12 years in Tasmania’s parliament ends for Jacquie Petrusma who has quit to focus more on family, joining recent departures of fellow Liberals Sarah Courtney and Peter Gutwein.
Jane Howlett also resigned her portfolios but remains in the parliament.
Premier Rockliff acknowledges how public life can take its toll.
“It’s a tough gig being a member of parliament and it’s a tough gig being a minister and that comes with sacrifice, families wear the brunt of that sacrifice.”
Greens leader Cassy O’Connor has cast doubts on the Liberals elevating Felix Ellis to cover some of the void that has been created.
“Mr Ellis will have Police, Fire and Emergency Management and Resources, this is the same Mr Ellis who when we raise matters that independent scientists have researched or when we talk about climate in the Tasmanian parliament he sneers and he mocks us.”
As for who will be elected on a recount for the vacant spot in Franklin, Political Analyst Kevin Bonham sees it as definitely another Liberal.
“The question is just which one it will be, the contenders are Bec Enders, Dean Young and James Walker, Enders starts with an advantage over Young who starts with an advantage over Walker, assuming that they all contest.”
