Only the Greens could publicly advocate for the closure of Ashley, and yet still vote against a bill designed to help close Ashley, on process grounds.

After years of broken promises from Jeremy Rockliff and his Liberal minority government, young Tasmanians have been repeatedly let down by this government. Shifting timelines from 2024, to 2026, and now 2028 – demonstrates a clear pattern of delay and inaction, despite the Commission of Inquiry’s unequivocal recommendation that Ashley must close as soon as possible.

Yet rather than support a bill that helps provide a path to closure, the Greens and the Green Independent, Kristie Johnston, have done what they do best – say no. Putting political posturing ahead of the urgent needs of young people trapped in a broken system and the communities that rely on reform.

The Liberal minority government, Greens, and the Green Independent Kristie Johnston, are all failing Tasmanians by prolonging Ashley’s existence. The Premier’s empty promises and the Greens’ political obstructionism combine to stall progress – leaving young people without the therapeutic, rehabilitative support they deserve and putting community safety at risk.

Tasmanians deserve genuine leadership and decisive action, not political games. The time to close Ashley is now, and today’s vote just demonstrates that there isn’t a single development the Greens won’t say no to.

Sarah Lovell MLC
Shadow Minister for Children & Youth