LIBERAL MINISTERS WHO WENT MISSING

ADAM BROOKS MAY 14, 2021

Former Liberal MP Adam Brooks resigned from parliament before he was even sworn in after receiving firearms charges. The resignation came after Mr Brooks was accused creating fake online dating profiles and forging a Victorian drivers licence, which he denied. Mr Brooks was the former mining minister in the Hodgman Liberal government in 2019 but left parliament after a scandal involving the use of a private email account and an Integrity Commission investigation.

His seat was filled by Felix Ellis.

SARAH COURTNEY FEBRUARY 10, 2022

Former education minister Sarah Courtney resigned from parliament in February, in a decision which followed a slew of criticism over the timing of her holiday to France. Ms Courtney cited a desire to spend more time with her family after the death of her grandmother. Leading up to her departure were questions around Ms Courtney’s whereabouts just before students were set to return to school and adjust to learning with the looming threat of Covid. Ms Courtney’s return to Tasmania was delayed when she tested positive for the virus. She announced her resignation the day she returned to work. Ms Courtney was replaced by Lara Alexander.

JANE HOWLETT FEBRUARY 25, 2022

Upper House MP Jane Howlett held the portfolios of sport and recreation, racing and women, but she stepped down as a minister in February citing family reasons after the loss of her brother. The timing of Ms Howlett’s resignation coincided allegations of conflict of interest between her role as sports minister and her personal relationship with the CEO of the JackJumpers. Ms Howlett remains in parliament as member for Prosser.

PETER GUTWEIN APRIL 4, 2022

After calling a snap election nearly a year early, Mr Gutwein resigned as premier and member for Bass less than a year after his government was voted back in. Mr Gutwein spent 20 years in parliament and two as premier. He said he wanted to focus on his family after leading Tasmania through the challenges of Covid. Mr Gutwein was replaced by Jeremy Rockliff as premier and Simon Wood as member for Bass.

JACQUIE PETRUSMA JULY 25, 2022

The resignation of Jacquie Petrusma, who was police, fire and emergency management was announced on Monday, citing family and personal life as the reason for her departure. Ms Petrusma, who was first elected in 2010 said she needed to spend more time with her family and provide extra support. Ms Petrusma’s replacement as member for Franklin will be decided by a recount after August 15.