Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff is facing no-confidence threat that could end his time as leader
Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff is facing no-confidence threat that could end his time as leader
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Sky News AU
an hour ago
- Sky News AU
'An Important lesson': Tasmanian no confidence motion highlights ‘damage' that occurs when Labor and Greens align, MP claims
The decision to back a no confidence motion in Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff highlights the 'damage' that occurs when Labor gets together with the Greens, a federal MP has claimed. Tasmania is preparing to head to its second election in just 14 months after a narrow majority of MPs voted to support a no confidence motion in Liberal Premier Jeremy Rockliff. Labor's no confidence motion passed the Tasmanian lower house on a vote of 18 to 17 after Speaker Michelle O'Byrne – a Labor MP – broke with parliamentary convention to support the motion. Premier Rockliff has slammed the 'recklessness' of the motion and is asking the state's Lieutenant-Governor to call an election (Tasmanian Governor Barbara Barker is currently out of the state). Speaking to Sky News Australia on Thursday, federal Liberal MP Zoe McKenzie said the events in Tasmania were an 'important lesson' for the rest of the country. 'I think the message that the rest of the country should take is this is what happens when Labor gets together with the Greens,' she said 'We're seeing what's happening in Canberra at the moment in relation to the taxing of superannuation… now we've seen what damage they can do in Tasmania, and that's an important lesson for everyone to take away from today.' Ms McKenzie said an election was the last thing Tasmanians need. 'They've just come off the back of a federal election, and they only had their own state election 14 months ago,' she said. 'Elections are expensive, they are distracting, they are divisive, (and this comes) at a time exactly when the Tasmanian people need certainty, need strong measures to address cost of living.' The no confidence motion, put forward by Labor leader Dean Winter, was also backed by the five Greens MPs, as well as independents Craig Garland and Kristie Johnston, and Jacqui Lambie Network MP Andrew Jenner. Joining the Liberals in opposing the motion were independent David O'Byrne, as well as ex-Lambie Network turned independent MPs Rebekah Pentland and Miriam Beswick. Explaining her decision to back the motion, Speaker O'Byrne acknowledged there is a longstanding Westminster parliamentary convention that the speaker should use their casting vote to maintain the status quo, which would mean voting down the motion. However in an emotional speech, Ms O'Byrne said there was a tradition of speakers breaking the parliamentary convention, and that as a Labor MP she could not be expected to vote in favour of a Liberal government. "I am a member of the Labor Party. When I was elected to this position, it was made clear to this house and the public that despite no longer attending the caucus and strategy meetings of the Labor Party, that I would always vote with them,' she said. "No one in this chamber could realistically expect me to provide confidence to a Liberal government.' 'If I was not in the chair and the government had held this position, the vote would be won on the floor… the die is cast and the state is on the inexorable path to another early election.' Premier Rockliff described the events as a 'sad day' yet accepted the parliament's decision. 'In my personal opinion, this is a very sad day for Tasmania, it is a sad day as well because I put a lot on the line for this parliament,' Mr Rockliff lamented. 'It wasn't easy to get a 35-seat parliament over the line, but I believed it was the right thing to do. And I still believe it was the right thing to do. The embattled premier also took aim at the state's Labor leader for proposing the motion. 'The Leader of the Opposition has not only diminished this parliament, himself, his party. You might get rid of me today, but I'll tell you what, they are coming for you as well because you will always be known as a wrecker,' he said. 'I will also advise that if Mr Winter cannot command a majority in the place, most reluctantly, we must go to an election.' This seems all but certain since the Labor leader has ruled out an offer to form a minority government with the Greens.
9 News
2 hours ago
- 9 News
Millions shivering as polar blast hits Queensland
No-confidence motion against Tasmanian premier succeeds Tasmanians are expected to head to the polls for the second time in just over a year after a successful no-confidence vote against Premier Jeremy Rockliff.
9 News
2 hours ago
- 9 News
Women in Liberal Party react to 'shocking' comment
No-confidence motion against Tasmanian premier succeeds Tasmanians are expected to head to the polls for the second time in just over a year after a successful no-confidence vote against Premier Jeremy Rockliff.
