Welcome to the latest edition of Clark Matters, Andrew’s monthly email newsletter to help keep you abreast of federal politics and what he’s been up to.
Whistleblower should be lauded, not punished
A landmark $75 million settlement has resolved a class action lawsuit against the Tasmanian Government over abuse at the Ashley Youth Detention Centre. Andrew has long been advocating for the closure of the Ashley Detention Centre but despite the State Government announcing in 2021 that the centre would be closed by 2024, it is disgracefully, still operational.
The Tasmanian Government’s naming of the Ashley whistleblower in 2022, despite a non-publication order, highlights the urgent need for a National Whistleblower Protection Authority. This is another example of why Andrew has introduced the Federal Whistleblower Protection Authority Legislation in Parliament along with Dr Helen Haines MP, Senator David Pocock and Senator Jacqui Lambie.
Federal and State Governments send gambling reforms into the Twilight Zone
The decision by the Federal Government to drop the proposed ban on gambling advertising is one of the most shameful betrayals of the community Andrew has seen in over 14 years in Parliament. Clearly, they are indifferent to the harm caused by gambling addiction and the grooming of children for a lifetime of gambling through advertising.
But it’s not just the Federal Government that’s dropping plans for gambling reform. By deferring poker machine regulation indefinitely under the guise of consulting with other states, the State Government has broken an election promise and harmed public interest. We know from experience that any consultation could take years, if ever, to produce results. It is imperative that our State and Federal Governments prioritise the well-being of our community over the influence of the gambling industry and big media.
Federal Government’s appalling plan for 500 job cuts at CSIRO will impact Tasmania
It’s over a decade since the Abbott Government slashed funding to the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) and seriously diminished research into Antarctic and climate research. Now, at a critical time for science, the Federal Government is cutting 500 CSIRO staff, further eviscerating the organisation’s capacity as a global leader in these sciences. The impact of these job losses for CSIRO’s Tasmanian staff and their families is devastating.
CSIRO staff have pleaded with Minister Husic to intervene, but it appears he’s washed his hands of the process, deferring instead to the CSIRO Board and Chief Executive. The scientific community can be confident that Andrew will continue to challenge the Government on this short-sighted decision.
Yours sincerely
