Premier open to compromises to maintain minority power
Ethan James |
Tasmania’s minority Liberal government has left the door ajar for further cross bench policy concessions as the party tries to avoid being booted from power.
The state election on July 19 delivered another hung parliament, with neither the incumbent Liberals (14 seats) nor Labor (10) getting the 18 seats required for majority.
Liberal leader Jeremy Rockliff has been reappointed premier, but Labor remains in the hunt to govern and could take the helm via a vote of MPs when parliament resumes on August 19.
Both major parties are attempting to secure backing from a cross bench that includes five Greens, five mostly left-learning independents and a Shooters, Fishers and Farmers MP.
In bid to appease some independents and the Greens, the Liberals have pledged to phase out greyhound racing by 2029 and have dropped a plan to expand native forestry.
Labor says it will make independent upper house MP Ruth Forrest treasurer if it comes to power.
Mr Rockliff on Monday didn’t rule out further policy shifts, including around aquaculture.
Independents Peter George and Craig Garland have campaigned heavily on an anti-salmon farming platform and increased regulation of the industry.
“Our traditional industries are highly valued because they support many thousands of families right across regional Tasmania,” Mr Rockliff said.
“But there is always room for continuous improvement, to ensure those industries are valued and embraced by Tasmanians for what they contribute to our economy and our communities.”
Both major parties support the salmon industry, which made headlines in early 2025 after 6300 tonnes of fish died.
Mr Rockliff said the Liberals were committed to policies they took to the election, but “at the end of the day” would work collaboratively with the cross bench.
“There may be ideas, where some of our policy positions in key areas can be strengthened by good robust ideas from across the chamber,” he said.
Greyhound Racing NSW and Victorian Labor have lashed Mr Rockliff for “desperately” using the sport as a political football to stay in power.
Shooters, Fishers and Farmers’ Carlo Di Falco has said he won’t support Mr Rockliff forming government unless he backflips on the greyhound policy.
Independent Kristie Johnston, who has campaigned for an end to the greyhound industry, supports Mr Rockliff’s announcement but says it doesn’t mean she will back the Liberals.
Mr George also supports the phase out but says he won’t decide which major party to support until the last minute.
The Liberals’ cabinet, including incoming former federal MPs Gavin Pearce and Bridget Archer, was officially sworn in on Monday.
Labor also announced its portfolio distribution in a press release that labelled leader Dean Winter “premier”.
Mr Winter has flagged a no-confidence motion on August 19, which will essentially force the cross bench to decide whether to back a Liberal or Labor minority government.
He has courted independents and recently met Greens leader Rosalie Woodruff, whose votes he needs to govern.
Mr Winter has previously ruled out “doing a deal” with the Greens or compromising on Labor policy positions.
AAP
