Premier to list his 280 things to do

A 280-point plan including a major health announcement and a crackdown on bullying will headline Premier Will Hodgman’s mission statement on the first day of State Parliament for the year.

Politicians return to Parliament House today for a largely ceremonial day of sittings after an extended summer break.

Following an ecumenical service at St David’s Cathedral, new Liberal members Joan Rylah and John Tucker will take their places in the House of Assembly, replacing Adam Brooks and Rene Hidding.

When Mr Hodgman delivers his State of the State address in the afternoon he is expected to spell out the Government’s Agenda 2019, which will list more than 280 initiatives or milestones it hopes to achieve.

The list includes the new bullying laws aiming to protect victims of serious online bullying, particularly children. The laws will expand the existing crime of stalking to address behaviours including targeting those who use the internet with the intention to cause serious physical or mental harm.

Mr Hodgman is also expected to make a major new health funding announcement.

The speech is to detail new strategies for Hobart traffic congestion and changes to planning rules to boost urban housing construction.

The return of parliament was delayed for one week after the resignation of Mr Hidding left the Government short of majority in the Lower House.

Opposition Leader Rebecca White said Labor was eager to get back.

“We’re looking forward to getting back into parliament this year given that we’ve already had a week’s delay because of the chaos and dysfunction of the Hodgman Liberal government,” she said.

“There are a number of questions that we have to ask the Premier and his team, primarily what is happening with the health system, how are they going to get the targets they set to build more affordable housing,” Ms White said.

Greens leader Cassy O’Connor prefaced the return of parliament with an attack on Labor over its stance on pill testing and said the party would focus on firearms policy, climate change, developments in wilderness areas and the proposed Mt Wellington cable car.

The first Question Time for the year is scheduled for Wednesday morning.