TasFarmers Matters - Seeking a new way forward

Following last weekend’s State Election, it appears clear that our next Parliament will have a very similar makeup to the last. 

Neither of the two major parties will have a majority of seats and will require the support of others to govern.

The party with the most elected representatives will be the Liberal Party, and by convention, they will have the first opportunity to secure the support required to form government. If that is not possible, then Labor will have the next chance to do the same.

Since the election, there has been significant discussion about the need for compromise in forming the new government.

Compromise will be necessary, as every party or independent candidate has been elected by their constituents based upon their campaign commitments or promises. 

In the case of independent candidates who have campaigned around a single or narrow set of issues, this creates a quandary, particularly when their position on an issue may be in direct opposition to the position of a major party that is now seeking their support.

The Macquarie Point Stadium is a prime case in point.

So, what needs to happen next, when compromise seems backwards? 

Another election should not be an option. Further continuation of political games erodes business confidence and makes Tasmania the laughing stock of the nation.

We need a new way forward, with the 35 newly elected Lower House Members of Parliament doing the job they were elected to do: delivering positive outcomes for the state.

To do this we need our newly elected members to have a change of mindset, away from doom and gloom and towards the opportunities to be generated from collaborating for the good of the state. 

Collaboration is the opportunity to work together, to establish new and more productive ways of working and to develop and deliver a long-term strategy for Tasmania which can exist beyond political cycles.

To do this, we need the next parliament to think about the long-term industries which will deliver future prosperity for the state.

Agriculture in all its forms has always been the foundation stone of our economy. Unlike major industrials or other historic businesses, which can come or go, agriculture will continue to create employment, grow our regions and boost the state’s economy. With the right long-term strategy and government support, primary production will thrive and provide a sustainable economic strength for the state, which cannot be replicated elsewhere.

We need our next government to accelerate the delivery of the Tasmanian Agrivision target of $10b at the farm gate by 2050. 

Further to this, we should aspire to value add and process as much of this produce on island, creating new industry, jobs and the value of trade by $150b annually.

Collaboration, not compromise will enable this to happen. TasFarmers stands ready to support the incoming government to deliver on this challenge.