Independent candidate and former ABC journalist Peter George is on track to be elected in the seat of Franklin, adding to a growing and predominantly progressive crossbench that could present fresh hurdles for both the Liberal and Labor parties in Tasmania.
George, a vocal critic of salmon farming, criticized the two major parties as “a bunch of squabblers” and urged them to work more constructively with the crossbench.
As vote counting continues, the crossbench is projected to include five Greens MPs, George, progressive independents Kristie Johnston (Clark) and Craig Garland (Braddon), and former Labor leader David O’Byrne. Shooters, Fishers and Farmers candidate Carlo Di Falco is also in contention in Lyons.
If all are elected, the crossbench would comprise 10 members in Tasmania’s 35-seat lower house — nine of whom are progressive, with one conservative voice. The Liberals are expected to secure 15 or 16 seats, and Labor 10, falling short of the 18 needed for a majority.
George emphasized that the responsibility to cooperate lies with the major parties:
“If neither of the parties can speak to the crossbench, that is their problem… not the problem of the crossbench, nor of the Greens,” he stated.
He also highlighted his priorities: addressing “budget repair, social repair, island repair and integrity repair.”
Rise of Independent Influence
Braddon independent MP Craig Garland, who backed a no-confidence motion against Premier Jeremy Rockliff, is also expected to return. He expressed a commitment to a functional parliament:
“If Jeremy is the premier, we’ve already had discussions. We have to make it work — there’s no other choice.”
David O’Byrne, a seasoned MP now running as an independent, said he opposes the idea of independents demanding upfront commitments from parties in exchange for support:
“That becomes transactional,” he said. “If you have a list of 10 issues, what happens when those are resolved? There will always be new challenges.”
He added that he would not obstruct the formation of a government or support unnecessary no-confidence motions.
Notably, all three Jacqui Lambie Network MPs from the previous election have been unseated — two who ran with the Nationals and one as an independent.
