Gutwein defends border system

PREMIER Peter Gutwein says he is responsible for, but not involved in, decisions made at arm’s length by the state controller he appointed to administer the border permit system his government designed.

Questions were raised about the application of the state’s essential traveller permit system this week after revelations a hotel consultant received a permit ahead of a hotel’s grand opening, while some businesses’ bids for essential workers were knocked back.

Information released under Right to Information laws revealed a request from a lobbyist to a senior public servant to help speed up the hotel consultant’s permit.

Mr Gutwein denied any wrongdoing had occurred and accused critics of questioning the integrity of Tasmania Police Commissioner Darren Hine — despite nobody questioning Mr Hine’s integrity.

Under the state of emergency rules, Mr Hine must approve all permits for nonTasmanian residents to enter the state without undergoing quarantine, but he has said he is unable to check the assertions people make when they claim they are essential workers whose skills are not available locally.

“Under the Act it’s the Premier who determines whether or not we have a state of emergency and in terms of [Police Commissioner] Darren’s [Hine’s] role is based on my decision in terms of the advice that I receive,” he said.

“But in terms of the Act ultimately, I’m the one that’s responsible to the Tasmanian people.”

Labor’s David O’Byrne said Mr Gutwein’s bid to deflect responsibility to Mr Hine was not appropriate.