Tasmanian politics ... what is to be done?By MAREE ROBERTSTastimes makes compelling reading for Tasmaniacs- those Tas-born, expat and inpat, and those who have simply come to love its spaces and people. This is apparent from the many thoughtful contributions this site attracts. There are many common threads in the contributions. These centre around: * the lack of democracy in Tasmania. This encompasses accountability from Government, as well as changes to Parliament and legislation to restrict alternative voices (e.g., parliamentary representation changes, FOI changes). * the forestry debate * lack of jobs * selling off Tasmania cheap - whether to developers or woodchippers. These are issues deep-rooted in Tasmanian soil. Tasmania has ever been run by a series of small elites. These elites have fought each other for control from time to time, but are generally composed of those based in agriculture or in big businesses which have come to call Tasmania home (Pasminco, Alcoa, various resource companies). ‘Electric’ Eric Reece tied his political fortunes to the interests of companies hungry to use Tasmania’s power generating capacity to exploit its natural resources. The Liberal Party long assumed the burden of representing landed interests, (hence, there has never been much of a place for the Country or “National” Party proper in Tasmania). These self-same issues have dogged Tasmanian politics for eons, and their resolution (though usually only ever temporary) is played out in the closed political realm where the views of ordinary people are not considered, except at election time - if even then. Never mind the fact that most Tasmanians want an end to clear felling. Never mind that they want a fair return from business for their natural resources. Oh, and a decent health and education system wouldn’t hurt. Issues like the lack of democracy and out-of-control forestry practices affect ordinary Tasmanians of many different backgrounds. Farmers, where the land around them is taken for agribusiness and pine plantations, professionals who cannot get work and are forced to leave the state, anyone who has the misfortune of living next to a State Forest (I am one of them, part time). The Labor Party in power is only doing its job, the one it has always done — to keep certain interests close. And I don’t just mean unions. It’s a furphy to say they represent workers’ interests — they represent the interests of union leaderships determined to stay in power and a cosy relationship with politics, receiving the occasional crumbs from the table as reward for their support. Labor exploits the fear of workers about job losses, holding them fast. The Liberals, if they were to regain power, would be little different. With some of their policies, they would do marginally more damage. But it’s only a matter of degree. If ever there was a time to unite against the Labor/Liberal two-step polka it’s now. The Greens have tried to do it, but many perceive their platform as too narrow (fairly or unfairly). Who are we to unite behind? Where is the real Tasmanian opposition?
Was I the only person amused by Peter Hay’s heart-felt cry to join the Fabian Society in their recent debate? Luckily, it seems that there are a wealth of activists and groups who have had enough of talking. This is a healthy sign that Tasmanians want to reclaim democracy and a say in their future. Of course, Labor would say that it did try to inject these things with its ‘Tas Together’ sideshow. I have no doubt about the sincerity of many involved, and the enthusiasm of ordinary people when presented with such an opportunity. It seemed too good to be true. And it was. So what can be done? We need a political organisation which progressive Tasmanians can unite behind, which is committed to social justice and an overturning of the Lib/Lab sellouts, to deliver accountability and democracy back to Tasmanians. This will not be done through Parliament, but through the hard, concerted effort of the many groups which support it on the ground, locally, involved in campaigns to change things for the better. Where is such a party to be found? The Greens could unite with other, similarly minded groups. Socialist Alliance has dipped its toe in the water and had good results (for a small left party) of around 5% in one by-election. But these groups can do nothing alone. There must be other groups of people passionate about change. If there aren’t, why not form some? What about a Liberals for Forests—it helped change things in WA. What about Labor for Forests, for that matter? These examples would put maximum pressure on the two parties from points not too far removed — but just far enough. Then there would be more radical alternatives. We should all be able to agree on a common goal - an end to unsustainable logging practices, accountable development processes, no over-development or any in national parks, true valuation of Tasmania’s resources etc. The time for talking is long gone. We cannot fiddle while our land is laid waste. When’s the next election? Maree Roberts is a long time activist and Socialist Alliance member. Born in Rosebery, Tas. Exiled to Melbourne through lack of employment opportunities. Owns a little patch of Tas at St Mary’s (if only I could get back there more often).
RAPID RESPONSE EMAIL: What do you think? Tuesday, September 7, 2004 |