Tasmanian Premier Rockliff set to fall as no-confidence vote sparks election threat and AFL stadium doubts
A Liberal state minority government is in political turmoil with a premier set to be dumped by parliament and a snap election looming.
Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff faced a no-confidence motion on Wednesday, with a marathon debate expected to continue when sittings resume on Thursday morning.
The motion, put forward by the Labor opposition, appears all but certain to pass with support of the Greens and three crossbench MPs.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Mr Rockliff has conceded the numbers are against him but has vowed to “fight to his last breath” and not resign.
This stance could end up triggering an election, some 15 months after the Liberals were returned to power, governing in minority with just 14 of 35 seats in the lower house.
Labor and some of the crossbench have lashed Mr Rockliff for budget “mismanagement” and delays and cost blowouts to the delivery of two new Bass Strait ferries.
Some crossbenchers and the Greens are opposed to a new $945 million stadium in Hobart, a condition of the Tasmania Devils entering the AFL in 2028.
Labor supports the team and a stadium, a position they reiterated on Wednesday.
The Devils fear an early election would delay the stadium project and put the club’s licence at risk.
Senior Liberal MP Roger Jaensch told parliament Labor leader Dean Winter was trying to steal power by moving the motion.
“(He) has shown contempt for the Tasmanian people in favour of his own interest. Tasmanians voted for a Liberal government and Jeremy Rockliff,” Mr Jaensch told parliament.
If the motion passes, the Liberals could try to govern with another premier, with current deputy Guy Barnett or former senator Eric Abetz the most logical options.
Greens leader Rosalie Woodruff has kept the door ajar for a minority government scenario with Labor, who only hold 10 lower-house seats.
Dr Woodruff said her party was prepared to work with Labor, saying Mr Winter could prevent Tasmania from going to an election in the event no feasible governing arrangement was found.
Independent Kristie Johnston, one of the three crossbenchers to support the motion, hasn’t ruled out working with Labor.
