Premier Rockliff inched closer to sacking Madeline Ogilvie today after an appalling performance in question time.
Minister Ogilvie twice refused to answer serious allegations regarding her exposing whistleblowers to retribution by the Office of Racing Integrity (ORI).
And, tellingly, neither the Premier Jeremy Rockliff nor any of his other Ministers defended Ms Ogilvie's performance.
In September last year, serious allegations of race fixing and complaints about the Director of Racing-including allegations of intimidating behaviour-were raised directly with Ms Ogilvie, in writing.
In her response, four months later, she revealed she had passed the complaint, including the identity of the people making the complaints, to the Director of Racing himself for assessment.
Serious allegations have been made about industry whistleblowers facing retribution after making complaints to the Office of Racing Integrity.
Yet the head of the Office of Racing Integrity remains in the position, presumably working on his own terms of reference.
The Rockliff Government has a shocking record when it comes to the treatment of whistleblowers.
The Minister failed to explain her own actions today whereby she's disclosed the identity of brave people who've spoken out about serious integrity issues in Tasmanian harness racing, exposing them to retribution.
Instead she used the question as an opportunity to make an announcement.
She also refused to answer why the Director of Racing Justin Helmich, a former Liberal staffer, won't be stood down while the inquiry into the Office of Racing Integrity occurs.
She should resign in shame or Mr Rockliff should grow a spine, show some leadership and sack her.
Dean Winter MP
Leader of Opposition Business in the House of Assembly
Shadow Minister for Racing
