Do you support the right of faith-based schools and organisations to only hire people who share their ethos?
The Liberals have always been committed to preserving the freedoms of parliamentary democracy, including the freedom of thought, worship, speech, and association. Tasmania’s current legislative framework strikes an appropriate balance between protecting the community from discrimination and allowing people to enjoy their fundamental rights and freedoms.

The Anti-Discrimination Act prohibits discrimination in various areas of activity, including education and employment, based on several protected attributes which include sexual orientation, lawful sexual activity, gender identity and relationship status.

All schools in Tasmania are required to comply with the Anti-Discrimination Act. There are exceptions under our Anti-Discrimination Act for religious-based schools regarding the employment of staff and the enrolment of students. Still, these exceptions are only on the grounds of religious belief, affiliation, or religious activity.

These exemptions appropriately provide parents and guardians with the freedom to prefer the religious and moral education of their children in accordance with their convictions.

ACL Comment: In 2015, the Premier (then, Minister for Education and Training) introduced an extra section in the Anti Discrimination Act to help religious schools manage their admissions process according to religious beliefs, strengthening religious freedom provisions and stating faith-based schools should be able to discriminate in favour of members of their own faith.

Do you support the push to ban ‘conversion therapy’ (including prayer and faith-based counselling) for people who are struggling with their gender or sexual orientation? 
The Justice Miscellaneous (Conversion Practices) Bill was released for public consultation and received a large number of submissions. We have been working through those submissions. Considering the varied and detailed feedback received and given the complexities of such a bill and the diversity of views, it is important to get this right.

Our commitment to ban conversion practices remains; however, we will always work to find the best laws for Tasmania.

ACL Comment: The Rockliff Liberal Government has pledged to ban conversion practices, and has drafted legislation titled Justice Miscellaneous (Conversion Practices) Bill 2024.  

The proposed Rockliff Government Conversion Practices Bill represents a more modest approach than the approach which appears to be supported by Labor1- as it includes some important protections for religious freedom and parental advice.  

Nevertheless, the ACL rejects the claim that Conversion Bans are necessary and cautions that even a modest Bill can have a chilling effect on freedom of speech and religion.

Do you support banning biological males from competing in women’s sport? 
This is a matter for individual Sporting Codes. Each sporting organisation in Tasmania is responsible for its own set of rules and guidelines around inclusiveness and participation. The Liberals support all members of our community being protected from discrimination and the incitement of hatred.

Would you support the formation of a parliamentary committee to ensure the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry into Child Sex Abuse are properly implemented?
A Joint Parliamentary Committee has already been established – please visit https://www.parliament.tas.gov.au/committees/joint-committees/sessionalcommittees/recommendations-of-final-report-of-the-commission-of-inquiry

In addition, the Government legislated for an independent Child Safety Reform Implementation Monitor. The Act commenced on 5 July 2024, and Robert Benjamin AM SC has been appointed to the role. Mr Benjamin will assess the Government’s progress in implementing the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry and other relevant inquiries. His appointment is for five years.

The Liberals are committed to implementing all recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry into the Tasmanian Government’s Responses to Child Sexual Abuse in Institutional Settings. That is evidenced by a significant investment in funding and public quarterly reports - please visit: https://keepingchildrensafe.tas.gov.au/ .

Do you support banning late-term abortions (when a baby’s life is viable outside the womb), except where the mother’s life is at risk? 
A Liberal Government supports Tasmanians accessing the health services they need, including ensuring that Tasmanian women have access to appropriate and timely reproductive healthcare. There will be no changes to the law or policy in this space, and we will always be guided by expert advice and clinical advice going forward.

Medical terminations are accessible from GPs or Family Planning clinics, and surgical terminations are performed in three public hospitals across the State.

ACL Comment: The Tasmanian Liberal Party offers a conscience vote on abortion legislation.  

Historically, the majority of the Tasmanian Liberal Party opposed (in a conscience vote) the decriminalisation of abortion up to birth.   

In 2018, the party maintained a policy against state funding for a standalone abortion clinic, instead funding women to travel interstate for the procedures.

Do you support compulsory pre-commitment cards for poker machine users? 
The Liberals remain committed to implementing harm minimisation measures to reduce the potential harm caused by Electronic Gaming Machines (EGMs), while providing people with the opportunity to exercise their free choice.

Tasmania has the lowest density of EGMs of any State, the lowest spend per capita on EGMs and the lowest prevalence of problem gambling, with 0.4 per cent of our adult population having serious issues with gambling.

In line with previous commitments, we are progressing a range of harm minimisation measures, including facial recognition technology and current and other emerging technologies, which can improve harm reduction outcomes in Tasmania.

As part of this work, we will reform the Tasmanian Gambling Exclusion Scheme to connect with the current exclusion data system held by the government, to support more Tasmanians who need help with their gambling behaviour.

We are confident we can target and assist this small number of Tasmanians sooner, practically and cost-effectively. We need to get the balance right, and a mandatory pre-commitment card is not currently practicable.

A re-elected Liberal Government will also introduce Gaming Care officers to be funded by the CSL, such as those in South Australia, to minimise the potential harm caused by gambling. These officers will work collaboratively with venue staff through education and training regarding recognising indicators of gambling-related harm and assisting in accurately documenting patron behaviour.

ACL Comment: The Liberal Government has delayed the implementation of mandatory pre-commitment cards for poker machine users, citing the need for a national approach. The Premier has stated such a system would not be introduced unless other states and territories agree to a national framework.

Do you support ongoing state funding of Dark Mofo? 
Dark Mofo, like other major events, bring visitors to our State in the quieter winter months, securing jobs in our tourism and hospitality sectors.

We are supporting this world-class winter festival through to 2027 for these reasons. From 2013 to 2023, Dark Mofo attracted more than 300,000 unique visitors to Tasmania, from interstate as well as international, during our off-season.

The festival delivers a very strong return on investment to the State.

Do you support the decriminalisation of recreational drugs? 
The Liberals are focused on reducing harms associated with the use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. The Tasmanian Drug Strategy 2024-2029 outlines our position in focusing on ensuring everyone in the community is safe, healthy and able to access treatment where and when they need it.

A re-elected Liberal Government will not support the decriminalisation of illicit drugs.