES MEMBERS ONLY: Gathering for a catch-up luncheon are Tony Rundle, left, David Bartlett, Lara Giddings, Andrew Lohrey, Speaker Sue Hickey, Michael Polley, Mark Shelton and Ron Cornish.