Premier to face immediate test after minority return
Rachael Ward and Callum Godde |
The Liberals have returned to power in Tasmania but Premier Jeremy Rockliff’s tenuous grip will be tested immediately on the floor of parliament.
After weeks of political limbo following a snap election, Governor Barbara Baker on Wednesday granted his request to recommission his minority government.
She did so despite the premier having no formal agreements of support from crossbenchers.
A motion of no-confidence in the Liberals and confidence in Labor would be moved when state parliament resumes on August 19, Labor leader Dean Winter said.
“Tasmanians can be assured that any motion we move will not result in another election,” he told reporters in Hobart.
“It will result in either a Liberal government or a Labor government.”
Election analyst Kevin Bonham compared the situation to the 1989 Tasmanian election that resulted in a hung parliament.
The Liberals lost their majority, with Labor and five Green independents forming a loose accord that was enough to form government.
Governor Sir Phillip Bennett refused Liberal premier Robin Gray’s request to call another election and he lost a no-confidence vote in parliament.
“It’s basically a two-in-one that both expresses no confidence in the incumbent and confidence in someone else,” Dr Bonham told AAP.
“If the motion fails, then the Rockliff government continues.
“If the motion passes, it’s up to the governor to decide who to appoint, and the governor appoints who the governor thinks can best command the confidence and supply of the house.”
The final makeup of Tasmania’s parliament is 14 Liberals, 10 Labor, five Greens, one Shooters, Fishers and Farmers MP and five independents.
Independent Craig Garland and the Greens have ruled out supporting a Liberal government.
Mr Winter is stepping up negotiations with crossbenchers but has long ruled out a deal with the Greens.
A key sticking point continues to be major parties backing a new $1 billion stadium in Hobart as part of a deal for an AFL team, which the Greens and some independents oppose.
Dr Bonham wasn’t prepared to predict the result of the motion but suggested anti-salmon farm independent Peter George’s vote might be crucial.
“There is certainly potential for the government to change,” Dr Bonham said.
He said the motion did not appear to set up a pathway for another election, which would be Tasmania’s fourth in seven years, but it would not necessarily settle things for the entire four-year term.
“It is possible that crossbenchers initially vote against this motion because they’re still negotiating,” he said.
“So you could get a situation where the government does not fall immediately but falls in three months’ time.”
Mr Rockliff met the governor at Government House on Wednesday and indicated he expected to gain the confidence of the lower house.
Ms Baker said the incumbent had the right to remain in office to test the numbers.
“I consider the convention of incumbency applies in the current circumstances … it is better for confidence to be determined inside and not outside the parliament,” she said.
A short time later, Mr Rockliff revealed he was yet to secure agreements of support from non-Liberals.
“What is important is that a government is reformed,” he said.
“A government that is able to govern on the floor of the house and a crossbench of course, that works with the government.”
Mr Rockliff and his cabinet will be sworn in next week.
AAP
