WE DESERVED MUCH BETTER
THE adage that a week is a long time in politics seems quaintly naive when it comes to Tasmania. At 10am on Thursday, Premier Peter Gutwein was standing steadfastly by his embattled candidate in Braddon, Adam Brooks. The former mining minister faces allegations ranging from firearms charges to claims that he used false documents and fake identities on dating sites. All through the campaign, as the revelations played out in more detail, and the evidence mounted in granular detail, Mr Gutwein stood by Adam Brooks.
Counting in the 2021 state election concluded about 5pm on Thursday. Mr Brooks was declared elected as the third Liberal candidate in Braddon.
As we now know, Mr Brooks called Mr Gutwein at 7pm and informed him that he had travelled to Queensland on Wednesday and shortly afterwards was charged with unlawfully possessing a handgun, explosives and a fake driver’s licence. Further charges are expected, police say. Mr Brooks said that for those reasons, and for reasons of his mental health, he would not take his seat in parliament. Mr Gutwein revealed Mr Brooks’ fresh difficulties at 10am on Friday. He said Mr Brooks intends to defend himself against the new charges.
The Liberals’ decision to run Mr Brooks was controversial from the beginning. He was accused of misleading parliament three times while a minister. He was found to have deleted emails relevant to an Integrity Commission investigation. He was accused of failing to tell the truth to then Premier Will Hodgman. Eventually, he left parliament on health grounds.
As allegation upon allegation mounted against Mr Brooks, Peter Gutwein stood by his side and accepted his denials. A devotion to the presumption of innocence, to second chances and taking people at their word are noble principles, but they are surely stretched to breaking point when contrary evidence starts to become overwhelming.
Mr Brooks’ decision to end his comeback means he will not face questions in parliament himself, but Mr Gutwein is not off the hook. Given the way this episode has unfolded, sceptical observers might wonder at how conveniently the timing worked out for the Liberals. Mr Brooks’ final revelation, and Mr Gutwein’s support for his candidate, survived just one hour after the tallying of votes became final.
The 2018 election left a bitter taste in the mouths of many Tasmanians for the influence of secret donations on the campaign.
The need for greater transparency and integrity have dominated the debate since.
The Liberals have been returned to government with a majority of one. Arguably Mr Brooks was that one.
For all the triumphalism of the victory, there is a lingering doubt about the tactics the Liberals have employed by running Mr Brooks. Tasmanians deserved better than this tainted campaign.