I’ve learned by loss: Bec

LABOR leader Rebecca White says she has learned the lessons of this year’s election defeat and was committed to trying to win government in 2022.

In an extensive interview live-streamed on the Mercury’s website, Ms White also said Labor did not have a fixed position on the public sector pay issue and that she was open to seeing parliament reconsider voluntary assisted dying.

Premier Will Hodgman will be interviewed live on the website this morning from 9am.

LABOR’S election defeat was disappointing but the party had built a good base to win the next state election, Opposition Leader Rebecca White says.

In a look back at the year in politics, Ms White said that while the result was tough, it had given Labor a good base from which to win government in 2022.

“What we’ve learnt from that will aid us as we go forward to the next election,” she said. “We’ll build on the numbers that we’ve got, given that we’ve got two members in every electorate and that gives us much greater coverage and better representation.”

Ms White said she would remain party leader.

“I’m committed to take us to the next election. I feel I’ve got their support and the support of the wider party and we’re in good shape,” she said.

“I think questions will probably be asked about whether Will Hodgman will lead the Liberals to the next election given he’s looking quite tired and there are contenders nipping at his heels no doubt.”

Ms White answered questions from Mercury readers on topics ranging from solar feedin tariffs, better access to tourist attractions for disabled people and the use of the poison 1080.

She said Labor did not have a fixed position on the public sector pay issue, noting the party had abandoned its commitment to a 2 per cent cap and was committed to genuine negotiations.

And she said she was open to seeing parliament reconsider the issue of voluntary assisted dying.

“I think it’ll probably happen but it has to be done in a way that recognises there were flaws with the previous Bill that meant it didn’t pass the parliament. There’s no point continuing to put something up that keeps failing.

“But presuming that because the Speaker supports something and therefore it’s a fait accompli and it’s going to get through parliament is the wrong approach to take.”