A Right to Information (RTI) request relating to the government's handling of essential workers has revealed more secrecy from the Liberals.
Shadow Minister for Building and Construction, Jen Butler, said the government has avoided explaining to Tasmanians how it is deciding who is deemed an essential worker.
"When the government failed to answer questions on what constitutes an essential worker, Labor sought the information under RTI legislation," Ms Butler said.
"The government ignored the RTI request and failed to meet the legislated deadline, but when the matter was referred to the ombudsman, they were directed to respond.
"Finally, we have received a response, but all it reveals is more secrecy from the Liberals, stating that it would be a 'substantial and unreasonable diversion of resources' to provide information regarding who is deemed an essential worker.
"To be clear, this information relates directly to the safety of all Tasmanians during the pandemic.
"For the government to say it is unreasonable to provide information about interstate workers coming to the state, taking Tasmanian jobs and potentially putting Tasmanians' lives at risk is arrogant and secretive. It also raises questions about how the government is tracking these workers.
"Given that thousands of people have received exemptions from otherwise mandatory quarantine requirements during a pandemic that is far from over, the government should have ready access to this information.
"Tasmanians deserve to know how hundreds of exemptions were granted for interstate tradies when over 1,200 local tradies have lost their jobs since the start of COVID-19.
"Essential worker exemptions should only be granted in exceptional circumstances when it is proven that a Tasmanian can't do the job.
"This whole process stinks of a cover-up. The government needs to explain who they have let in and why. Tasmanians deserve answers."
Jen Butler MP
Shadow Minister for Building and Construction
