Integrity questions remain despite censure motion

Premier Rockliff’s behaviour over the past six months has shown his judgement can no longer be trusted.

The Premier’s own Ministerial Code of Conduct states that Ministers, while in the service of the people of Tasmania, “must uphold the highest standards of integrity and be honest, professional, and accountable in the performance of all their duties.”

Premier Rockliff abjectly failed in his duty to uphold his own code, and only acted after finding himself in a corner. A forced apology is very rarely sincere.

While today’s censure sends the Premier a strong message, it is by no means the end of the matter.

It is extremely disappointing that the Premier has continued to try and define the Parliament holding to him account as “toxic” or “gotcha” politics. Those feeble attempts don’t cut it any more.

The Premier is on notice, and he needs to lift his game.