Tania Rattray, an independent member representing McIntyre in Tasmania’s north-east, has been appointed as the Leader for the Government in the state’s Legislative Council. TAS Premier Jeremy Rockliff made the announcement of her appointment. It’s a notable milestone in Tasmanian political history, as Rattray becomes the first independent to hold this position since 1998. Rattray brings more than 20 years of legislative experience to her new job. She’s filling this role at a particularly pivotal time, with the legislation having to be planned and shepherded through the upper house after passage through the lower house.
Rattray Labour’s long history is political in nature, having first entered parliament after winning the northern seat of Apsley in 2004. After an electoral boundary redraw, her seat turned into McIntyre’s. Prior to her election to parliament, she was deputy mayor of Dorset, giving her great experience in local governance. Rattray got the nod for her new role after a fateful phone call from Premier Rockliff. She is clearly committed to making the Legislative Council work better.
Political Experience and Background
Tania Rattray has consistently been the most outstanding Tasmanian politician for the last decade. Her political career blossomed in 2004, when she was elected to represent Apsley, a district area. After boundary redistribution, she is now the member for McIntyre.
Prior to her time in parliament, Rattray had already proven herself an effective leader as the deputy mayor of Dorset. That experience has certainly informed her governance. More importantly, it has given her the tools needed to be a strong leader in the upper house.
Her in-depth experience enables her to master even the most complicated political terrain. As Rattray assumes her new position, she will work to make sure that legislation moves smartly and transparently.
Responsibilities and Challenges Ahead
In her capacity as Leader for the Government, Tania Rattray is tasked with “shipping legislation through the house” once it clears the lower house. This is no small responsibility, as it can have a major influence on the legislative agenda in Tasmania.
Rattray’s appointment could not be more timely, as cooperation across party lines is key to solidifying a brighter future. While Minister D’Ambrosio noted the challenges facing them, she said she was determined to work together to meet the needs of all Tasmanians.
“The functioning of the Legislative Council is a really important feature of the legislative process, in my view. Hence, I’ve chosen to accept the responsibility,” – Tania Rattray
Rattray, though technically an independent member, is very much a centre-right member on the political spectrum. In the past, she has been with the progressive wing of the party more often than not. This alignment should affect how she approaches her role in fashioning new legislation in coming months.
Implications for Independent Governance
The focus on Rattray’s appointment herself has shifted quickly to questions about her independence and freedom to make decisions. Not everyone is celebrating her new assignment. Some analysts worry about how it will compromise her impartiality. Some are calling it a tactical ploy by the minority Liberal government to buy more votes in the conservative-led upper house.
“This appointment is, however, an effective way for the beleaguered Liberals to neutralise — to a significant extent — an independent vote in the Legislative Council,” – Greens MP Cassy O’Connor
Despite her personal ambition, Rattray has continued to reassure constituents that her priority will always be on representing McIntyre in an admirable light.
“Obviously, we’ll see. But I will still be the member for McIntyre and that will be my first and foremost focus,” – Tania Rattray
Political analysts point out that Rattray tends to side with the left on key issues. Her independence would be an asset in looming discussions over any legislative compromises.
“She has tended over time to vote more with the Liberals than against them, but often not much more,” – Dr. Bonham
