Coaltion split to give parties a chance to speak to voters ‘authentically'
Political Strategist and adviser Yaron Finkelstein has said the Nationals' split from the Coalition is an opportunity for both parties to speak to voters in an "authentic way".
"There'll be Liberals who will want to be talking about different things that perhaps they couldn't when they were bound with the National Party and vice versa," Mr Finkelstein said.
"It doesn't mean they'll be radically different in those policy areas but give them a chance to breathe."
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Advertiser
18 minutes ago
- The Advertiser
'Deeply concerning': AUKUS deal under threat as Trump launches review
The United States has launched a snap review of the AUKUS submarine deal, throwing its $368 billion security pact with Australia into doubt just as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese prepares for a potential meeting with Donald Trump. After news broke overnight of the development, with the Pentagon reportedly saying the AUKUS deal must be weighed to establish whether it aligns with Mr Trump's "America First" approach, a spokesperson for Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said in a statement that it was "natural that the Administration would want to examine this major undertaking, including progress and delivery." "We are committed to AUKUS and we look forward to working closely with the US on the review," the spokesperson said. "The United States advised Australia and the UK of the review. All three countries are committed to ensuring AUKUS meets national and trilateral objectives. "Importantly, AUKUS will grow both US and Australian defence industry as well as generating thousands of new manufacturing jobs." The Coalition responded with concern, with opposition frontbencher Bridget McKenzie telling Nine's Today the AUKUS pact and Australia's strategic defence partnership with the US needed to be "the Prime Minister's primary concern." "[It is] a deeply concerning development," Senator McKenzie said. "We cannot defend ourselves without these relationships." The Prime Minister will attend the G7 Leaders' Summit alongside Mr Trump in Alberta, Canada, from June 15 to 17, creating an opportunity to finally meet face-to-face with the President, although no plans have been confirmed. The Trump administration has called for Australia to lift defence spending and complained about strict biosecurity rules for meat imports, as well as the low prices paid for US-made medicines on the PBS, while holding out on providing exemptions to sweeping tariffs imposed on key Australian exports. Mr Albanese told the National Press Club on Wednesday that his government would not trade away "the things that make us the best country on earth" and said while he did not want to pre-empt any conversation with the President, "we'll only sign up to things that are in Australia's national interest." "Australia should decide what we spend on Australia's defence. Simple as that," the Prime Minister said. "We will always provide for capability that's needed." AUKUS is a three-nation security alliance between Australia, the UK and the US agreed in 2021 under the prime ministership of ex-Liberal leader Scott Morrison. It was formed to counter China's strategic moves in the Pacific arena and was underpinned by an agreement between the US and the UK to provide Australia with access to nuclear-powered submarine technology, to eventually replace its aging Collins-class boats, although the first submarine is not expected to join the Australian fleet for years. Australia, which in February made the first of six $US500 million (about $800 million) payments to the US for the boats, is supposed to initially buy between three and five off-the-shelf Virginia-class boats. But military experts say that while the US has the largest nuclear-powered submarine fleet in the world, its shipyards are not building them fast enough to meet the US Navy's own needs. The AUKUS review will be headed by US defence undersecretary Elbridge Colby and is expected to take about 30 days. The United Kingdom had recently completed an AUKUS review and reaffirmed its support, appointing Sir Stephen Lovegrove as its AUKUS Adviser. Greens Defence and Foreign Affairs spokesperson David Shoebridge predicted that Mr Trump would "use this review to either terminate AUKUS and pocket the money already paid, or extract an even more eye-watering sum from Australia to stay in the sinking project without any hard promises for the US to deliver." "Donald Trump is erratic, reckless and careless of America's allies and alliances but he does have one fairly constant trait, he puts US interests first and allies last," Senator Shoebridge said. "The USA reviewing AUKUS shows what the Greens have been warning about for years - this deal makes Australia a junior partner in America's military strategy, not an equal ally. "The Australian public deserves an urgent inquiry into AUKUS before Labor wastes more billions on submarines we will never see. "It's pretty clear what any US review into AUKUS will say, the US does not have any spare submarines to give to Australia." Senator McKenzie said there was "now a growing list of serious issues and tasks for the prime minister with his meeting with President Trump next week." "Any undermining of this serious and substantial alliance between our two countries should be of grave concern to all of us because the reality is there is a very real vulnerability for us," she said. "Obviously, we wish him every success in strengthening that relationship and not weakening it." The spokesperson for Mr Marles said there was bipartisan support for AUKUS in the United States, noting the passage of provisions in the National Defence Authorization Act in 2023 to enable the transfer of US Virginia class submarines to Australia, and to enable Australians to work on maintenance activities of US Virginia class submarines. "Our engagement with the Trump Administration and across the full political spectrum in the United States has shown clear and consistent support for AUKUS," the spokesperson said. "We look forward to continuing our close cooperation with the Trump Administration on this historic project." Mr Albanese has previously discussed AUKUS in phone calls with Mr Trump, while Mr Marles has discussed the deal with US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth, both in February and May. "The president is very aware, supportive of AUKUS," Mr Hegseth said after the February meeting with Mr Marles. "(He) recognises the importance of the defence industrial base." Mr Marles responded that the pair had discussed how the US and Australia could advance their longstanding diplomatic relationship in terms of national security, including AUKUS. Foreign Minister Penny Wong discussed AUKUS with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in January. Australia's military budget is expected to rise to 2.3 per cent of gross domestic product, or output, by 2034. The US administration has called for Australia to increase that spending to around 3.5 per cent. Opposition Defence Spokesperson Angus Taylor last week called on the Albanese government to commit to "at least" 3 per cent, but Mr Albanese on Wednesday said he would not set an "arbitrary" figure. Australia tore up its $90 billion diesel-powered submarine deal with France to sign on to AUKUS and is contracted to buy several off-the-shelf submarines costing about $US4 billion each, before making its own. The first Australian-made boats are not due to be operational until the 2040s. The United States has launched a snap review of the AUKUS submarine deal, throwing its $368 billion security pact with Australia into doubt just as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese prepares for a potential meeting with Donald Trump. After news broke overnight of the development, with the Pentagon reportedly saying the AUKUS deal must be weighed to establish whether it aligns with Mr Trump's "America First" approach, a spokesperson for Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said in a statement that it was "natural that the Administration would want to examine this major undertaking, including progress and delivery." "We are committed to AUKUS and we look forward to working closely with the US on the review," the spokesperson said. "The United States advised Australia and the UK of the review. All three countries are committed to ensuring AUKUS meets national and trilateral objectives. "Importantly, AUKUS will grow both US and Australian defence industry as well as generating thousands of new manufacturing jobs." The Coalition responded with concern, with opposition frontbencher Bridget McKenzie telling Nine's Today the AUKUS pact and Australia's strategic defence partnership with the US needed to be "the Prime Minister's primary concern." "[It is] a deeply concerning development," Senator McKenzie said. "We cannot defend ourselves without these relationships." The Prime Minister will attend the G7 Leaders' Summit alongside Mr Trump in Alberta, Canada, from June 15 to 17, creating an opportunity to finally meet face-to-face with the President, although no plans have been confirmed. The Trump administration has called for Australia to lift defence spending and complained about strict biosecurity rules for meat imports, as well as the low prices paid for US-made medicines on the PBS, while holding out on providing exemptions to sweeping tariffs imposed on key Australian exports. Mr Albanese told the National Press Club on Wednesday that his government would not trade away "the things that make us the best country on earth" and said while he did not want to pre-empt any conversation with the President, "we'll only sign up to things that are in Australia's national interest." "Australia should decide what we spend on Australia's defence. Simple as that," the Prime Minister said. "We will always provide for capability that's needed." AUKUS is a three-nation security alliance between Australia, the UK and the US agreed in 2021 under the prime ministership of ex-Liberal leader Scott Morrison. It was formed to counter China's strategic moves in the Pacific arena and was underpinned by an agreement between the US and the UK to provide Australia with access to nuclear-powered submarine technology, to eventually replace its aging Collins-class boats, although the first submarine is not expected to join the Australian fleet for years. Australia, which in February made the first of six $US500 million (about $800 million) payments to the US for the boats, is supposed to initially buy between three and five off-the-shelf Virginia-class boats. But military experts say that while the US has the largest nuclear-powered submarine fleet in the world, its shipyards are not building them fast enough to meet the US Navy's own needs. The AUKUS review will be headed by US defence undersecretary Elbridge Colby and is expected to take about 30 days. The United Kingdom had recently completed an AUKUS review and reaffirmed its support, appointing Sir Stephen Lovegrove as its AUKUS Adviser. Greens Defence and Foreign Affairs spokesperson David Shoebridge predicted that Mr Trump would "use this review to either terminate AUKUS and pocket the money already paid, or extract an even more eye-watering sum from Australia to stay in the sinking project without any hard promises for the US to deliver." "Donald Trump is erratic, reckless and careless of America's allies and alliances but he does have one fairly constant trait, he puts US interests first and allies last," Senator Shoebridge said. "The USA reviewing AUKUS shows what the Greens have been warning about for years - this deal makes Australia a junior partner in America's military strategy, not an equal ally. "The Australian public deserves an urgent inquiry into AUKUS before Labor wastes more billions on submarines we will never see. "It's pretty clear what any US review into AUKUS will say, the US does not have any spare submarines to give to Australia." Senator McKenzie said there was "now a growing list of serious issues and tasks for the prime minister with his meeting with President Trump next week." "Any undermining of this serious and substantial alliance between our two countries should be of grave concern to all of us because the reality is there is a very real vulnerability for us," she said. "Obviously, we wish him every success in strengthening that relationship and not weakening it." The spokesperson for Mr Marles said there was bipartisan support for AUKUS in the United States, noting the passage of provisions in the National Defence Authorization Act in 2023 to enable the transfer of US Virginia class submarines to Australia, and to enable Australians to work on maintenance activities of US Virginia class submarines. "Our engagement with the Trump Administration and across the full political spectrum in the United States has shown clear and consistent support for AUKUS," the spokesperson said. "We look forward to continuing our close cooperation with the Trump Administration on this historic project." Mr Albanese has previously discussed AUKUS in phone calls with Mr Trump, while Mr Marles has discussed the deal with US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth, both in February and May. "The president is very aware, supportive of AUKUS," Mr Hegseth said after the February meeting with Mr Marles. "(He) recognises the importance of the defence industrial base." Mr Marles responded that the pair had discussed how the US and Australia could advance their longstanding diplomatic relationship in terms of national security, including AUKUS. Foreign Minister Penny Wong discussed AUKUS with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in January. Australia's military budget is expected to rise to 2.3 per cent of gross domestic product, or output, by 2034. The US administration has called for Australia to increase that spending to around 3.5 per cent. Opposition Defence Spokesperson Angus Taylor last week called on the Albanese government to commit to "at least" 3 per cent, but Mr Albanese on Wednesday said he would not set an "arbitrary" figure. Australia tore up its $90 billion diesel-powered submarine deal with France to sign on to AUKUS and is contracted to buy several off-the-shelf submarines costing about $US4 billion each, before making its own. The first Australian-made boats are not due to be operational until the 2040s. The United States has launched a snap review of the AUKUS submarine deal, throwing its $368 billion security pact with Australia into doubt just as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese prepares for a potential meeting with Donald Trump. After news broke overnight of the development, with the Pentagon reportedly saying the AUKUS deal must be weighed to establish whether it aligns with Mr Trump's "America First" approach, a spokesperson for Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said in a statement that it was "natural that the Administration would want to examine this major undertaking, including progress and delivery." "We are committed to AUKUS and we look forward to working closely with the US on the review," the spokesperson said. "The United States advised Australia and the UK of the review. All three countries are committed to ensuring AUKUS meets national and trilateral objectives. "Importantly, AUKUS will grow both US and Australian defence industry as well as generating thousands of new manufacturing jobs." The Coalition responded with concern, with opposition frontbencher Bridget McKenzie telling Nine's Today the AUKUS pact and Australia's strategic defence partnership with the US needed to be "the Prime Minister's primary concern." "[It is] a deeply concerning development," Senator McKenzie said. "We cannot defend ourselves without these relationships." The Prime Minister will attend the G7 Leaders' Summit alongside Mr Trump in Alberta, Canada, from June 15 to 17, creating an opportunity to finally meet face-to-face with the President, although no plans have been confirmed. The Trump administration has called for Australia to lift defence spending and complained about strict biosecurity rules for meat imports, as well as the low prices paid for US-made medicines on the PBS, while holding out on providing exemptions to sweeping tariffs imposed on key Australian exports. Mr Albanese told the National Press Club on Wednesday that his government would not trade away "the things that make us the best country on earth" and said while he did not want to pre-empt any conversation with the President, "we'll only sign up to things that are in Australia's national interest." "Australia should decide what we spend on Australia's defence. Simple as that," the Prime Minister said. "We will always provide for capability that's needed." AUKUS is a three-nation security alliance between Australia, the UK and the US agreed in 2021 under the prime ministership of ex-Liberal leader Scott Morrison. It was formed to counter China's strategic moves in the Pacific arena and was underpinned by an agreement between the US and the UK to provide Australia with access to nuclear-powered submarine technology, to eventually replace its aging Collins-class boats, although the first submarine is not expected to join the Australian fleet for years. Australia, which in February made the first of six $US500 million (about $800 million) payments to the US for the boats, is supposed to initially buy between three and five off-the-shelf Virginia-class boats. But military experts say that while the US has the largest nuclear-powered submarine fleet in the world, its shipyards are not building them fast enough to meet the US Navy's own needs. The AUKUS review will be headed by US defence undersecretary Elbridge Colby and is expected to take about 30 days. The United Kingdom had recently completed an AUKUS review and reaffirmed its support, appointing Sir Stephen Lovegrove as its AUKUS Adviser. Greens Defence and Foreign Affairs spokesperson David Shoebridge predicted that Mr Trump would "use this review to either terminate AUKUS and pocket the money already paid, or extract an even more eye-watering sum from Australia to stay in the sinking project without any hard promises for the US to deliver." "Donald Trump is erratic, reckless and careless of America's allies and alliances but he does have one fairly constant trait, he puts US interests first and allies last," Senator Shoebridge said. "The USA reviewing AUKUS shows what the Greens have been warning about for years - this deal makes Australia a junior partner in America's military strategy, not an equal ally. "The Australian public deserves an urgent inquiry into AUKUS before Labor wastes more billions on submarines we will never see. "It's pretty clear what any US review into AUKUS will say, the US does not have any spare submarines to give to Australia." Senator McKenzie said there was "now a growing list of serious issues and tasks for the prime minister with his meeting with President Trump next week." "Any undermining of this serious and substantial alliance between our two countries should be of grave concern to all of us because the reality is there is a very real vulnerability for us," she said. "Obviously, we wish him every success in strengthening that relationship and not weakening it." The spokesperson for Mr Marles said there was bipartisan support for AUKUS in the United States, noting the passage of provisions in the National Defence Authorization Act in 2023 to enable the transfer of US Virginia class submarines to Australia, and to enable Australians to work on maintenance activities of US Virginia class submarines. "Our engagement with the Trump Administration and across the full political spectrum in the United States has shown clear and consistent support for AUKUS," the spokesperson said. "We look forward to continuing our close cooperation with the Trump Administration on this historic project." Mr Albanese has previously discussed AUKUS in phone calls with Mr Trump, while Mr Marles has discussed the deal with US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth, both in February and May. "The president is very aware, supportive of AUKUS," Mr Hegseth said after the February meeting with Mr Marles. "(He) recognises the importance of the defence industrial base." Mr Marles responded that the pair had discussed how the US and Australia could advance their longstanding diplomatic relationship in terms of national security, including AUKUS. Foreign Minister Penny Wong discussed AUKUS with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in January. Australia's military budget is expected to rise to 2.3 per cent of gross domestic product, or output, by 2034. The US administration has called for Australia to increase that spending to around 3.5 per cent. Opposition Defence Spokesperson Angus Taylor last week called on the Albanese government to commit to "at least" 3 per cent, but Mr Albanese on Wednesday said he would not set an "arbitrary" figure. Australia tore up its $90 billion diesel-powered submarine deal with France to sign on to AUKUS and is contracted to buy several off-the-shelf submarines costing about $US4 billion each, before making its own. The first Australian-made boats are not due to be operational until the 2040s. The United States has launched a snap review of the AUKUS submarine deal, throwing its $368 billion security pact with Australia into doubt just as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese prepares for a potential meeting with Donald Trump. After news broke overnight of the development, with the Pentagon reportedly saying the AUKUS deal must be weighed to establish whether it aligns with Mr Trump's "America First" approach, a spokesperson for Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said in a statement that it was "natural that the Administration would want to examine this major undertaking, including progress and delivery." "We are committed to AUKUS and we look forward to working closely with the US on the review," the spokesperson said. "The United States advised Australia and the UK of the review. All three countries are committed to ensuring AUKUS meets national and trilateral objectives. "Importantly, AUKUS will grow both US and Australian defence industry as well as generating thousands of new manufacturing jobs." The Coalition responded with concern, with opposition frontbencher Bridget McKenzie telling Nine's Today the AUKUS pact and Australia's strategic defence partnership with the US needed to be "the Prime Minister's primary concern." "[It is] a deeply concerning development," Senator McKenzie said. "We cannot defend ourselves without these relationships." The Prime Minister will attend the G7 Leaders' Summit alongside Mr Trump in Alberta, Canada, from June 15 to 17, creating an opportunity to finally meet face-to-face with the President, although no plans have been confirmed. The Trump administration has called for Australia to lift defence spending and complained about strict biosecurity rules for meat imports, as well as the low prices paid for US-made medicines on the PBS, while holding out on providing exemptions to sweeping tariffs imposed on key Australian exports. Mr Albanese told the National Press Club on Wednesday that his government would not trade away "the things that make us the best country on earth" and said while he did not want to pre-empt any conversation with the President, "we'll only sign up to things that are in Australia's national interest." "Australia should decide what we spend on Australia's defence. Simple as that," the Prime Minister said. "We will always provide for capability that's needed." AUKUS is a three-nation security alliance between Australia, the UK and the US agreed in 2021 under the prime ministership of ex-Liberal leader Scott Morrison. It was formed to counter China's strategic moves in the Pacific arena and was underpinned by an agreement between the US and the UK to provide Australia with access to nuclear-powered submarine technology, to eventually replace its aging Collins-class boats, although the first submarine is not expected to join the Australian fleet for years. Australia, which in February made the first of six $US500 million (about $800 million) payments to the US for the boats, is supposed to initially buy between three and five off-the-shelf Virginia-class boats. But military experts say that while the US has the largest nuclear-powered submarine fleet in the world, its shipyards are not building them fast enough to meet the US Navy's own needs. The AUKUS review will be headed by US defence undersecretary Elbridge Colby and is expected to take about 30 days. The United Kingdom had recently completed an AUKUS review and reaffirmed its support, appointing Sir Stephen Lovegrove as its AUKUS Adviser. Greens Defence and Foreign Affairs spokesperson David Shoebridge predicted that Mr Trump would "use this review to either terminate AUKUS and pocket the money already paid, or extract an even more eye-watering sum from Australia to stay in the sinking project without any hard promises for the US to deliver." "Donald Trump is erratic, reckless and careless of America's allies and alliances but he does have one fairly constant trait, he puts US interests first and allies last," Senator Shoebridge said. "The USA reviewing AUKUS shows what the Greens have been warning about for years - this deal makes Australia a junior partner in America's military strategy, not an equal ally. "The Australian public deserves an urgent inquiry into AUKUS before Labor wastes more billions on submarines we will never see. "It's pretty clear what any US review into AUKUS will say, the US does not have any spare submarines to give to Australia." Senator McKenzie said there was "now a growing list of serious issues and tasks for the prime minister with his meeting with President Trump next week." "Any undermining of this serious and substantial alliance between our two countries should be of grave concern to all of us because the reality is there is a very real vulnerability for us," she said. "Obviously, we wish him every success in strengthening that relationship and not weakening it." The spokesperson for Mr Marles said there was bipartisan support for AUKUS in the United States, noting the passage of provisions in the National Defence Authorization Act in 2023 to enable the transfer of US Virginia class submarines to Australia, and to enable Australians to work on maintenance activities of US Virginia class submarines. "Our engagement with the Trump Administration and across the full political spectrum in the United States has shown clear and consistent support for AUKUS," the spokesperson said. "We look forward to continuing our close cooperation with the Trump Administration on this historic project." Mr Albanese has previously discussed AUKUS in phone calls with Mr Trump, while Mr Marles has discussed the deal with US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth, both in February and May. "The president is very aware, supportive of AUKUS," Mr Hegseth said after the February meeting with Mr Marles. "(He) recognises the importance of the defence industrial base." Mr Marles responded that the pair had discussed how the US and Australia could advance their longstanding diplomatic relationship in terms of national security, including AUKUS. Foreign Minister Penny Wong discussed AUKUS with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in January. Australia's military budget is expected to rise to 2.3 per cent of gross domestic product, or output, by 2034. The US administration has called for Australia to increase that spending to around 3.5 per cent. Opposition Defence Spokesperson Angus Taylor last week called on the Albanese government to commit to "at least" 3 per cent, but Mr Albanese on Wednesday said he would not set an "arbitrary" figure. Australia tore up its $90 billion diesel-powered submarine deal with France to sign on to AUKUS and is contracted to buy several off-the-shelf submarines costing about $US4 billion each, before making its own. The first Australian-made boats are not due to be operational until the 2040s.
ABC News
3 hours ago
- ABC News
Tasmanian election called for July 19, but both Liberals and Labor hamstrung on key issues
After a nail-biting few days of "will they, won't they, could they, should they," Tasmania's very, very early election is full-steam ahead. Except this one can't exactly be full steam, can it? After all, it's an election that nobody wanted brought on for a variety of reasons, including the dire state of Tasmania's budget situation. That was one of the reasons for Labor's successful no-confidence motion in Premier Jeremy Rockliff. Imagine making that a sticking point and then throwing cash at a bunch of bowls clubs (they're always on the funding list). If the major parties want to look like they're serious about getting Tasmania's finances back on track, they are going to need to avoid any form of pork barrelling. No matter how tempting. The Liberals have been accused of it the past three elections. Their response is to deny it's happening and insist they're simply listening to the community. Labor also made promises to sports clubs last election, but the plan was to have government departments "rigorously" assess them all before the funds were handed out. On top of that, Labor has said it wants to ban pork barrelling as part of its plan to fix the budget, it would be rather hypocritical to engage in it itself. But it's not just pork barrelling that arguably needs to go. Even a competitive sports grants process, which would otherwise be welcomed, could be a little on the nose, given the state barely has a cent to spare. And we all know that pool of money would not be up for grabs if it were not for an election. The other issue is the Liberals have just put out a budget. We know what they were planning to spend the money on, and where. Sure, they can change some things up — but how many sweeteners can they really surprise us with? So if they can't focus it on all the cash they want to drop, or their savings plans, that leaves policy. The Liberals have already begun to rethink theirs. Starting with privatisation. The premier announced just last Saturday the Liberals will not privatise any state-owned companies, and will in fact legislate so a two-thirds majority of parliament is required to sell them. Clearly they know going to an election with a "we want to explore privatisation" agenda is unlikely to win them many fans. It was also one of the reasons listed on the no-confidence motion. But how many other unpopular policies can they really rethink? The May decision to walk away from a treaty process was deeply unpopular among some Aboriginal groups, but there's no policy fix for the bungled process around the new Spirit of Tasmania ferry terminal, for example. The party's most unpopular position, an undying support for the almost billion-dollar Macquarie Point stadium, is unlikely to change. Lucky for the Liberals, Labor has taken the same stance, so it can't be used against them by the only other party viable to form government. But while the Liberals are trying to reconsider policies, Labor is going to need to come up with some (more). The party has been grappling with being stuck in the political wilderness for over a decade now. It lost the last election just 15 months ago. Badly. So, naturally, all policies are under review. With a little more notice of this election, it might have spent some time polishing them off, but it is partially responsible for this mess after all. When it comes to offering up something fresh, Labor's got the advantage of having a new leader, and as Dean Winter likes to remind everyone, "Labor has changed under me". Now is his time to really prove it. He certainly gained some kudos from the public for bringing the Spirit of Tasmania saga to light and has made it clear that the party backs workers. His mantra is almost "jobs, jobs, jobs". But the party still needs to figure out its position on a lot of issues. For example, just last month Mr Winter could not say if Labor was for or against a treaty. His argument was he could not take a side without consultation, but the issue is not exactly new. And Mr Winter has to transition from criticism to having solutions — fast. And answer questions such as whether Labor still wants to pause new permits for whole-home short-stay accommodation. Unclear. Or, what the plan is to cut the amount the state pays on locum doctors? Or, how it would go about closing the Ashley Youth Detention Centre if it's suddenly thrust into power. It is also a rare day when the party talks about what used to be some of its core issues — health, housing and education. And while Prime Minister Anthony Albanese talks about the need to balance industries and the environment, Mr Winter's pro-industry mantra can come across as "jobs at any cost". But where there is a void, there is always someone else happy to fill it. In this case, that is the Greens and other environmentally conscious crossbenchers. The same goes for the stadium. It is the crossbench who will be rewarded for their anti-stadium stance, and if the polls are anything to go by, it is a large crowd to capitalise on. But for how many Tasmanians will the stadium be their number one issue? Considering the Liberals' stuff-ups are fresh in people's minds, and Labor is copping a lot of the blame for the early election, the crossbench could very well benefit from voters' frustrations. But Tasmanians annoyed about the election also have a reason to take their anger out on the crossbench. Because, as much as the Greens and other independents like to spruik the power and benefits of minority parliament, most of them played a hand in blowing up that parliament less than halfway through its term. How can voters trust that won't happen again soon? Little about this election is going to be normal. But like it or not, in just over a month's time we're being dragged to the polls. No-one is coming into this unscathed and the end result is still anyone's game. Whatever the result, those 35 politicians owe it to Tasmanians to make it work for longer than 15 months, whatever it takes.
The Advertiser
5 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Budget debt and waterfront stadium light up island poll
Tasmania is off to the polls for the second time in less than two years for an election in which budget debt and a $1 billion AFL stadium will take centre stage. Liberal Premier Jeremy Rockliff's request for the snap vote was granted by the governor on Wednesday night, six days after he lost the confidence of parliament. The July 19 election is the fourth for Tasmania in the space of seven years. Mr Rockliff, who was returned to power in minority at the March 2024 vote, refused to step down after the no-confidence vote, put forward by Labor. Governor Barbara Baker said despite a "prevailing public mood against holding an election" there was no alternative to form government. "Another election is not what I wanted, and I know that it's not what Tasmanians wanted," Mr Rockliff said in a statement. The Liberals (14 seats) and Labor (10) need to get voters on-side to reach 18 seats, the mark required to govern in majority in Tasmania's 35-seat lower house. The Liberals, who have been in power since 2014, have presided over worsening net debt that is tipped to more than double to almost $11 billion by 2028/29. They have also been lashed for delays and cost blowouts to two yet-to-be-in-service new Bass Strait ferries. There are fears the early election will jeopardise Tasmania's licence for an AFL team and approval and construction timelines around a $945 million stadium in Hobart. The stadium is a condition of the AFL granting the Devils a licence and is supported by the Liberals and Labor, but opposed by the Greens - who hold five seats - and several crossbenchers who voted to punt Mr Rockliff. February opinion polling showed almost 60 per cent of Tasmanians were against the stadium. Campaign battle lines have already been drawn. The Liberals dropped a plan to investigate selling public assets and announced ex-federal MP Bridget Archer would run. Labor leader Dean Winter said it was time for a fresh start in Tasmania. "Our entire labour movement is united and ready to send the Liberals a loud message - Tasmania is not for sale," he said. The Greens, whose offer to form government with Labor was rejected, said the two major parties had put self-interest ahead of the state. "Jeremy Rockliff could have respected the will of the parliament and stepped aside for another Liberal leader," Greens leader Rosalie Woodruff said. "Dean Winter could have sought to form government with other MPs." Anti-salmon campaigner Peter George, who gave Labor's Julie Collins a fright at the most recent federal poll, announced he would run at state level. The Liberals suffered a 12 per cent swing against them at the March 2024 state poll, with people largely jumping ship to minor parties and independents. Tasmania is off to the polls for the second time in less than two years for an election in which budget debt and a $1 billion AFL stadium will take centre stage. Liberal Premier Jeremy Rockliff's request for the snap vote was granted by the governor on Wednesday night, six days after he lost the confidence of parliament. The July 19 election is the fourth for Tasmania in the space of seven years. Mr Rockliff, who was returned to power in minority at the March 2024 vote, refused to step down after the no-confidence vote, put forward by Labor. Governor Barbara Baker said despite a "prevailing public mood against holding an election" there was no alternative to form government. "Another election is not what I wanted, and I know that it's not what Tasmanians wanted," Mr Rockliff said in a statement. The Liberals (14 seats) and Labor (10) need to get voters on-side to reach 18 seats, the mark required to govern in majority in Tasmania's 35-seat lower house. The Liberals, who have been in power since 2014, have presided over worsening net debt that is tipped to more than double to almost $11 billion by 2028/29. They have also been lashed for delays and cost blowouts to two yet-to-be-in-service new Bass Strait ferries. There are fears the early election will jeopardise Tasmania's licence for an AFL team and approval and construction timelines around a $945 million stadium in Hobart. The stadium is a condition of the AFL granting the Devils a licence and is supported by the Liberals and Labor, but opposed by the Greens - who hold five seats - and several crossbenchers who voted to punt Mr Rockliff. February opinion polling showed almost 60 per cent of Tasmanians were against the stadium. Campaign battle lines have already been drawn. The Liberals dropped a plan to investigate selling public assets and announced ex-federal MP Bridget Archer would run. Labor leader Dean Winter said it was time for a fresh start in Tasmania. "Our entire labour movement is united and ready to send the Liberals a loud message - Tasmania is not for sale," he said. The Greens, whose offer to form government with Labor was rejected, said the two major parties had put self-interest ahead of the state. "Jeremy Rockliff could have respected the will of the parliament and stepped aside for another Liberal leader," Greens leader Rosalie Woodruff said. "Dean Winter could have sought to form government with other MPs." Anti-salmon campaigner Peter George, who gave Labor's Julie Collins a fright at the most recent federal poll, announced he would run at state level. The Liberals suffered a 12 per cent swing against them at the March 2024 state poll, with people largely jumping ship to minor parties and independents. Tasmania is off to the polls for the second time in less than two years for an election in which budget debt and a $1 billion AFL stadium will take centre stage. Liberal Premier Jeremy Rockliff's request for the snap vote was granted by the governor on Wednesday night, six days after he lost the confidence of parliament. The July 19 election is the fourth for Tasmania in the space of seven years. Mr Rockliff, who was returned to power in minority at the March 2024 vote, refused to step down after the no-confidence vote, put forward by Labor. Governor Barbara Baker said despite a "prevailing public mood against holding an election" there was no alternative to form government. "Another election is not what I wanted, and I know that it's not what Tasmanians wanted," Mr Rockliff said in a statement. The Liberals (14 seats) and Labor (10) need to get voters on-side to reach 18 seats, the mark required to govern in majority in Tasmania's 35-seat lower house. The Liberals, who have been in power since 2014, have presided over worsening net debt that is tipped to more than double to almost $11 billion by 2028/29. They have also been lashed for delays and cost blowouts to two yet-to-be-in-service new Bass Strait ferries. There are fears the early election will jeopardise Tasmania's licence for an AFL team and approval and construction timelines around a $945 million stadium in Hobart. The stadium is a condition of the AFL granting the Devils a licence and is supported by the Liberals and Labor, but opposed by the Greens - who hold five seats - and several crossbenchers who voted to punt Mr Rockliff. February opinion polling showed almost 60 per cent of Tasmanians were against the stadium. Campaign battle lines have already been drawn. The Liberals dropped a plan to investigate selling public assets and announced ex-federal MP Bridget Archer would run. Labor leader Dean Winter said it was time for a fresh start in Tasmania. "Our entire labour movement is united and ready to send the Liberals a loud message - Tasmania is not for sale," he said. The Greens, whose offer to form government with Labor was rejected, said the two major parties had put self-interest ahead of the state. "Jeremy Rockliff could have respected the will of the parliament and stepped aside for another Liberal leader," Greens leader Rosalie Woodruff said. "Dean Winter could have sought to form government with other MPs." Anti-salmon campaigner Peter George, who gave Labor's Julie Collins a fright at the most recent federal poll, announced he would run at state level. The Liberals suffered a 12 per cent swing against them at the March 2024 state poll, with people largely jumping ship to minor parties and independents. Tasmania is off to the polls for the second time in less than two years for an election in which budget debt and a $1 billion AFL stadium will take centre stage. Liberal Premier Jeremy Rockliff's request for the snap vote was granted by the governor on Wednesday night, six days after he lost the confidence of parliament. The July 19 election is the fourth for Tasmania in the space of seven years. Mr Rockliff, who was returned to power in minority at the March 2024 vote, refused to step down after the no-confidence vote, put forward by Labor. Governor Barbara Baker said despite a "prevailing public mood against holding an election" there was no alternative to form government. "Another election is not what I wanted, and I know that it's not what Tasmanians wanted," Mr Rockliff said in a statement. The Liberals (14 seats) and Labor (10) need to get voters on-side to reach 18 seats, the mark required to govern in majority in Tasmania's 35-seat lower house. The Liberals, who have been in power since 2014, have presided over worsening net debt that is tipped to more than double to almost $11 billion by 2028/29. They have also been lashed for delays and cost blowouts to two yet-to-be-in-service new Bass Strait ferries. There are fears the early election will jeopardise Tasmania's licence for an AFL team and approval and construction timelines around a $945 million stadium in Hobart. The stadium is a condition of the AFL granting the Devils a licence and is supported by the Liberals and Labor, but opposed by the Greens - who hold five seats - and several crossbenchers who voted to punt Mr Rockliff. February opinion polling showed almost 60 per cent of Tasmanians were against the stadium. Campaign battle lines have already been drawn. The Liberals dropped a plan to investigate selling public assets and announced ex-federal MP Bridget Archer would run. Labor leader Dean Winter said it was time for a fresh start in Tasmania. "Our entire labour movement is united and ready to send the Liberals a loud message - Tasmania is not for sale," he said. The Greens, whose offer to form government with Labor was rejected, said the two major parties had put self-interest ahead of the state. "Jeremy Rockliff could have respected the will of the parliament and stepped aside for another Liberal leader," Greens leader Rosalie Woodruff said. "Dean Winter could have sought to form government with other MPs." Anti-salmon campaigner Peter George, who gave Labor's Julie Collins a fright at the most recent federal poll, announced he would run at state level. The Liberals suffered a 12 per cent swing against them at the March 2024 state poll, with people largely jumping ship to minor parties and independents.
