Speeches

Tasmanian Energy Conference- Hobart - 26th November 2008

What I would like to do today is first outline our view of the current circumstances that we find ourselves in and the challenges that Tasmania faces moving forward... more

Livestock Association of Australia (Tasmania Division) - 19th July 2008

When I was first approached to open today’s conference I was very pleased to be given the opportunity to speak with you today as I believe that transport and especially transport associated with Tasmania’s agricultural sector is one of the keys to our islands future wealth and prosperity... more

Engineers Australia - August 2008

When I was writing the speech for today I couldn’t help but think about all of the ways that engineers especially, shape and affect all of our lives... more

Livestock Association of Australia (Tasmania Division) - 19th July 2008

When I was first approached to open today’s conference I was very pleased to be given the opportunity to speak with you today as I believe that transport and especially transport associated with Tasmania’s agricultural sector is one of the keys to our islands future wealth and prosperity... more

ICAC - 9th April 2008

Mr GUTWEIN (Bass) - This is obviously a very important motion. The fact that the first motion listed on the Notice Paper was one by the Leader of the Opposition about the need for an ICAC in the State indicates very strongly that the State Opposition hold the belief that we need an ICAC. I do not think that there is any better example than what has occurred in the last 24 hours. I have to say that the last 24 hours have been a sad thing for this Parliament. For all of us in public life in this State, what has occurred without doubt is going to have an effect. There is absolutely no doubt that Mr Kons came into this Parliament yesterday after having been alerted to the fact that there were concerns about the matters that were raised yesterday and over the weekend. He must have known full well that he was going to get the question. One can only presume that it was a premeditated act - a conscious and considered act. He knew the question was coming but he decided to lie. That is unacceptable. Sure, he has tendered his resignation but at the end of the day what faith can any of us or the public of Tasmania have that previous lies have not been told. That is the problem; that is the issue... more

Liquor Bill / Launceston Cup - 1st April 2008

Mr GUTWEIN (Bass) - As we are talking about liquor licensing, I wanted to raise one matter on which I have spoken in this place recently, and that is the current alcohol policy and the way we look at liquor licensing in regard to the Launceston Cup. If we are talking about strengthening the liquor licensing laws we have before us today, it is important that the one event that currently operates in this State which, whilst having a management policy that is put in place each year by the liquor licensing branch in conjunction with the police and the TTC, is still the only event that I think all members of this place would be aware of that still has a BYO policy that enables you to bring through the gate whatever you want and as much of it as you would like... more

Education - 5th March 2008

Mr GUTWEIN - I think the spokesperson for the Greens would agree that this is about kids in our schools. That is what we have to come back to. What I heard yesterday unfortunately - and I say unfortunately, Mr Deputy Speaker, because it is unfortunate that the Premier had to come in here and once again announce that a minister of his Government is not doing their job. What we have heard for the last six minutes has been a case put up about denial. The Premier of this State has finally announced and said what we have believed for a long period of time and that is that our results are unacceptable. The member for Braddon, Mr Best, said a moment ago that the truth hurts. Well, the truth certainly hurts, doesn't it, because the results are unacceptable... more

HUMAN CLONING AND OTHER PROHIBITED PRACTICES AMENDMENT BILL 2007 (No. 38) - 24th October 2007

Mr GUTWEIN (Bass) - Mr Deputy Speaker, I first of all would like to comment regarding the immense privilege that all in this place have been provided with. Unfortunately, too often the work we undertake is portrayed as political theatre. That devalues the fact that all of us in this place, regardless of our differences, sacrifice our time, our previous careers and, too often and more likely than not, our families to do the work we do on behalf of fellow Tasmanians. It is when faced with decisions like the one before us that the full weight of that privilege and responsibility we bear becomes apparent... more

Pulp Mill Motion Speech - 30th August 2007

Mr GUTWEIN (Bass) - Madam Deputy Speaker, I want to start by saying that whilst I am a member of parliament I am first of all a husband and the father of two small children. It is important that I make that qualification because, unfortunately, many people engaged in the debate about the proposed pulp mill appear to have forgotten, if not completely disregarded, that all of us in this place are people with families as well. I also have interests in tourism - only 50 kms from the proposed site of the mill - and therefore have a real interest in any effect that the mill may have on tourism. Furthermore, I am also a resident of the Tamar Valley. I am not somebody who just lives in Launceston. I am somebody who has recently purchased a small farm, on which I intend to live with my family, on the banks of the Tamar River some 18 kms up the eastern side of the Tamar Valley... more

PULP MILL ASSESSMENT - 22nd March 2007

Mr GUTWEIN (Bass) - Mr Speaker, I rise to make a short but to-the-point contribution in regard to where I stand on this particular legislation. Before I do that though, I must place on Hansard my disappointment at the way in which some members in this House have behaved tonight and some of the comments that have been made by members in this House. To imply that all members of both the Government and the Opposition are corrupt, and to make statements in regard to political auctions occurring for campaign donations, is absolutely outrageous. I am appalled by it. The Greens' position on this particular project is that they will do whatever it takes to smear those members in this House who take the opportunity to support this bill being assessed and that they will do whatever they possibly can to see this pulp mill not even proceed to the assessment phase... more

North East Rally - 14th February 2007

Ladies and Gentleman I wish that all of you didn't need to be here today.

I wish that I and the other speakers didn't need to be here today. However one person I wish was here today is the Premier. Because the Premier who is also the Forestry Minister needs to explain how the decision made 2 weeks ago is in the best interests of Scottsdale, the North East community and the State of Tasmania... more

Parents and Friend Conference - 19th August 2006

At last years conference I outlined the principles I was using to guide policy development for the State Opposition. I’d like to firstly remind you once more what they are and then touch briefly on some topical issues.

1. The most important person in the education system is the student.
2. Teachers need to be supported so that they can do what they were employed to do – that is teach.
3. Principal’s must be supported to enable them to lead their schools.
4. The most important learning aid that a child can have is a supportive and engaged parent.
   and finally
5. The best economic policy that that we can ever employ is to have a well resourced adequately funded education policy. more

Inaugural Speech to Parliament - 25th September 2002

Thank you Mr Speaker.

I am very pleased to have the opportunity to address this House today.

I am humbled by the privilege that the electors of Bass have bestowed upon me by electing me to this place... more