Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff says he 'couldn't be prouder' of his team and vows to respect the will of voters as state heads to the polls

Sky News AU

5 days ago

Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff has spoken warmly about the importance of democracy and reflected on a hard-fought campaign as the state heads into a pivotal election weekend.
Speaking from his hometown of Sassafras alongside his daughter Lucy, who is voting for the first time, Rockliff paid tribute to the freedoms Australians enjoy at the ballot box.
'This just highlights how lucky we are as a country to be able to live in a democracy where we are free to express our views of all sides of politics,' Rockliff said in a press conference.
Rockliff admitted that he would 'respect the will of the Tasmanian people' and thanked communities across the state, including those on King and Flinders Islands, for their engagement during the campaign.
'We've travelled the length and breadth of this beautiful part of the world, and I've met many thousands of people who are contributing so greatly to our community, and I've listened,' he said.
'I continue to learn in this job every single day. Every single day is a day for learning, a day for listening. And a day where we can make a positive difference.'
Reflecting on the campaign itself, the Premier said he was proud of his team's unity and efforts during a short and unexpected election period.
'I was very pleased with our campaign, given the circumstances of the campaign. I was proud of our candidates who stood up so quickly after the events in parliament.
'I could not have asked for a more disciplined and loyal and focused team of candidates.'
In doing so, he gave special mention of first-time Liberal candidates.
'It's a big thing when you walk into the polling booth and see your name on a piece of paper and you being part of history. And that's what I really appreciate about our candidates, and indeed everyone that's willing to stand for election, be part of democracy, and putting their name forward,' he explained.
While not predicting a win, Rockliff expressed confidence in the work his party had done.
'I'm confident that we have put our very best foot forward. I don't believe we could have done much more than that. We've been very disciplined.
'We have had a campaign just 15 months after the previous campaign, an election we did not want, Tasmanians did not want, but one that, given the circumstances, we embraced.'
When discussing the hope of his party maintaining power in Tasmania, Rockliff was keen to highlight that none of the party's new commitments would add to state debt.
'We embraced key policy areas. We strengthened existing policies. We got new commitments out there, which I'm very pleased about, but also each and every one of those commitments has not added a single dollar to the debt,' he said.
When asked whether he would remain leader if the Liberals lost the election, Rockliff noted that would be a matter for the party.
'Look that's up to the Parliamentary Liberal Party,' he said.
'The election of the leader is a process that we always undertake. I've been very privileged to lead this party since April 8, 2022, and I continue to do so and look forward to working with my colleagues when they are elected.'
Asked about the divisive Macquarie Point stadium issue, and his previous comment that he'd 'go back to the spud farm' if it cost him the job, Rockliff remained philosophical.
'I'll have to learn how to grow spuds again if that's the case. But look, the important thing is that you stand up for what you believe in,' he said.
'There are many areas of policy that we've taken to this election that I believe in. Better access to fertility treatment for women and families. I believe in better access to healthcare. I believe in ensuring that our kids can go to school with food in their tummies and be able to engage in learning in a safe and encouraging environment.'
'I believe in the strength of our economy, the leading state in Australia when it comes to lowest unemployment ever in this state at 3.8 per cent. And that's a testament to the Tasmanian people. The strength of our economy and our resilience is a testament to the Tasmanian and the partnership that we've had with Tasmanians in recent times.'