Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff’s hold on government is under serious threat after the opposition announced plans to table a no-confidence motion.
In his budget reply on Tuesday, Labor Opposition Leader Dean Winter declared he would introduce the motion against Rockliff and called on the crossbench to back it.
Independent MP Craig Garland confirmed his support, citing frustration with the Liberal government’s recent budget, which doubled state debt, the contentious AFL stadium project, and issues with the TT-Line ferries.
“I’ll be supporting a no-confidence motion in the Premier. I’m just sick of the arrogance and ignorance,” Garland told The Australian.
Other independents Kristie Johnston and Andrew Jenner from the Jacqui Lambie Network have also indicated support.
Winter said he would move the motion once he secured enough crossbench votes to pass it.
“I have tabled a notice of motion expressing no confidence in the Premier because he has damaged the budget and plans to privatize our power companies, ports, and public transport,” Winter said.
The state Greens, who could decide Rockliff’s fate, are expected to make a decision after a party meeting, possibly as soon as Wednesday.
Earlier, Rockliff defended his government’s performance and criticized Winter’s speech as overly negative, calling it inconsistent and hypocritical.
“If you’re a Tasmanian listening to that, it’s a gloomy outlook that unfairly criticizes a state that has worked hard over the past 11 years to transform from economic laggard to national leader,” Rockliff said.
Rockliff called a snap election last year to try and secure a majority for the Liberals but failed.
The Liberals have been in minority government since May 2023 after two MPs, John Tucker and Lara Alexander, left the party to sit on the crossbench.
The AFL stadium project, jointly funded by the Albanese government, remains controversial. The Greens oppose the stadium, which is a condition of Tasmania joining the AFL.
