Tasmanian creatives expected to survive on an oily rag

Deputy Speaker, last year the Tasmanian Arts Minister was advised that “dangerously low” arts funding had left the sector “highly vulnerable”. Indeed, I regularly hear the same from folks in…

Governments gambling reform won’t fix the problem

Speaker I rise to support the amendment moved by the Member for Curtin, without much enthusiasm; because it shouldn’t be necessary. Three years ago this parliament received the Murphy Report,…

LGBTIQA+ Tasmanians matter

Recently the Federal Government announced $8.1 million in project grants under the LGBTIQA+ Health Program. And while increased funding to promote the health and wellbeing of LGBTIQA+ Australians is clearly…

Gambling reform bill is a betrayal

Andrew spoke on the Government’s gambling reform bill. You can watch his speech or read an excerpt below: “The government, with this bill, is betraying all of the people in…

Tibetans facing cultural genocide

Andrew delivered a speech to Parliament on the situation in Tibet, particularly the Chinese Government’s cultural repression of Tibetans. You can watch or read the speech below: “I recently met…

PM must explain inaction on gambling harm

The Government has finally introduced their gambling reform bill. It was sadly disappointing. Andrew moved a motion calling on the PM to personally explain to Australians why protecting gambling companies,…

Gender-based violence crisis needs national action

Andrew spoke in the parliament about the need for Government action to address gender-based violence against women and children, and shared stories from the community. You can watch his speech…

Tasmanian Government’s crisis of integrity

Andrew spoke in the Parliament about the Tasmanian Government’s galling lack of integrity. You can watch or read his speech below: “The Tasmanian Liberal government is in crisis, not a…

Social media ban is not working

Andrew initially against the Government’s social media ban for under-16s because he had a number of concerns about the ban being counter-productive, unworkable, and punishing children rather than the social…