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Tasmanian Inquirer @tasinquirer.bsky.social · 23d

Tasmanian Inquirer’s previous stories on pokies are here
tasmanianinquirer.com.au/topics/poker...

You can sign up for email alerts about new stories @
tasmanianinquirer.com.au/subscribe/

TI is funded by our readers - you can donate @
tasmanianinquirer.com.au/contribute/

A photo of an island with a lighthouse off the coast of Tasmania with blue skies and light could cover

The text says "Tasmanian Inquirer: independent open-access reader-funded journalism about Lutrawita/Tasmania. Our eyes are on untold stories - become a monthly supporter today"

Tasmanian Inquirer @tasinquirer.bsky.social · 23d

New Tasmanian Liquor & Gaming Commission data on #pokies:

* $17.98 million lost in Aug – $7.5m lost in Federal Group’s 2 casinos

* $196.7m lost in the last year

* $1.34 billion lost since 2018 ‘pokies’ state election #politas #Tasmania #gambling

Data here
www.treasury.tas.gov.au/liquor-and-g...

Gaming machine expenditure by rolling year | Treasury and Finance Tasmania

Gaming machine expenditure by rolling year

www.treasury.tas.gov.au

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Tasmanian Inquirer @tasinquirer.bsky.social · 26d

Comment: The Lib govt claimed it was the first to disclose ministerial appointments dairies - this is only half true

After a FOI request, in 2009 Labor Premier David Bartlett began disclosing his appoinments diary. It was a nation-leading reform that was later scrapped by the Hodgman govt #politas

In reality, the Department of Premier and Cabinet agreed to disclose then premier David Bartlett’s appointments diary in 2009 following a Freedom of Information request by the author. The details disclosed were comprehensive: meetings with departmental officials, other MPs, party events, and lobbyists, along with details of who attended the meetings, their purpose and duration.

While the request was only for three months, Bartlett instituted the ongoing disclosure of the diary covering all his portfolios. Bartlett’s decision ensured Tasmania became the first jurisdiction in Australia to disclose the premier’s appointment diary.

This continued during the Labor-Green government between 2010 and 2014, but was abandoned following the Liberal party’s 2014 election win.

Tasmania’s example sparked interest in other states, with Queensland instituting disclosure in 2014 and New South Wales and the ACT following in 2015 and 2018 respectively. Victoria began disclosing ministerial diaries in February.

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Tasmanian Inquirer @tasinquirer.bsky.social · 26d

The motion passed on the voices #politas #TasInq

There was no contribution on the debate by Labor MPs

Labor have baulked at committing to improvements to ministerial diary disclosure before when White was leader

tasmanianinquirer.com.au/news/will-ta...

Will Tasmanians get to see who government ministers really meet? | Tasmanian Inquirer

Neither the Liberal nor Labor party have committed to reintroducing what was once Australia’s greatest level of public disclosure of ministerial meetings if they win government at this weekend’s elect...

tasmanianinquirer.com.au

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Tasmanian Inquirer @tasinquirer.bsky.social · 26d

The leader of the Government defended the Rockliff's government's current approach to ministerial diaries disclosure and opposed the motion

Webb in response said she had 'steam coming out of her ears' about the goverment's position - said best practice elements are well known #politas #TasInq

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Tasmanian Inquirer @tasinquirer.bsky.social · 26d

Referred to Premier Rockliff's November 2, 2023 meeting with salmon industry representatives at a $4400 per head event #politas #TasInq

Details of that meeting and questions about it here:

tasmanianinquirer.com.au/news/analysi...

Analysis: Rockliff’s failure to answer questions on Liberal corporate fundraising dinner shows donations bill flaws | Tasmanian Inquirer

Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff’s repeated refusal to directly answer questions over a recent Liberal party fundraising dinner should serve as a cautionary tale for Legislative Council members consi...

tasmanianinquirer.com.au

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Tasmanian Inquirer @tasinquirer.bsky.social · 26d

Greens MP Cassy O'Connor said that all members say that all members of the Legislative Council should feel "disrepected" because two previous motions have been ignored by the government #politas #TasInq

Referred to the need to be able to see which lobbyists ministers are meeting

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Tasmanian Inquirer @tasinquirer.bsky.social · 26d

Ruth Forrest speaking in support of the motion #politas #TasInq

Said that greater transparency is not only good for increased accountability but offers protections for the ministers

"It is not a huge ask"

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Tasmanian Inquirer @tasinquirer.bsky.social · 26d

The webcast of the Lego Co debate on the motion for improved ministerial diaries disclosure is here
www.youtube.com/watch?v=03jc...

#politas #auspol #TasInq

Legislative Council

YouTube video by Parliament of Tasmania

www.youtube.com

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Tasmanian Inquirer @tasinquirer.bsky.social · 26d

Earlier Tasmanian Inquirer articles on the topic are here
tasmanianinquirer.com.au/articles/min...

#politas #auspol #TasInq

Ministerial appointments diaries | Tasmanian Inquirer

tasmanianinquirer.com.au

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Tasmanian Inquirer @tasinquirer.bsky.social · 26d

The Tasmanian Legislative Council has started debate on a motion by Meg Webb to improve the current system of ministerial diaries disclosure #politas #auspol #TasInq

The motion is below

A background paper on the motion by Webb is here
megwebb.com.au/wp-content/u...

Motion notes previous resolutions on the topic requesting the Tas govt for improvements and a review to

"(a) ensure the process is informed by best practice examples of mandatory disclosure of Ministerial diary requirements established in other jurisdictions, including examples of oversight and compliance requirements; and

(b) develop and publicly consult on a proposed Tasmanian mandatory disclosure of Ministerial diaries scheme.

2). That the Legislative Council further notes that:

(a) The Tasmanian Government failed to report progress to this House by the 28 November last year as requested by the 10 September resolution;

(b) public consultation on a proposed Tasmanian mandatory disclosure of Ministerial diaries scheme did not occur; and

(c) despite the Tasmanian Government introducing quarterly routine disclosure of Ministerial diaries commencing with the January/March 2023 quarter; the current routine disclosures of Ministerial diaries system is not mandatory under statute; does not occur in a reliable and timely manner; and the format and details disclosed remain deficient.

3). That the Legislative Council also notes, given the failure to implement the Integrity Commission’s Lobbyist Code of Conduct reforms this year, the growing urgency for clear, timely and transparent disclosure of lobbying contact between government, advisors and lobbyists.

4). And that the Legislative Council calls on the Tasmanian government to:

(a) undertake comprehensive and public consultation as a priority on a best practice mandatory disclosure of Ministerial diaries model, and that process is to provide for input into the design, disclosure details, timeliness, application, and any other related matter; and

(b) report back to the Legislative Council by 5 December 2025 in relation to the above."

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Tasmanian Inquirer @tasinquirer.bsky.social · 26d

The independent review into Tasmania’s Right to Information (RTI) framework has been released

The report is available here (note it is 346 pp with all the submissions included) #politas #auspol #FOI

www.dpac.tas.gov.au/__data/asset...

Department of Premier and Cabinet

www.dpac.tas.gov.au

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Tasmanian Inquirer @tasinquirer.bsky.social · Sep 7

Tasmanian Inquirer publishes independent open-access public-interest journalism about #Tasmania

You can sign up for email alerts about new stories @ tasmanianinquirer.com.au/subscribe/

TI is funded by our readers - you can donate @ tasmanianinquirer.com.au/contribute/

Thanks for your support!

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Tasmanian Inquirer @tasinquirer.bsky.social · Sep 7

🐬 Four dolphins died at Huon Aquaculture #salmon farms during first half of 2025. Total number of dolphin deaths over the past two years is now seven, adding to a wildlife toll that includes 108 seals killed on salmon leases since 2018.
#politas #auspol

▶️ tasmanianinquirer.com.au/news/huon-aq...

Huon Aquaculture reported 4 dolphin deaths at salmon farms

Four dolphins died entangled in equipment at Huon Aquaculture salmon farms in the first half of 2025, newly released Tasmanian government data reveals.

tasmanianinquirer.com.au

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Tasmanian Inquirer @tasinquirer.bsky.social · Aug 27

Tasmanian Labor's Shadow Cabinet #politas

Labor’s Shadow Cabinet

Hon Josh Willie MP
Leader of the Opposition
Shadow Minister for Economic Development
Shadow Minister for Education & Early Years

Janie Finlay MP
Deputy Leader of the Opposition
Shadow Minister for Energy & Renewables
Shadow Minister for Primary Industries & Aquaculture
Shadow Minister for Water
Shadow Minister for Environment, Parks & Climate Change
Shadow Minister for Innovation, Artificial Intelligence & the Digital Economy

Dean Winter MP
Shadow Treasurer
Shadow Minister for Planning
Shadow Minister for Racing

Ella Haddad MP
Leader of Opposition Business in the House of Assembly
Shadow Attorney-General
Shadow Minister for Justice & Integrity
Shadow Minister for Workplace Relations
Shadow Minister for Equality

Hon Sarah Lovell MLC
Leader of Opposition Business in the Legislative Council
Shadow Minister for Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing & Ageing
Shadow Minister for Disability
Shadow Minister for Women

Anita Dow MP
Shadow Minister for Tourism & Events
Shadow Minister for Infrastructure
Shadow Minister for Local Government
Shadow Minister for Aboriginal Affairs

Shane Broad MP
Shadow Minister for Resources
Shadow Minister for Building & Construction
Shadow Minister for Consumer Affairs

Jen Butler MP
Shadow Minister for Police, Fire & Emergency Services
Shadow Minister for Transport
Shadow Minister for Corrections & Rehabilitations
Shadow Minister for Veterans Affairs

Hon Luke Edmunds MLC
Shadow Minister for Stadiums & Sport
Shadow Minister for Finance
Shadow Minister for Hospitality

Meg Brown MP
Opposition Whip
Shadow Minister for Housing
Shadow Minister for Prevention of Family & Sexual Violence
Shadow Minister for Heritage & Arts

Brian Mitchell MP
Shadow Minister for TAFE, Skills & Training
Shadow Minister for Small Business

Jess Greene MP
Shadow Minister for Children & Young People
Shadow Minister for Community Services
Shadow Minister for Multicultural Affairs

Hon Craig Farrell MLC
President of the Legislative Council

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Tasmanian Inquirer @tasinquirer.bsky.social · Aug 25

Other reactions today include

Bob Brown Foundation
bobbrown.org.au/factory-fish...

Neighbours of Fishfarming
www.noff.au/l/seal-and-c...

Tas Greens
tasgreensmps.org/media-releas...

Factory fish farms are graveyards for native wildlife and should be removed immediately – Bob Brown Foundation

Shockingly in just one month, 15 native birds and one seal have drowned in a single Tassal industrial fish farm lease on the Tasman Peninsula. Right to Informat

bobbrown.org.au

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Tasmanian Inquirer @tasinquirer.bsky.social · Aug 25

ABC News has a follow up story on the #TasInq RTI on the deaths of a seal & 15 cormorants at a Tassal #salmon lease in #Tasmania #politas

Incl comments from Ind MP Peter George, Greens leader Rosalie Woodruff & Govt MP Kerry Vincent

Story by Adam Holmes here
www.abc.net.au/news/2025-08...

Seal dies after botched tranquilisation attempt at Tasmanian salmon farm

A seal and 15 cormorants died in a Tasmanian salmon farm in the space of a week after becoming trapped inside, despite Tassal assurances that it would prevent wildlife interactions.

www.abc.net.au

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Tasmanian Inquirer @tasinquirer.bsky.social · Aug 24

Tasmanian Inquirer publishes independent open-access public-interest journalism about #Tasmania

You can sign up for email alerts about new stories @ tasmanianinquirer.com.au/subscribe/

TI is funded by our readers - you can donate @ tasmanianinquirer.com.au/contribute/

Thanks for your support!

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Tasmanian Inquirer @tasinquirer.bsky.social · Aug 24

More cormorants and a fur seal have died in #salmon pens that were meant to prevent the entry of wildlife. The deaths have sparked calls to cancel Tassal's 'green tick' for salmon from its West of Wedge lease. Bob Burton has the details. #politas #auspol

▶️ tasmanianinquirer.com.au/news/adult-s...

Adult seal and 15 cormorants drowned at Tasmanian salmon farm.

Fifteen cormorants and a seal drowned at a salmon farm in southern Tasmania in June, government documents reveal.

tasmanianinquirer.com.au

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Tasmanian Inquirer @tasinquirer.bsky.social · Aug 20

Tas Labor has elected Josh Willie as leader and Janie Finlay as deputy leader #politas

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Tasmanian Inquirer @tasinquirer.bsky.social · Aug 19

Labor failed to win the support of any of the 6 independent crossbench MPs for its motion if no confidence

Labor's first media release after losing the vote is to focus on how the 5 Greens MPs voted #politas

Labor press release: Rockliff’s dirty deal sells out Tasmanian workers

Jeremy Rockliff’s sell-out of Tasmanian workers has been made official with the coronation of a Liberal-Green Government.

Unlike Jeremy Rockliff, Labor won’t abandon workers or make deals behind closed doors. While Jeremy Rockliff caved in to the Greens and compromised his values for power, I stood by workers and did not.

Not only has the Liberals’ decade-old Labor-Green scare campaign been put to bed, but the Liberals are now in bed with the Greens themselves.

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Tasmanian Inquirer @tasinquirer.bsky.social · Aug 19

The final vote on Labor's motion of no confidence.

The motion was lost 24-10. #politas

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Tasmanian Inquirer @tasinquirer.bsky.social · Aug 19

Liberal Jacquie Petrusma elected speaker with 25 votes

Labor's nominee Jen Butler's got 10 votes #politas

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Tasmanian Inquirer @tasinquirer.bsky.social · Aug 19

The livestream of Tas House of Assembly is here #politas
www.youtube.com/watch?v=jOV8...

Swearing in of members at the moment

Kevin Bonham is live-blogging the sitting here
kevinbonham.blogspot.com/2025/08/tasm...

House of Assembly

YouTube video by Parliament of Tasmania

www.youtube.com

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Tasmanian Inquirer @tasinquirer.bsky.social · Aug 18

Tas Labor created a post on Facebook claiming the "Greens have just sided with Jeremy Rockliff and Eric Abetz to form a Liberal-Green Government" #politas

The comments aren't running in Labor's favour

(Note: the Greens simply stated they won't support Labor's motion of no confidence)

A Tasmanian Labor post on Facebook stated "BREAKING: The Greens have just sided with Jeremy Rockliff and Eric Abetz to form a
Liberal-Green Government."

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