Your Genuine and Experienced Independent Voice for Elwick
Tasmania's Family Violence
Laws Strengthened
26 November 2024
A Private Members’ Bill from Independent Franklin MP David O’Byrne will strengthen Tasmania’s family violence laws after being approved by both houses of Parliament. The Family Violence Amendment (Protecting People and Their Pets Bill) 2024 provides that harm or threats of harm to an animal with the intent to coerce, intimidate or control a person’s spouse or partner, is a form of family violence. After being passed unanimously by the House of Assembly last week, the Bill passed the Legislative Council today after being brought on for debate by Independent Elwick MLC Bec Thomas. Comment from David O’Byrne: “This amendment was recommended by the Australian Law Reform Commission and had been campaigned for by Lucy’s Project, a national charity that aims to improve the safety of people and animals experiencing family violence. The RSPCA has also campaigned for this change. “Tasmania was the only jurisdiction where harm to animals was not explicitly recognised as a potential form of family violence. “The passage of this Bill shows what can be achieved in a collaborative parliament and I thank Ms Thomas for taking the Bill through the Legislative Council. “I want to thank Engender Equality and Lucy’s Project for their advocacy and support for my Bill.” Comment from Bec Thomas: “It is horrific to think about, but sadly family violence perpetrators can harm or threaten harm to an animal in an attempt to intimidate or coerce their partner, and this is simply not OK.” “I’m very proud to carry this Bill through the Upper House and bring Tasmania into line with the rest of the country in explicitly recognising harm to animals as a form of family violence.” “Thank you to the advocacy organisations who have long championed this reform and to David O’Byrne MP for making it happen.
Bec Thomas MLC
Glenorchy Gazette Column
November 2024
An important part of my role as an Independent Member for Elwick and Parliament is holding the Government and Government owned businesses to account when it comes to the spending of public money). Over the past couple of months this has been a major focus of my work in Parliament and I have embraced the responsibility to actively participate in Budget Estimates hearings and Public Accounts Committee (PAC) inquiries. I’ll focus on the PAC in this column, but if you’re interested in the questions I asked during Budget Estimates hearings, please visit my YouTube Channel. There are 50 members of Parliament across both the Legislative Council and House of Assembly and the PAC is comprised of three from each house. The PAC’s role is to scrutinise how taxpayers’ money is spent, gather and report on facts and make recommendations for the Government and Parliament to consider. I’m grateful to have been elected to the PAC, where my inquiring mind is put to good use! There has been no shortage of work for the PAC, including one particular issue of public interest in the new Spirit of Tasmania vessels and associated berth infrastructure. While the media attention centres around the politics and who’s to blame, the PAC inquiry seeks to establish the facts on how this sorry saga occurred, what it has cost Tasmanians and how to prevent anything like it ever happening again. The Committee has heard from key stakeholders and continues to gather evidence about additional payments made to the Finnish ship building company and how we’ve ended up in a position where we’re about to take possession of the new vessels without yet having built an appropriate wharf at which they can dock in Tasmania. The PAC’s process is inquisitorial, not adversarial – it is an inquiry, not a court. Well-framed questions are critical to proper scrutiny and the questions I’ve been asking seek not to apportion blame but to understand the lessons we can learn and changes that can be made to better safeguard the expenditure of taxpayer funds. It’s been a difficult inquiry to date, characterised by conflicting evidence, finger-pointing and a stark lack of willingness to take or even share in any responsibility. Ultimately, at the end of the day, the ships and the ports are state-owned assets and Tasmanians ought to be able to reasonably expect that state-owned companies will work together to deliver on significant projects like this in the interests of the people of Tasmania. The PAC inquiry into the new TT-Line vessels continues. To follow along, visit the PAC webpage https://www.parliament.tas.gov.au/committees/joint-committees/standing-committees/public-accounts-committee
Bec Thomas MLC
Glenorchy Gazette Column
October 2024
The Government handed down the State Budget on 12 September, and although it reveals a rather bleak financial position for the State of Tasmania, I welcome funding for a number of projects and services that will benefit our local community. Some highlights for the people of Elwick include: -$5m for the Glenorchy City Council to repair and reopen the Glenorchy Pool. -$49.7m for new Southern Tasmanian sporting facilities. -An extension of half price bus fares until June 2025 and a commitment to improve bus services and timetabling. -A ferry terminal at Wilkinson’s Point. -The recruitment of 60 additional Police Officers and the establishment of a permanent strike-force team focussed on repeat offenders. -JCP Youth programs to support young Tasmanians at risk of engagement with the justice system. -Funding for the St Johns Park mental health precinct, including new facilities for adult, child and adolescent and older persons services. -Upgrades to Rosetta Primary, Cosgrove and Hobart City High School. -Support for 16 local community sporting clubs and facilities. -Increased funding for the Moonah Multi-Cultural Hub. -Expansion of the ‘Ticket to Play’ Program for those receiving Family Tax Benefit A and a ‘Ticket to Wellbeing’ program for pensioners and health care card holders – both assisting with the cost of participation in physical activity. -$75m for Brooker Highway Upgrades (contingent on receipt of Australian Government Funding). I am hopeful this $75m allocated to the Brooker Highway upgrades includes works to improve safety at the Montrose Bay foreshore intersection. This notorious intersection has long been a major concern for community members for some time, as hundreds of cars precariously cross in and out to access Montrose Bay High School and the foreshore facilities, every day. An upgrade to this intersection is vital for the safety of all those who utilise the Brooker Highway and I’ll keep advocating for it until it is delivered. The delivery of the multi-purpose indoor court facility promised in 2018 is also well overdue, so I’ll be seeking assurance that the $49.7m for new Southern Tasmanian sporting facilities includes this project and I’ll keep pressing the Government until this is delivered, too. Outside of Parliament, it’s been great to get out and about in the community, meeting people and visiting community organisations and businesses. My pop-up office at Northgate in August was a great success – thank you to those who came up for a chat or just to say hello. Keep an eye on my gazette ad and socials for details of upcoming pop-ups, it would be great to see you. I hope to be able to announce an opening date for my Electorate Office in Derwent Park next month! In the meantime, please do not hesitate to email me at bec.thomas@parliament.tas.gov.au.
Bec Thomas MLC
Glenorchy Gazette Column
September 2024
I am pleased to write my first column as your Independent Member for Elwick in the Legislative Council, keeping you updated on how I’m serving and representing you in the Tasmanian Parliament and broader community. In August I proudly delivered my inaugural speech, outlining what I hope to achieve, thanking supporters, sharing personal experiences and speaking of specific issues affecting the people of Elwick. During question time I’ve asked the Government about the delayed Container Refund Scheme (Recycle Rewards), the 2018 election commitment to develop a new multi-purpose sports facility in Glenorchy and whether the Government will urgently invest in school indoor court facilities so everyone has somewhere to play while this long-awaited facility is developed. Together with President of the Legislative Council and Member for Derwent, the Hon. Craig Farrell MLC, I hosted the 2024 Glenorchy Community Award recipients for morning tea and spoke about their achievements in a Special Interest Matter address to the Legislative Council. We’ve passed a number of bills, making and amending legislation on a range of topics to provide for a better Tasmania, including repealing begging as a crime and making changes to the Sentencing Act to better support offenders experiencing alcohol addiction. We passed the Racing Regulation and Integrity Bill, which will see the establishment of a Racing Integrity Commissioner and Chief Racing Integrity Officer, as well as an Animal Welfare Advisory Committee. The new Act makes clear the importance of animal welfare in the racing industry, in line with the expectation of the Parliament, and community, that due care for animals must be demonstrated and due penalties issued whenever it is not. We passed legislation to provide for the appointment of a Child Safety Reform Implementation Monitor to make sure there’s action taken in response to the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry into child sexual abuse in institutional settings. We amended taxation legislation to provide for stamp-duty and apartment development concessions. We commenced debate on the Disability Inclusion and Safeguarding Bill and I spoke about the experience and challenges of my friend Katie, during my contribution. To view some of my contributions in Parliament, please visit my YouTube Channel ‘Bec Thomas MLC – Independent Member for Elwick’ at www.youtube.com I’m very pleased to have recruited Duncan Warburton to work with me as the Elwick Electorate Officer and together we look forward to getting out and about in the community supporting community organisations and sporting clubs, now Duncan is on board. We hope to have our electorate office up and running in the old Makita shop at 3/269 Main Road Derwent Park by November and we look forward to welcoming community members in for a coffee and a chat! In the meantime, if you have any questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact us via phone or at bec.thomas@parliament.tas.gov.au or come along to our pop-up office at Northgate or Moonah – we’d love to see you!
Bec Thomas MLC
Question on Notice and Government Response
Question 96 - 19 November 2024
During Budget estimates in September this year, Minister for Children and Young People, the Hon Roger Jaensch MP, confirmed the Government is committed to funding youth offending place-based initiatives to the amount of $2.3 million. Of this $2.3 million, $800,000 is allocated for the 2024/25 financial year to ‘build on the Youth Justice Blueprint and support innovative local initiatives.’ The Minister confirmed that some of this funding would be allocated to a youth offending place-based initiative in Glenorchy. We are already five months into this financial year and our young people, and the Glenorchy community, continue to be adversely affected by youth offending and the current justice response. So, my questions are as follows: 1.What organisations have been consulted in the development of the youth offending place-based initiative in Glenorchy? 2.How much of the $800,000 will be allocated to the Glenorchy youth offending place-based initiative? 3.What will the Glenorchy youth offending place-based initiative involve? 4.Who will take the lead in delivering the initiative in Glenorchy? 5.When will the youth offending place-based initiative in Glenorchy commence? Answer: The model to implement a youth offending place-based approach in the Northern Suburbs, inclusive of Glenorchy and Brighton, is still under development and will be finalised later this year. The model is being informed by engagement with community stakeholders to determine the needs and priorities of local communities. A stepped approach consultation with organisations in the Northen Suburbs has commenced with the Brighton municipality and community stakeholders with the next phase to cover the Glenorchy area. As the consultation on a model for case management and earlier intervention local solutions is ongoing, there have been no decisions made on the lead or the division of funding for initiatives. It is expected a model for implementing the approaches will be finalised later this year. Once the model of case management is finalised, implementation will be progressed as a matter of priority. I am happy to provide further updates to the Legislative Council when the model is finalised.
Bec Thomas MLC
Question on Notice and Government Response
Question 83 - 30 October 2024
The financial burden for families seeking assessments for ADHD and other neurodevelopmental disabilities is significant for those earning a regular and substantial income. For others, with lower or less regular income, it is simply unaffordable. As at 27 September 2024, the wait time published on the Department of Health website for internally referred Paediatric Developmental Behaviour appointments is 25 days for urgent, 480 days for semi-urgent and 565 days for non-urgent cases. These significant delays impact on a child’s ability to successfully engage in education and develop pro-social skills to help form healthy relationships and increase the risk of mental health challenges. 1. What are the criteria for determining whether an appointment is urgent, semi-urgent or non-urgent? 2. What is the wait time for externally referred Paediatric Developmental Behaviour Clinic appointments? 3. What action is the Government taking to make diagnosis of ADHD and other neurodevelopmental disabilities more accessible? ANSWER: 1) A patient is allocated an appointment category based on the urgency of the condition from the information provided in their referral. The three categories are: Category 1 (urgent): Appointment within 30 days is desirable; and Condition will require more complex or emergent care if assessment is delayed; and Condition will have a significant impact on quality of life if care is delayed beyond 30 days. Category 2 (semi-urgent): Appointment within 90 days is desirable; and Condition has potential to require more complex care if assessment is delayed; and Condition has the potential to have some impact on quality of life if care is delayed beyond 90 days. Category 3 (non-urgent): Appointment within 365 days is desirable; and Condition is unlikely to deteriorate quickly; and Condition is unlikely to require more complex care if assessment is delayed beyond 365 days. Developmental and behavioural concerns, including for ADHD assessment, are generally not prioritised as Category 1. Category 1 patients are patients with life threatening and time critical conditions. 2) The current average time on the neurodevelopmental waiting list is 406 days. 3) The Tasmanian Government is absolutely committed to making it easier for people with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder to get the right care, in the right place, at the right time. We continue to progress our election commitment for a new GP specialist service for children with ADHD to ensure families can access a GP with a special interest sooner, with $2.5 million committed in the recent budget to progress this important service 3) Planning work is also underway to develop an ADHD clinic run jointly between paediatrics and the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS). This would be a dedicated ADHD service, combing resources of our neurodevelopmental clinic and staffing from CAMHS, to run a truly multidisciplinary ADHD clinic, with a priority on improving accesses. This clinic could incorporate additional GPs. Kids care clinics have been set up over the past two years and see vulnerable children with neurodevelopmental concerns and conduct both ADHD and autism assessments.
Squeeky Wheel Approach Reaps Indoor Sports Facility Reward
Media Release - 4 November 2024
Weeks of questioning by Independent Member for Elwick, Bec Thomas MLC, has finally paid dividends with the Government making a commitment to deliver the long-awaited four court multi-purpose indoor sports facility at Claremont College. During Legislative Council question-time last Thursday, Ms Thomas again asked new Minister for Sports and Events, the Hon Nick Duigan MLC, when the Government would announce the location for the 2018 election promise. After committing to making a decision in the next week, Minister Duigan stood together with sporting association representatives on the weekend to announce Claremont College as the location of the $28m facility. Ms Thomas welcomed the announcement but noted the long-awaited four-court facility will only scratch the surface in meeting demand, with participation in indoor sports on a rapid rise. “Since being elected in May I’ve been like a dog with a bone in putting pressure on the Government to get on with the job of delivering the much needed and long-awaited multi-purpose indoor court facility in Glenorchy,” Ms Thomas said. “It’s fantastic the Government has finally done the due diligence it should’ve done six years ago and settled on Claremont College as the site for the four-court stadium.” “But over the past almost seven years since this facility was promised, participation in basketball and other indoor sports has increased significantly, and it’ll still be another couple of years before this facility is developed, in which time demand will only continue to increase.” Ms Thomas noted the Government had committed to a $30m spend on the northern suburbs multi-purpose sports facility and demanded the $2m remaining from the $28m spend be spent on upgrading other facilities in the northern suburbs so that no one misses out on the opportunity to participate while the new facility is developed. “I’ll be asking questions about where that additional $2m is going and calling on the Government to spend this $2m on urgent upgrades to the indoor court facilities at Cosgrove High School and/or Moonah Sports Centre, so our kids have somewhere to play whilst the new Northern Suburbs Sports Centre is developed at Claremont College.” “It’s high time the Government got on with the job of delivering long-awaited and much needed indoor facilities for the people of the Northern Suburbs,” Ms Thomas said. Ms Thomas also called on the Government to develop a sports infrastructure strategy to ensure the timely planning and delivery of sporting infrastructure. “The development of a sports infrastructure strategy is essential and well-overdue. We must strategically plan for the type and number of facilities needed for both community and high-performance sport into the future.” “The debacle of the northern suburbs community courts project has demonstrated the need for such a strategy. A six-year delay could have been potentially avoided if due diligence had been done in the first place,” Ms Thomas said.
Bec Thomas MLC
Question on Notice and Government Response
Question 83 - 30 October 2024
The financial burden for families seeking assessments for ADHD and other neurodevelopmental disabilities is significant for those earning a regular and substantial income. For others, with lower or less regular income, it is simply unaffordable. As at 27 September 2024, the wait time published on the Department of Health website for internally referred Paediatric Developmental Behaviour appointments is 25 days for urgent, 480 days for semi-urgent and 565 days for non-urgent cases. These significant delays impact on a child’s ability to successfully engage in education and develop pro-social skills to help form healthy relationships and increase the risk of mental health challenges. 1. What are the criteria for determining whether an appointment is urgent, semi-urgent or non-urgent? 2. What is the wait time for externally referred Paediatric Developmental Behaviour Clinic appointments? 3. What action is the Government taking to make diagnosis of ADHD and other neurodevelopmental disabilities more accessible? ANSWER: 1) A patient is allocated an appointment category based on the urgency of the condition from the information provided in their referral. The three categories are: Category 1 (urgent): Appointment within 30 days is desirable; and Condition will require more complex or emergent care if assessment is delayed; and Condition will have a significant impact on quality of life if care is delayed beyond 30 days. Category 2 (semi-urgent): Appointment within 90 days is desirable; and Condition has potential to require more complex care if assessment is delayed; and Condition has the potential to have some impact on quality of life if care is delayed beyond 90 days. Category 3 (non-urgent): Appointment within 365 days is desirable; and Condition is unlikely to deteriorate quickly; and Condition is unlikely to require more complex care if assessment is delayed beyond 365 days. Developmental and behavioural concerns, including for ADHD assessment, are generally not prioritised as Category 1. Category 1 patients are patients with life threatening and time critical conditions. 2) The current average time on the neurodevelopmental waiting list is 406 days. 3) The Tasmanian Government is absolutely committed to making it easier for people with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder to get the right care, in the right place, at the right time. We continue to progress our election commitment for a new GP specialist service for children with ADHD to ensure families can access a GP with a special interest sooner, with $2.5 million committed in the recent budget to progress this important service 3) Planning work is also underway to develop an ADHD clinic run jointly between paediatrics and the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS). This would be a dedicated ADHD service, combing resources of our neurodevelopmental clinic and staffing from CAMHS, to run a truly multidisciplinary ADHD clinic, with a priority on improving accesses. This clinic could incorporate additional GPs. Kids care clinics have been set up over the past two years and see vulnerable children with neurodevelopmental concerns and conduct both ADHD and autism assessments.
Bec Thomas MLC
Question on Notice and Government Response
Question 84 - 21 October 2024
In February 2011, the then Department of Infrastructure, Energy and Resources released its Brooker Highway Transport Plan. The document states that safety improvements to the Foreshore Road/Duncan Street intersection are considered a ‘high priority project’, however 13 years on, no improvements have occurred. Every day, hundreds of cars precariously cross in and out of this intersection to access Montrose Bay High School and the Montrose Bay foreshore park and walkway. This presents significant road safety concerns, not just for locals but for all users of that busy section of the Brooker Highway. The 2024-25 Budget Paper No. 1 refers to Brooker Highway upgrades (page 144) under the heading ‘Future Infrastructure Projects contingent on Australian Government Funding’. The table notes an estimated total project cost of $75m, made up of a $60m Australian Government contribution and $15m Tasmanian Government contribution. 1. Does the $75m for Brooker Highway upgrades mentioned on page 144 of Budget Paper No. 1 include the Brooker Highway/Duncan Street intersection project? 2. What is the estimated total cost of this intersection upgrade? 3. Is the project ‘shovel ready’? If not, what still needs to be done for it to be shovel ready? 4. Considering this project was identified as a high priority project in 2011, why has it still not commenced 13 years later? 5. Has the Government had any discussions with Members of the Australian Parliament advocating for funding for this project? 6. When will the outcome of the bid for the $60m in Australian Government funding for Brooker Highway upgrades be known? 7. When does the Government expect the urgent improvements to the Foreshore Road/Duncan Street intersection to commence? 8. Can the Government commit to delivering this project regardless of whether Australian Government funding is received? ANSWER: 1. No, the project is expected to be jointly funded through the Australian Government’s Road Safety Program, with State funds to come from the Road Safety Levy, based on an 80:20 split between the Australian and Tasmanian Governments. 2. The Department of State Growth does have a cost estimate for the project, however, the department is planning on tendering the project for construction in early 2025. The cost estimate has not provided its final design cost estimate at this time to avoid negatively impacting the upcoming tender process, although it is expected to be within the F5 to F10 financial level range for State Roads pre-qualified civil (road and bridge) construction contracts. 3. Yes, the project is shovel ready. The project design is now being finalised and is expected to be tendered early 2025. 4. The project is complex incorporating a number of critical utility services, and is located on one of the busiest road corridors in Hobart. The Department of State Growth has been developing the design so it can be ready for construction. In addition, several other higher priority projects were progressed on the Brooker Highway before this one specific intersection, including signalising the Howard Road intersection and realigning the Elwick Road intersection. 5. The Department of State Growth is working with the Australian Government to receive funding from the National Road Safety Program to construct this project. 6. The Department of State Growth has requested the $60 million to match the $15 million Tasmanian Government committed at 80:20. The outcome is expected to occur when the next Australian Government budget is announced. 7. The Department of State Growth expects to have a construction contract awarded and a contractor in place to begin works by mid-2025. 8. If the Australian Government does not provide funding for the project under the National Road Safety Program, the Department of State Growth will assess opportunities for progressing the project using other available funding sources while also considering overall project priorities across the state road network.
Thomas Calls for Urgent Action on
Highway Danger Zone
22 October 2024
Independent Member for Elwick, Bec Thomas MLC, is calling on the Government to progress urgent road safety upgrades at the Montrose Bay intersection on the Brooker Highway. Ms Thomas says the Brooker Highway intersection connecting Duncan Street and Montrose Bay High School and Foreshore Park has long been a major safety concern for many local residents and visitors. “Hundreds of cars precariously cross in and out of this intersection to access Montrose Bay High School and the Montrose Bay foreshore park and walkway every day. This presents significant road safety concerns, not just for locals, but for all users of that busy section of the Brooker Highway.” In Legislative Council question time on Monday, Ms Thomas pressed the Government on delays and timeframes and asked for a commitment to urgently deliver the project regardless of whether Federal Government funding is received. “The 2011 Brooker Highway Transport Plan listed safety improvements to the Montrose Foreshore Road/Duncan Street intersection as a ‘high-priority project’, however we are now 13 years on and still no improvements have occurred,” Ms Thomas said. In response, the Government advised it will seek National Road Safety funding to assist with the upgrades and is planning on tendering the project for construction in early 2025. Ms Thomas said she will now write to members of Federal Parliament seeking to garner their support for the project. “I’m pleased to hear the project is shovel ready and the Government plans to put it out for tender in early 2025, but I’m concerned that Australian Government funding is still to be secured some 13 years after the project was identified as a priority.” “It’s high time the Government got on with this project before someone is seriously injured or killed,” Ms Thomas said
Thomas Calls for Permanent Breast-Screen Facility in Glenorchy
20 September 2024
Independent Member for Elwick, Bec Thomas MLC has called on the Government to establish a permanent Breast Screen Tasmania service in Glenorchy to provide better access to one of the most effective ways to identify the early signs of breast cancer. In June the Government announced $15m for a new Public Diagnostic Breast Care Centre to be located in Hobart, but Ms Thomas said this is little comfort for many women who live in Glenorchy and other outer lying areas. During Question Time in the Legislative Council on Thursday, Ms Thomas queried the Government’s choice of location and asked if a permanent facility could be established at the Glenorchy Health Centre. “Many women from Glenorchy and outer-lying areas are unable to, or less likely to, access services in Hobart due to cost, transport and parking issues.” “Breast cancer is the second biggest cause of cancer death among Australian women. Early detection can save lives, but only 58% of Tasmanian women aged between 50-74 participate in breast screening,” Ms Thomas said. Breast Screen Tasmania operates a mobile breast screen unit, the ‘pink bus’, typically stationed at Glenorchy for 2-3 months per year and Ms Thomas said the demand for this demonstrates the need for a permanent facility. “When the Pink Bus is stationed in Glenorchy it is always fully booked or oversubscribed. This is a clear indication that Glenorchy needs a permanent breast-screen facility,” she said. In response to Ms Thomas’s question, the Leader of Government Business, Leonie Hiscutt MLC, confirmed locating a permanent breast screen site in Glenorchy remains under consideration. “I’m pleased to hear the Government continues to explore options for a permanent site in Glenorchy, as better access will save lives,” Ms Thomas said.
Bec Thomas MLC
Questions on Notice
Question 62- 18 September 2024
As Mayor of Glenorchy, in 2023 I wrote to the Minister for Health asking for a permanent Breast Screen Tasmania service to be established in Glenorchy. The response said options for new facilities were being explored. In June this year the Government announced that planning has commenced to deliver a new $15m Public Diagnostic Breast Care Centre in Hobart, with the aim of improving access to imaging for Tasmanians. Minister Barnett said “This new service will increase capacity, reduce wait times and ease the financial impact on Tasmanians requiring these services.” Many women from Glenorchy and outer lying areas are unable to access services based in the Hobart CBD due to a range of factors including cost, transport and parking issues. The mobile breast screen unit, or the pink bus, typically stationed in Glenorchy for 2-3 months per year is always fully or over-subscribed. 1.What was the Government’s rationale for choosing Hobart as the location for the new Public Diagnostic Breast Care Centre? 2.Did the Government consider developing the new Public Diagnostic Breast Care Centre in Glenorchy, rather than Hobart? 3.Will the Government continue to explore options for a permanent public breast screening facility in Glenorchy? 4.Could the Glenorchy Health Centre accommodate a permanent public breast screening facility? If not, why not?
Bec Thomas MLC
Questions on Notice
Question 63 - 18 September 2024
In August 2023, 180 Metro Tasmania services were suspended across Greater Hobart. The Government committed to reviewing the suspended services within six months. In February this year, then Transport Minister, Michael Ferguson, announced that a re-elected Liberal Government would “take more control and responsibility for timetabling of Metro bus services, particularly in the Hobart network.” Honourable Leader, my questions are as follows: 1.How and when will the Government implement its election commitment to “take more control and responsibility for timetabling of Metro bus services, particularly in the Hobart network”? 2.Has the reduced number of Metros bus services resulted in improved reliability of the services that were maintained? 3.Can the Government provide data to demonstrate improved reliability of Metro services since the suspension of some services in August 2023, ie. less services cancelled and more services running on time?
Bec Thomas MLC
Questions on Notice
Question 60 - 18 September 2024
Redevelopment of the Port of Hobart is a key component of the TasPorts Port Master Plan developed in 2018. Six years on, Tasports confirm the assets at Macquarie Wharf 4, 5 and 6 are approaching end of life, whereby routine maintenance is undertaken annually in order to sustain a minimal service level. The urgent redevelopment of Macquarie Wharf 6, in particular, is critical if Hobart is to remain the home of the Antarctic research ship the RSV Nuyina. The Antarctic and Southern Ocean sector contributes more than $183 million each year to the Tasmanian economy. The sector, which provides research, training, and support services to the Australian Antarctic program and other Antarctic programs from around the world, now employs nearly 1000 people in Tasmania. Hobart's status as the gateway to Antarctica and the subsequent jobs and economic gains are under threat due to protracted negotiations with the Federal Government on the redevelopment of Macquarie Wharf 6. 1.What is the Tasmanian Government’s position on who is responsible for funding the maintenance, renewal and development of new state-owned port infrastructure, including Macquarie Wharf 6? 2.Is the Government committed to ensuring Tasmania remains the gateway to Antarctica? 3.What actions have been taken by the Premier, Minister, Co-ordinator General, TasPorts, and any other relevant Tasmanian Government representatives to ensure the redevelopment of Macquarie Wharf 6 occurs so that Tasmania remains the gateway to Antarctica?
Bec Thomas MLC
Questions on Notice
Question 58 - 18 September 2024
Six years ago, during the 2018 election, the Tasmanian Liberal Government made a commitment to developing a new multi-purpose indoor sports facility in Glenorchy. Work has not yet commenced on this project and sporting organisations in the northern suburbs are turning people away due to lack of capacity within existing indoor court facilities. On 16 August, you advised 15 sites were being investigated and a shortlist was expected to be provided to the Minister by the end of August. 1.Has a shortlist of suitable sites for the multi-purpose indoor sports facility now been provided to the Minister? 2.When will the government announce the site for the multi-purpose indoor sports facility in Glenorchy? 3.When does the government expect to commence and complete the multi-purpose indoor sports facility in Glenorchy?
Bec Thomas MLC
Questions on Notice
Question 57 - 18 September 2024
The Hobart City Deal signed five years ago commits to “activating the Northern Suburbs Transit Corridor through transit-oriented development that prioritises urban renewal and improves housing supply, affordability and diversity.” The City Deal states that “this will include the delivery of the most cost-effective public transport solution on the corridor, which refers to the existing rail corridor, within 5 to 10 years.” 1.How much Australian and Tasmanian Government funding has been committed to delivering the infrastructure required for the rapid bus service proposed along the Northern Suburbs Transit corridor? 2.Is the release of the Australian Government funding for the project contingent on the provision of a strategic business case? 3.When will the strategic business case for the Northern Suburbs Transit Corridor rapid bus service be finalised? 4.When will the strategic business case for the rapid bus service be released to the public? 5.Is there any risk the Federal Government funding committed to the activation of the Northern Suburbs Transit Corridor will be withdrawn?
Bec Thomas MLC
Questions on Notice
Question 56 - 18 September 2024
Passenger Transport Service Regulations came into effect on 26 June 2023 and prescribed ‘Powers of authorised officer’ in Division 3. This paved the way for Transit Officers on Metro buses to be provided more powers, to improve safety for bus drivers and passengers. In September 2023, the Government announced a $8.1 million support package for Tasmanian bus drivers. The package was to be implemented in two phases with phase one including initiatives such as personal safety, a pay rise and more attractive rosters to recruit and retain bus drivers. The announcement said phase two of the package would be accelerated to provide individual officers authorised by the Transport Commissioner with new powers, including the capacity to issue infringement notices and remove disorderly passengers. Have Transit Officers on Metro bus services been authorised in writing by the Commission, as per Section 9 (2) of the Traffic Act 1925 to enable them to exercise the powers of authorised officers under Division 3 of the Passenger Transport Service Regulations? Noting the regulations providing new powers came into effect in June last year, if the Commission has not yet granted this authorisation, what is the reason for the delay, and when does the Government expect this authorisation to occur?
Bec Thomas MLC
Questions on Notice
Question 44 - 14 August 2024
Six years ago, during the 2018 election, the Tasmanian Liberal Government made a commitment to developing a new multi-purpose indoor sports facility in Glenorchy. The 2018-19 Budget Paper No. 2, Volume 1 read “The new complex will provide fit-for-purpose, multi-use courts and sports amenities that meet current and future demands of community and elite sports participants. The multi-sport facility will cater for a wide variety of sports to be determined by extensive community consultation, for example basketball, volleyball, netball, squash, table tennis, futsal, badminton, dance, martial arts, roller derby, gymnastics and other community events.” Work has not yet commenced on this project and sporting organisations in the northern suburbs are turning people away due to lack of capacity within existing indoor court facilities. 1.When will the government announce the site for the multi-purpose indoor sports facility in Glenorchy? 2.When does the government expect to commence and complete the multi-purpose indoor sports facility in Glenorchy? 3.How much funding will the government invest in the multi-purpose indoor sports facility in Glenorchy? 4.What is the expected total cost of the JackJumpers High-Performance Training Centre at Kingston? 5.How much funding will the government invest in the JackJumpers High-Performance Training Centre at Kingston? 6.Will the government seek private partnership funding for the JackJumpers High Performance Training Centre at Kingston? 7.When does the government expect the JackJumpers High Performance Training Centre at Kingston to be commenced and completed?
Bec Thomas MLC
Questions on Notice
Question 43 - 14 August 2024
(To the Minister for Education)
Six years ago, during the 2018 election, the Tasmanian Liberal Government made a commitment to developing a new multi-purpose indoor sports facility in Glenorchy. The 2018-19 Budget Paper No. 2, Volume 1 read “The new complex will provide fit-for-purpose, multi-use courts and sports amenities that meet current and future demands of community and elite sports participants. The multi-sport facility will cater for a wide variety of sports to be determined by extensive community consultation, for example basketball, volleyball, netball, squash, table tennis, futsal, badminton, dance, martial arts, roller derby, gymnastics and other community events.” Work has not yet commenced on this project and sporting organisations in the northern suburbs are turning people away due to lack of capacity within existing indoor court facilities. 1.Will the government provide funding to urgently upgrade local school indoor courts in the northern suburbs, so our kids have somewhere to play and no one misses out while it continues to plan and deliver the new multi-purpose indoor sports facility? 2.What outcomes have the Community Liaison – Sport roles in the Department for Education, Children and Young People achieved to date in increasing access to school facilities outside of school hours, for sport and any other community purpose? 3.Have the Community Liaison – Sport roles in the Department for Education, Children and Young People connected any schools and sporting organisations in the Glenorchy local government area, Newtown and Lenah Valley? If so, can you please provide detail of these connections?
Bec Thomas MLC
Questions on Notice
Question 43 - 14 August 2024
Six years ago, during the 2018 election, the Tasmanian Liberal Government made a commitment to developing a new multi-purpose indoor sports facility in Glenorchy. The 2018-19 Budget Paper No. 2, Volume 1 read “The new complex will provide fit-for-purpose, multi-use courts and sports amenities that meet current and future demands of community and elite sports participants. The multi-sport facility will cater for a wide variety of sports to be determined by extensive community consultation, for example basketball, volleyball, netball, squash, table tennis, futsal, badminton, dance, martial arts, roller derby, gymnastics and other community events.” Work has not yet commenced on this project and sporting organisations in the northern suburbs are turning people away due to lack of capacity within existing indoor court facilities. 1.Will the government provide funding to urgently upgrade local school indoor courts in the northern suburbs, so our kids have somewhere to play and no one misses out while it continues to plan and deliver the new multi-purpose indoor sports facility? 2.What outcomes have the Community Liaison – Sport roles in the Department for Education, Children and Young People achieved to date in increasing access to school facilities outside of school hours, for sport and any other community purpose? 3.Have the Community Liaison – Sport roles in the Department for Education, Children and Young People connected any schools and sporting organisations in the Glenorchy local government area, Newtown and Lenah Valley? If so, can you please provide detail of these connections?
Thomas Calls on Government to Deliver on 2018 Election Promise
16 August 2024
Independent Member for Elwick, Bec Thomas, has called on the Tasmanian Liberal Government to urgently deliver on its 2018 election promise of a new multi-purpose indoor sports facility in Glenorchy. During question time on Thursday, Ms Thomas asked the Government to provide an update on the proposed facility, which was pitched in the 2018-19 Budget Paper No. 2 as a complex which will provide ‘fit-for purpose, multi-use courts and sports amenities that will meet current and future demands of community and elite sports participants. “It is now over six years since this promise was made, and the people of the Northern Suburbs don’t even have certainty of location of this facility, let alone an expected completion or commencement date,” Ms Thomas said. “Sadly, some sporting clubs are forced to turn kids away as there simply aren’t enough courts to meet demand. This is not only devastating for them, but it also means they are missing out on the many health and social benefits of that sport can bring.” Noting that many local school indoor court facilities sit empty outside of school hours, Ms Thomas also urged the Government to provide funding to upgrade these spaces to acceptable and modern standards, until the multi-purpose complex is completed. “There is a huge opportunity for the Government to work with local schools and grassroots community sporting organisations to provide more indoor courts to give our kids somewhere to play while it continues to plan and deliver the new multi-purpose indoor facility,” Ms Thomas said. In response, the Government advised a shortlist of sites will be provided to the Minister for Sports and Events by the end of August. Ms Thomas said she will continue to advocate strongly for this much-needed facility. “I’ll be closely following the Government’s progress with this project and requesting regular updates, with the aim of seeing this much needed and long-awaited facility delivered for our community,” Ms Thomas said.