Today's disgraceful parliamentary performance by Roger Jaensch makes it abundantly clear that he is not fit to be a minister, and not fit to be the guardian of vulnerable children.
Labor Leader Rebecca White Roger Jaensch has today demonstrated an appalling lack of judgement over a serious incident involving a vulnerable child.
"What's emerged overnight is video footage that appears to show one of the Tasmanian children in the Brahminy program, driving an allegedly stolen car at high speed.
"It's shocking in the extreme that Roger Jaensch has characterised this as a 'joyride' and sought to play down its seriousness. This highlights judgement so poor it is clear he is unfit to be the guardian of the vulnerable children in the Brahminy program.
"After failing this morning to answer basic questions about the program, and incidents related to it, Roger Jaensch later revealed to the Parliament that he saw this footage a week ago.
"Despite being aware of this serious incident, he has continued to strenuously claim in the parliament that the vulnerable Tasmanian children in the Brahminy program are 'safe, well, and making good progress'.
"And he did not draw the Premier's attention to the incident, leading to Peter Gutwein telling the parliament that the children were 'turning their lives around', despite the existence of evidence to the contrary.
"Labor has raised concerns about this program for many years. This is an incredibly serious matter, regarding the welfare of vulnerable Tasmanian children.
"These children, and all Tasmanians, deserve someone able and fit to execute his duties. That person is not Roger Jaensch.
"Peter Gutwein has no option but to sack Roger Jaensch."
Rebecca White
Labor Leader
