Nationals MP Alison Penfold responds to ‘hurtful' false claim made by ABC reporter as national broadcaster apologises
Nationals MP Alison Penfold has responded after an ABC reporter made a 'hurtful' mischaracterisation of her response to the disastrous floods in her electorate of Lyne on the Mid North Coast.
During the ABC's Insiders discussion on Sunday, federal politics reporter Claudia Long heavily suggested Nationals MPs, including Ms Penfold, had abandoned their electorates grappling with devastating floods to turn their attention to Canberra during their party's dispute with the Liberals.
The ABC segment focused on the standoff between the Liberals and the Nationals, during which Ms Long said, 'I think the other thing that's probably really important to regional communities is that they have a local member who's there when their electorate is, for example, flooding and people are dying.'
Speaking to Sky News host Peta Credlin on Monday evening, Ms Penfold said she was 'pleased' the ABC apologised, however, Ms Long has yet to clarify her remarks.
The ABC journalist said two of the deaths, a 63-year-old man and a 30-year-old man, had both occurred on Wednesday and Thursday in Ms Penfold's seat before suggesting the Nationals MP's attention was elsewhere.
'On Thursday afternoon, that's when we had the press conference from the Nationals in the hall, just to go over that timeline,' she said.
Ms Long then took aim at Nationals MP Pat Conaghan, adding that a 60-year-old woman had died in her car in his seat of Cowper, near Coffs Harbour.
'I think the important thing is that when you're in opposition it's also still your job to be a local member and represent your communities and to be there for them,' she said.
Ms Penfold told Credlin she had been in Wingham, west of Taree, that morning talking to businesses and flood affected residents.
'This journalist, I've never met her, in fact, I'd never heard of her until yesterday, had not even bothered to call me before making these sorts of comments,' Ms Penfold told Sky News.
' I've been hard at work and as has Pat in the electorate. We live here, we know people affected.'
On the morning of the 63-year-old man's death, Ms Penfold said she had been in a community in Coopernook, 24 kilometres north of Taree, but couldn't go any further south because highway had been cut off.
Ms Penfold said the next morning she wanted to meet with the man's daughter.
'I'd gone in the morning after the gentleman had passed away. I'd been asked to bring down some milk and bread and I'd being told about this incident and I wanted to go and see the daughter of the gentleman who passed away, but the community said, 'look, she's so raw, you can't go,'' she said.
'I felt the pain of the families that have been affected by this flood and to be somehow then shamed, my reputation tarnished for doing something that I hadn't done.'
Ms Penfold said she was a member-elect and had not yet been declared as the elected MP, and therefore had no government resources to assist in her response and community work.
'Look, I am pleased the ABC took steps to apologise. I noticed [the apology was] from the ABC and not the journalist in question, but it's an apology all the less,' she said.
'I just want to get on with the job and be out there supporting people who need me.'
The ABC issued an apology on Sunday and said Ms Lon had made 'comments inferring' the National MPs were not in their electorates during the recent NSW floods.
'The ABC wishes to clarify that both Penfold and Conaghan spent the week in their electorates and sincerely apologises for the error. The comment has been removed from the on-demand version of the program,' the ABC apology read.
SkyNews.com.au has contacted Claudia Long for comment. She did not respond before publication.
Speaking of her flood response, Ms Penfold said she had been at a dairy property outside of Taree where the debris had been pushed through from the force of the floodwater until it was 'up to the level of the roof of a house'.
'Today, I was in another community called Croki, which is right on the Manning River ... my boots sunk into mud to ankle depth. They need the sort of equipment that can move lots of big logs and trees … so people can get on with their lives,' she said.
'We have a long way to go and this government better dig deep because this community had a major flood only just under five years ago. A lot of people still haven't recovered. There's a lot of pain and a lot of need here and we need the government to step up, governments to step-up and really help these communities.'
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West Australian
3 hours ago
- West Australian
KATE EMERY: Productivity Commission report says hybrid work approach is good for the economy
There are some debates best put to rest for good. Who is the best James Bond? Is man-made climate change real and do we need greater action on it? And in Australia we're a step closer to adding: is working from home bad for the country? The Liberal Party has been contorting itself like Harry Houdini on this subject, first announcing a crackdown on public servants working from home, then abandoning said crackdown when it proved about as popular as Houdini's short-lived film career, and now embracing it. Shadow industrial relations minister Tim Wilson and shadow housing minister Andrew Bragg have become the latest Liberals to distance themselves from the failed working from home crackdown with the enthusiasm of one magnetic north pole encountering another. Mr Wilson said working from home could be positive because 'happy workers tend to be more productive', while Mr Bragg cited research — including the Productivity Commission's recent report on the subject — to suggest that hybrid work was likely neutral or positive for productivity. 'In fact, most of the evidence comes down to support the proposition that working from home on a hybrid basis actually is good for people, good for the economy,' he said. A little bit more of this chat would have been handy three months ago, when the Liberal Party was busy getting its own metatarsals in the crosshairs. That Productivity Commission report did have a few caveats that suggested working from home can be bad for your career (just ask Peter Dutton), particularly if you are inexperienced. There was also evidence to suggest that people get more creative when they're physically in a room together. Anecdotally, younger people miss out in other ways. Twenty years ago when I was starting out in my career, the workplace was where many of us made lifelong friends, found romance and learned how to leave a passive aggressive notes on the communal fridge. Now a younger generation risks being robbed of the joy of inappropriate office crushes, meetings that could have been emails and knowing what your boss looks like doing karaoke. If the COVID years taught us anything, it's that flirting via Zoom is harder than it looks. Hybrid work, where working from home is only part-time, is the logical solution and the one best supported by research. It's here for the long-haul, so please let's shelve the debate along with the climate wars and any attempt to mount a defence of the Pierce Brosnan Bond years. Employers that insist on being able to see the whites of their employees eyes five days a week without justification might soon get a view of their other end instead. And future generations will wonder why it took a pandemic for us to realise that opposing working from home on ideological grounds was as senseless as insisting that anyone could really hold a candle to Sean 'shaken not stirred' Connery.
The Advertiser
5 hours ago
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'I've been called worse': Kerridge hits back at 'gullible mayor' jibe in Rising Tide debate
ROSS Kerridge says he's been "called a whole lot worse" after Wagga-based Nationals MLC Wes Fang dubbed him "the gullible mayor of Newcastle" in the midst of a debate around Rising Tide's application to host the 2025 People's Blockade in the city. The Legislative Council called on the City of Newcastle to "refuse any permit applications" from the climate activist group to use council land, including Richardson Park and Foreshore Park, for its planned November event after multiple arrests and a last-minute Supreme Court ruling in 2024. On Wednesday, Mr Fang called out Cr Kerridge for his decision to grant a permit to Rising Tide to camp on Foreshore Park last year. "The Supreme Court prohibited Rising Tide from going into the harbour during the scheduled blockade," Mr Fang said. "However, the gullible mayor of Newcastle, and I suspect Lenin would call him one of the 'useful idiots', believed that Rising Ride would honour its promise and obey police directions. "I observe that the mayor was, I am being generous, deceived last year by Rising Tide. Some would suggest he was aiding and abetting." Mr Fang said the City of Newcastle should "stand firm against those lawbreakers" this year. The 2024 People's Blockade resulted in more than 170 arrests, of whom 133 have pleaded not guilty to serious disruption or obstruction of a major facility. The first four defendants will face trial at Newcastle Local Court in October. The state government attempted to block access to the harbour by imposing an exclusion zone that would have made it off-limits to the public. The Supreme Court found the notice was invalid following an urgent application from Rising Tide in November 2024; however, earlier that month, it ruled in favour of police who moved to have the planned protest deemed an unauthorised assembly. Cr Kerridge drew the ire of his fellow councillors when he used his decision-making powers to grant Rising Tide temporary use of council-owned land for the protestival. This year, Cr Kerridge said he felt it was important for the community to weigh in. "I think we have to recognise that Rising Tide is a complex organisation, and yeah, they don't have a good track record," he said. "Last year, things sort of dragged on, and the decision was made without adequate involvement of the community and then things changed very rapidly at the last minute. "I think we need to have the discussion early and be very clear, very early on, about what's going to happen." Rising Tide recently made an application to the council to use Richardson Park from November 25 to December 25, and Camp Shortland from November 28 to December 1. In response to Mr Fang's remarks about the 2024 event, Cr Kerridge said he feels he made the right decision under the circumstances at the time. "I think it was the right decision, even at the time, I suspected it might end up the way it did, but I was hoping that it wouldn't, but I think had we done anything else, the result would have been a whole lot worse," he said. "Mr Fang is one of the more colourful characters of the Legislative Council, and let's face it, I've been called a whole lot worse." In the same debate, Labor MLC Cameron Murphy described Rising Tide as an "excellent protest group" and said anybody who cares about the environment ought to attend a protest. Liberal MLC Rachel Merton called the group "delinquents", while Greens MLC Sue Higginson praised Rising Tide as the "most honest, colourful, strategic, community-based, grassroots activists of our time". Rising Tide spokeswoman Alexa Stuart said Labor doesn't know whether to applaud them or condemn them because it is deeply divided about the transition away from coal. "Hundreds of ordinary citizens engaging in civil disobedience against coal corporations should serve as a demonstration to Premier [Chris] Minns that he is on the wrong side of history," she said. "Irrespective of NSW Labor's confusing statements, Rising Tide's event application is a matter for the Newcastle community and the Newcastle council to decide." Ms Stuart encouraged Newcastle residents to make a submission on the event application because, she said, it will be "very clear" there is overwhelming support for the protest. "Unless the government stops approving new coal projects and starts funding an urgent transition, the 2025 People's Blockade will go ahead," she said. A City of Newcastle spokesman said that in January, Cr Kerridge requested Rising Tide's event licence be determined by the elected council. "The Local Government Act does not allow staff to make a decision that is contradictory to a resolution of the council," he said. Once submissions close, councillors will consider whether to approve the event, which could include camping and activation of Richardson Park and a concert in Camp Shortland. Rising Tide's application includes the erection of temporary structures, amusement rides, live performances and amplified sound at both Camp Shortland and Richardson Park, along with the provision for camping at the Hamilton North site. The community can email their feedback to events@ until 5pm on June 30. ROSS Kerridge says he's been "called a whole lot worse" after Wagga-based Nationals MLC Wes Fang dubbed him "the gullible mayor of Newcastle" in the midst of a debate around Rising Tide's application to host the 2025 People's Blockade in the city. The Legislative Council called on the City of Newcastle to "refuse any permit applications" from the climate activist group to use council land, including Richardson Park and Foreshore Park, for its planned November event after multiple arrests and a last-minute Supreme Court ruling in 2024. On Wednesday, Mr Fang called out Cr Kerridge for his decision to grant a permit to Rising Tide to camp on Foreshore Park last year. "The Supreme Court prohibited Rising Tide from going into the harbour during the scheduled blockade," Mr Fang said. "However, the gullible mayor of Newcastle, and I suspect Lenin would call him one of the 'useful idiots', believed that Rising Ride would honour its promise and obey police directions. "I observe that the mayor was, I am being generous, deceived last year by Rising Tide. Some would suggest he was aiding and abetting." Mr Fang said the City of Newcastle should "stand firm against those lawbreakers" this year. The 2024 People's Blockade resulted in more than 170 arrests, of whom 133 have pleaded not guilty to serious disruption or obstruction of a major facility. The first four defendants will face trial at Newcastle Local Court in October. The state government attempted to block access to the harbour by imposing an exclusion zone that would have made it off-limits to the public. The Supreme Court found the notice was invalid following an urgent application from Rising Tide in November 2024; however, earlier that month, it ruled in favour of police who moved to have the planned protest deemed an unauthorised assembly. Cr Kerridge drew the ire of his fellow councillors when he used his decision-making powers to grant Rising Tide temporary use of council-owned land for the protestival. This year, Cr Kerridge said he felt it was important for the community to weigh in. "I think we have to recognise that Rising Tide is a complex organisation, and yeah, they don't have a good track record," he said. "Last year, things sort of dragged on, and the decision was made without adequate involvement of the community and then things changed very rapidly at the last minute. "I think we need to have the discussion early and be very clear, very early on, about what's going to happen." Rising Tide recently made an application to the council to use Richardson Park from November 25 to December 25, and Camp Shortland from November 28 to December 1. In response to Mr Fang's remarks about the 2024 event, Cr Kerridge said he feels he made the right decision under the circumstances at the time. "I think it was the right decision, even at the time, I suspected it might end up the way it did, but I was hoping that it wouldn't, but I think had we done anything else, the result would have been a whole lot worse," he said. "Mr Fang is one of the more colourful characters of the Legislative Council, and let's face it, I've been called a whole lot worse." In the same debate, Labor MLC Cameron Murphy described Rising Tide as an "excellent protest group" and said anybody who cares about the environment ought to attend a protest. Liberal MLC Rachel Merton called the group "delinquents", while Greens MLC Sue Higginson praised Rising Tide as the "most honest, colourful, strategic, community-based, grassroots activists of our time". Rising Tide spokeswoman Alexa Stuart said Labor doesn't know whether to applaud them or condemn them because it is deeply divided about the transition away from coal. "Hundreds of ordinary citizens engaging in civil disobedience against coal corporations should serve as a demonstration to Premier [Chris] Minns that he is on the wrong side of history," she said. "Irrespective of NSW Labor's confusing statements, Rising Tide's event application is a matter for the Newcastle community and the Newcastle council to decide." Ms Stuart encouraged Newcastle residents to make a submission on the event application because, she said, it will be "very clear" there is overwhelming support for the protest. "Unless the government stops approving new coal projects and starts funding an urgent transition, the 2025 People's Blockade will go ahead," she said. A City of Newcastle spokesman said that in January, Cr Kerridge requested Rising Tide's event licence be determined by the elected council. "The Local Government Act does not allow staff to make a decision that is contradictory to a resolution of the council," he said. Once submissions close, councillors will consider whether to approve the event, which could include camping and activation of Richardson Park and a concert in Camp Shortland. Rising Tide's application includes the erection of temporary structures, amusement rides, live performances and amplified sound at both Camp Shortland and Richardson Park, along with the provision for camping at the Hamilton North site. The community can email their feedback to events@ until 5pm on June 30. ROSS Kerridge says he's been "called a whole lot worse" after Wagga-based Nationals MLC Wes Fang dubbed him "the gullible mayor of Newcastle" in the midst of a debate around Rising Tide's application to host the 2025 People's Blockade in the city. The Legislative Council called on the City of Newcastle to "refuse any permit applications" from the climate activist group to use council land, including Richardson Park and Foreshore Park, for its planned November event after multiple arrests and a last-minute Supreme Court ruling in 2024. On Wednesday, Mr Fang called out Cr Kerridge for his decision to grant a permit to Rising Tide to camp on Foreshore Park last year. "The Supreme Court prohibited Rising Tide from going into the harbour during the scheduled blockade," Mr Fang said. "However, the gullible mayor of Newcastle, and I suspect Lenin would call him one of the 'useful idiots', believed that Rising Ride would honour its promise and obey police directions. "I observe that the mayor was, I am being generous, deceived last year by Rising Tide. Some would suggest he was aiding and abetting." Mr Fang said the City of Newcastle should "stand firm against those lawbreakers" this year. The 2024 People's Blockade resulted in more than 170 arrests, of whom 133 have pleaded not guilty to serious disruption or obstruction of a major facility. The first four defendants will face trial at Newcastle Local Court in October. The state government attempted to block access to the harbour by imposing an exclusion zone that would have made it off-limits to the public. The Supreme Court found the notice was invalid following an urgent application from Rising Tide in November 2024; however, earlier that month, it ruled in favour of police who moved to have the planned protest deemed an unauthorised assembly. Cr Kerridge drew the ire of his fellow councillors when he used his decision-making powers to grant Rising Tide temporary use of council-owned land for the protestival. This year, Cr Kerridge said he felt it was important for the community to weigh in. "I think we have to recognise that Rising Tide is a complex organisation, and yeah, they don't have a good track record," he said. "Last year, things sort of dragged on, and the decision was made without adequate involvement of the community and then things changed very rapidly at the last minute. "I think we need to have the discussion early and be very clear, very early on, about what's going to happen." Rising Tide recently made an application to the council to use Richardson Park from November 25 to December 25, and Camp Shortland from November 28 to December 1. In response to Mr Fang's remarks about the 2024 event, Cr Kerridge said he feels he made the right decision under the circumstances at the time. "I think it was the right decision, even at the time, I suspected it might end up the way it did, but I was hoping that it wouldn't, but I think had we done anything else, the result would have been a whole lot worse," he said. "Mr Fang is one of the more colourful characters of the Legislative Council, and let's face it, I've been called a whole lot worse." In the same debate, Labor MLC Cameron Murphy described Rising Tide as an "excellent protest group" and said anybody who cares about the environment ought to attend a protest. Liberal MLC Rachel Merton called the group "delinquents", while Greens MLC Sue Higginson praised Rising Tide as the "most honest, colourful, strategic, community-based, grassroots activists of our time". Rising Tide spokeswoman Alexa Stuart said Labor doesn't know whether to applaud them or condemn them because it is deeply divided about the transition away from coal. "Hundreds of ordinary citizens engaging in civil disobedience against coal corporations should serve as a demonstration to Premier [Chris] Minns that he is on the wrong side of history," she said. "Irrespective of NSW Labor's confusing statements, Rising Tide's event application is a matter for the Newcastle community and the Newcastle council to decide." Ms Stuart encouraged Newcastle residents to make a submission on the event application because, she said, it will be "very clear" there is overwhelming support for the protest. "Unless the government stops approving new coal projects and starts funding an urgent transition, the 2025 People's Blockade will go ahead," she said. A City of Newcastle spokesman said that in January, Cr Kerridge requested Rising Tide's event licence be determined by the elected council. "The Local Government Act does not allow staff to make a decision that is contradictory to a resolution of the council," he said. Once submissions close, councillors will consider whether to approve the event, which could include camping and activation of Richardson Park and a concert in Camp Shortland. Rising Tide's application includes the erection of temporary structures, amusement rides, live performances and amplified sound at both Camp Shortland and Richardson Park, along with the provision for camping at the Hamilton North site. The community can email their feedback to events@ until 5pm on June 30. ROSS Kerridge says he's been "called a whole lot worse" after Wagga-based Nationals MLC Wes Fang dubbed him "the gullible mayor of Newcastle" in the midst of a debate around Rising Tide's application to host the 2025 People's Blockade in the city. The Legislative Council called on the City of Newcastle to "refuse any permit applications" from the climate activist group to use council land, including Richardson Park and Foreshore Park, for its planned November event after multiple arrests and a last-minute Supreme Court ruling in 2024. On Wednesday, Mr Fang called out Cr Kerridge for his decision to grant a permit to Rising Tide to camp on Foreshore Park last year. "The Supreme Court prohibited Rising Tide from going into the harbour during the scheduled blockade," Mr Fang said. "However, the gullible mayor of Newcastle, and I suspect Lenin would call him one of the 'useful idiots', believed that Rising Ride would honour its promise and obey police directions. "I observe that the mayor was, I am being generous, deceived last year by Rising Tide. Some would suggest he was aiding and abetting." Mr Fang said the City of Newcastle should "stand firm against those lawbreakers" this year. The 2024 People's Blockade resulted in more than 170 arrests, of whom 133 have pleaded not guilty to serious disruption or obstruction of a major facility. The first four defendants will face trial at Newcastle Local Court in October. The state government attempted to block access to the harbour by imposing an exclusion zone that would have made it off-limits to the public. The Supreme Court found the notice was invalid following an urgent application from Rising Tide in November 2024; however, earlier that month, it ruled in favour of police who moved to have the planned protest deemed an unauthorised assembly. Cr Kerridge drew the ire of his fellow councillors when he used his decision-making powers to grant Rising Tide temporary use of council-owned land for the protestival. This year, Cr Kerridge said he felt it was important for the community to weigh in. "I think we have to recognise that Rising Tide is a complex organisation, and yeah, they don't have a good track record," he said. "Last year, things sort of dragged on, and the decision was made without adequate involvement of the community and then things changed very rapidly at the last minute. "I think we need to have the discussion early and be very clear, very early on, about what's going to happen." Rising Tide recently made an application to the council to use Richardson Park from November 25 to December 25, and Camp Shortland from November 28 to December 1. In response to Mr Fang's remarks about the 2024 event, Cr Kerridge said he feels he made the right decision under the circumstances at the time. "I think it was the right decision, even at the time, I suspected it might end up the way it did, but I was hoping that it wouldn't, but I think had we done anything else, the result would have been a whole lot worse," he said. "Mr Fang is one of the more colourful characters of the Legislative Council, and let's face it, I've been called a whole lot worse." In the same debate, Labor MLC Cameron Murphy described Rising Tide as an "excellent protest group" and said anybody who cares about the environment ought to attend a protest. Liberal MLC Rachel Merton called the group "delinquents", while Greens MLC Sue Higginson praised Rising Tide as the "most honest, colourful, strategic, community-based, grassroots activists of our time". Rising Tide spokeswoman Alexa Stuart said Labor doesn't know whether to applaud them or condemn them because it is deeply divided about the transition away from coal. "Hundreds of ordinary citizens engaging in civil disobedience against coal corporations should serve as a demonstration to Premier [Chris] Minns that he is on the wrong side of history," she said. "Irrespective of NSW Labor's confusing statements, Rising Tide's event application is a matter for the Newcastle community and the Newcastle council to decide." Ms Stuart encouraged Newcastle residents to make a submission on the event application because, she said, it will be "very clear" there is overwhelming support for the protest. "Unless the government stops approving new coal projects and starts funding an urgent transition, the 2025 People's Blockade will go ahead," she said. A City of Newcastle spokesman said that in January, Cr Kerridge requested Rising Tide's event licence be determined by the elected council. "The Local Government Act does not allow staff to make a decision that is contradictory to a resolution of the council," he said. Once submissions close, councillors will consider whether to approve the event, which could include camping and activation of Richardson Park and a concert in Camp Shortland. Rising Tide's application includes the erection of temporary structures, amusement rides, live performances and amplified sound at both Camp Shortland and Richardson Park, along with the provision for camping at the Hamilton North site. The community can email their feedback to events@ until 5pm on June 30.
The Advertiser
8 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Liberals back embattled premier, election call looms
Tasmania's Liberals are "absolutely" behind their leader and minority premier, who is poised to ask for a snap election after losing the support of parliament. The island state's parliament will sit on Tuesday to pass an emergency bill to ensure government workers keep getting paid. Premier Jeremy Rockliff is then expected to visit the governor and request an election, just 15 months after Tasmanians went to the polls. Mr Rockliff narrowly lost a no-confidence motion on Thursday, but has refused to step down from the position he has held since 2022. "We are absolutely behind Jeremy Rockliff," government minister Felix Ellis told reporters on Monday. "He is a man of experience, strength and compassion who has served the community for decades. We back him in wholeheartedly." Battlelines have already been drawn for an election - set to be the state's fourth in seven years - with ousted Liberal federal MP Bridget Archer to run for the party in the seat of Bass. The Liberals have dumped a plan to investigate state asset sales. Labor has declared it wants to bring delayed new Bass Strait ferries to Tasmania from Europe as soon as possible. The governor could approve Mr Rockliff's request or ask the Liberals to find another leader who could potentially be premier with the support of the crossbench. Labor opposition leader Dean Winter has ruled out trying to govern in an alliance with the Greens, who have offered an olive branch. "This will be an election about three things," Mr Winter said. "The broken budget, Jeremy Rockliff's plan to privatise assets and his (role) in the Spirit of Tasmania (ferry) fiasco." Both major parties support construction of a $945 million waterfront stadium in Hobart, a condition of the Tasmania Devils entering the AFL in 2028. Several anti-stadium crossbench MPs and the Greens have co-signed a letter to AFL boss Andrew Dillon, asking for a meeting to discuss renegotiating the contract. The AFL and Liberals, who signed the licence, have maintained the deal is the deal. "The AFL's continued position is that (the Macquarie Point stadium) is a condition for the grant of the 19th licence," a league spokesman said. The Devils are concerned an election could delay approval processes for the stadium, potentially putting the licence at risk. The stadium also looms as a major election issue, with February polling showing almost 60 per cent of Tasmanians don't support the project. It could turn voters away from the two major parties. The Liberals suffered a 12 per cent swing against them at the March 2024 election, but managed to form government with just 14 of 35 lower-house seats. Labor, which holds 10 seats, picked up a minuscule swing of 0.8 per cent. Tasmania's Liberals are "absolutely" behind their leader and minority premier, who is poised to ask for a snap election after losing the support of parliament. The island state's parliament will sit on Tuesday to pass an emergency bill to ensure government workers keep getting paid. Premier Jeremy Rockliff is then expected to visit the governor and request an election, just 15 months after Tasmanians went to the polls. Mr Rockliff narrowly lost a no-confidence motion on Thursday, but has refused to step down from the position he has held since 2022. "We are absolutely behind Jeremy Rockliff," government minister Felix Ellis told reporters on Monday. "He is a man of experience, strength and compassion who has served the community for decades. We back him in wholeheartedly." Battlelines have already been drawn for an election - set to be the state's fourth in seven years - with ousted Liberal federal MP Bridget Archer to run for the party in the seat of Bass. The Liberals have dumped a plan to investigate state asset sales. Labor has declared it wants to bring delayed new Bass Strait ferries to Tasmania from Europe as soon as possible. The governor could approve Mr Rockliff's request or ask the Liberals to find another leader who could potentially be premier with the support of the crossbench. Labor opposition leader Dean Winter has ruled out trying to govern in an alliance with the Greens, who have offered an olive branch. "This will be an election about three things," Mr Winter said. "The broken budget, Jeremy Rockliff's plan to privatise assets and his (role) in the Spirit of Tasmania (ferry) fiasco." Both major parties support construction of a $945 million waterfront stadium in Hobart, a condition of the Tasmania Devils entering the AFL in 2028. Several anti-stadium crossbench MPs and the Greens have co-signed a letter to AFL boss Andrew Dillon, asking for a meeting to discuss renegotiating the contract. The AFL and Liberals, who signed the licence, have maintained the deal is the deal. "The AFL's continued position is that (the Macquarie Point stadium) is a condition for the grant of the 19th licence," a league spokesman said. The Devils are concerned an election could delay approval processes for the stadium, potentially putting the licence at risk. The stadium also looms as a major election issue, with February polling showing almost 60 per cent of Tasmanians don't support the project. It could turn voters away from the two major parties. The Liberals suffered a 12 per cent swing against them at the March 2024 election, but managed to form government with just 14 of 35 lower-house seats. Labor, which holds 10 seats, picked up a minuscule swing of 0.8 per cent. Tasmania's Liberals are "absolutely" behind their leader and minority premier, who is poised to ask for a snap election after losing the support of parliament. The island state's parliament will sit on Tuesday to pass an emergency bill to ensure government workers keep getting paid. Premier Jeremy Rockliff is then expected to visit the governor and request an election, just 15 months after Tasmanians went to the polls. Mr Rockliff narrowly lost a no-confidence motion on Thursday, but has refused to step down from the position he has held since 2022. "We are absolutely behind Jeremy Rockliff," government minister Felix Ellis told reporters on Monday. "He is a man of experience, strength and compassion who has served the community for decades. We back him in wholeheartedly." Battlelines have already been drawn for an election - set to be the state's fourth in seven years - with ousted Liberal federal MP Bridget Archer to run for the party in the seat of Bass. The Liberals have dumped a plan to investigate state asset sales. Labor has declared it wants to bring delayed new Bass Strait ferries to Tasmania from Europe as soon as possible. The governor could approve Mr Rockliff's request or ask the Liberals to find another leader who could potentially be premier with the support of the crossbench. Labor opposition leader Dean Winter has ruled out trying to govern in an alliance with the Greens, who have offered an olive branch. "This will be an election about three things," Mr Winter said. "The broken budget, Jeremy Rockliff's plan to privatise assets and his (role) in the Spirit of Tasmania (ferry) fiasco." Both major parties support construction of a $945 million waterfront stadium in Hobart, a condition of the Tasmania Devils entering the AFL in 2028. Several anti-stadium crossbench MPs and the Greens have co-signed a letter to AFL boss Andrew Dillon, asking for a meeting to discuss renegotiating the contract. The AFL and Liberals, who signed the licence, have maintained the deal is the deal. "The AFL's continued position is that (the Macquarie Point stadium) is a condition for the grant of the 19th licence," a league spokesman said. The Devils are concerned an election could delay approval processes for the stadium, potentially putting the licence at risk. The stadium also looms as a major election issue, with February polling showing almost 60 per cent of Tasmanians don't support the project. It could turn voters away from the two major parties. The Liberals suffered a 12 per cent swing against them at the March 2024 election, but managed to form government with just 14 of 35 lower-house seats. Labor, which holds 10 seats, picked up a minuscule swing of 0.8 per cent. Tasmania's Liberals are "absolutely" behind their leader and minority premier, who is poised to ask for a snap election after losing the support of parliament. The island state's parliament will sit on Tuesday to pass an emergency bill to ensure government workers keep getting paid. Premier Jeremy Rockliff is then expected to visit the governor and request an election, just 15 months after Tasmanians went to the polls. Mr Rockliff narrowly lost a no-confidence motion on Thursday, but has refused to step down from the position he has held since 2022. "We are absolutely behind Jeremy Rockliff," government minister Felix Ellis told reporters on Monday. "He is a man of experience, strength and compassion who has served the community for decades. We back him in wholeheartedly." Battlelines have already been drawn for an election - set to be the state's fourth in seven years - with ousted Liberal federal MP Bridget Archer to run for the party in the seat of Bass. The Liberals have dumped a plan to investigate state asset sales. Labor has declared it wants to bring delayed new Bass Strait ferries to Tasmania from Europe as soon as possible. The governor could approve Mr Rockliff's request or ask the Liberals to find another leader who could potentially be premier with the support of the crossbench. Labor opposition leader Dean Winter has ruled out trying to govern in an alliance with the Greens, who have offered an olive branch. "This will be an election about three things," Mr Winter said. "The broken budget, Jeremy Rockliff's plan to privatise assets and his (role) in the Spirit of Tasmania (ferry) fiasco." Both major parties support construction of a $945 million waterfront stadium in Hobart, a condition of the Tasmania Devils entering the AFL in 2028. Several anti-stadium crossbench MPs and the Greens have co-signed a letter to AFL boss Andrew Dillon, asking for a meeting to discuss renegotiating the contract. The AFL and Liberals, who signed the licence, have maintained the deal is the deal. "The AFL's continued position is that (the Macquarie Point stadium) is a condition for the grant of the 19th licence," a league spokesman said. The Devils are concerned an election could delay approval processes for the stadium, potentially putting the licence at risk. The stadium also looms as a major election issue, with February polling showing almost 60 per cent of Tasmanians don't support the project. It could turn voters away from the two major parties. The Liberals suffered a 12 per cent swing against them at the March 2024 election, but managed to form government with just 14 of 35 lower-house seats. Labor, which holds 10 seats, picked up a minuscule swing of 0.8 per cent.
