Renegade MP's surprise new job
Newly reappointed Liberal Premier Jeremy Rockliff announced a cabinet reshuffle on Thursday, appointing two new ministers.
Former federal MP Bridget Archer – who often spoke out against Coalition policies in Canberra – becomes Health Minister, while prominent former senator Eric Abetz has been appointed Treasurer. Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff has unveiled his new front bench which includes former renegade Liberal federal MP Bridget Archer. NewsWire Credit: NewsWire Former prominent Liberal senator Eric Abetz has been appointed treasurer of Tasmania. NewsWire / Gary Ramage Credit: News Corp Australia
The threat of yet another no confidence motion looms, however, a quagmire of political wrangling between Labor, the Greens and the other crossbenchers is lowering that likelihood.
Speaking on Thursday, Mr Rockliff said his decision not to hold a portfolio was 'not uncommon' for premiers across the country.
'As you well know, as observers of question time, I am asked questions right across the breadth of portfolio responsibilities and so what I am committed to is ensuring that the commitments we made at the last election are delivered.' Premier Jeremy Rockliff says there will not be another state election any time soon. NewsWire / Patrick Gee Credit: News Corp Australia
The Premier rejected the prospect of another no confidence motion, as has been threatened by Labor leader Dean Winter.
'The people have spoken,' Mr Rockliff said.
'What the election said, and people of Tasmania clearly demonstrated, is they are sick and tired of the political games. Mr Winter continues to play political games.
'There will not be another election.'
It was a no confidence motion from the Labor leader which triggered Tasmania's fourth election in seven years in July.
The July 19 election returned a hung parliament, with neither Mr Rockliff's Liberal Party nor Labor winning enough seats for majority government.
On Wednesday, Tasmanian Governor Barbara Baker appointed Mr Rockliff as Premier. Labor leader Dean Winter says another no confidence motion will be put forward when parliament resumes. NewsWire / Simon Sturzaker Credit: News Corp Australia
Mr Winter came out swinging on Wednesday, saying another vote of no confidence was in the offing.
'There will be a motion moved,' Mr Winter said.
'Whether it is by us or an independent, a motion will be moved in parliament of no confidence in the Liberals and confidence in a Labor government.'
The first chance for such a motion to be put forward will be when parliament sits again in two weeks' time.
Tasmania's parliament has 35 seats. The Liberals won 14, Labor won 10, the Greens have five, five independents won seats and the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers snagged one.
The Hobart Mercury and ABC reported Labor have held meetings with the majority crossbench, but not the Greens, on Thursday afternoon, while Labor MPs will meet with the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party MP Carlo Di Falco on the weekend.
The Greens have criticised the Labor leader for his unwillingness to negotiate.
'If Dean Winter wants to become Premier, change the government and change Tasmania in the way he says he does, he needs to get serious about negotiating with the crossbench and that includes the Greens,' Greens deputy leader Vica Bayley said on Thursday.
'You do not get 26 per cent of the vote in a general election, and expect, and expect to get 100 per cent of things your way in the future.'
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