Tasmanian Labor leader Dean Winter tables no-confidence motion in Premier Jeremy Rockliff

Australia Broadcast Center

2 days ago

Tasmanian Opposition Leader Dean Winter has declared he is ready to kick Premier Jeremy Rockliff out of the state's top job, just over a year after the last state election — as soon as enough crossbenchers tell him they'll support a motion of no-confidence.
In his budget reply speech to state parliament, Mr Winter said the Labor Party did not have confidence in Mr Rockliff.
The Opposition has repeatedly described last Thursday's budget, which forecast four deficits and debt reaching $10.8 billion in the 2028-29 financial year, as the worst budget in the state's history.
"Because he's wrecked the budget, because he's planning to sell our power companies, our ports and our public transport, and because no one can trust him after the handling of the Spirit of Tasmania fiasco."
Mr Winter threw the gauntlet down to the crossbench to support the motion.
"If they really are opposed to the premier's agenda of debt, deficit and debacle as they claim, then tell the house you've lost confidence in this premier," he said.
"When enough members indicate their support for my motion, I will move it. If not, they will show they're happy to go along with this agenda, all of the debt all of the cuts, all of the privatisation.
To pass, the motion requires the support of the Greens, and three of the six crossbenchers — independents Miriam Beswick, Rebekah Pentland, David O'Byrne and Craig Garland and Jacqui Lambie Network MP Andrew Jenner.
Mr Rockliff has struck supply and confidence deals with Mr O'Byrne, Ms Beswick and Ms Pentland, but does not have one in place with the other three crossbenchers.
The motion is unlikely to be brought on immediately, with Greens leader Rosalie Woodruff absent from state parliament.
But Mr Winter's move means he can bring it on for debate whenever he wants.
If a motion of no-confidence is passed in a premier, convention dictates they should resign.
Mr Rockliff accused Mr Winter of talking down the state, and threatening the crossbench "in such a nasty and bullying way".
Mr Rockliff further defended the budget, which he says delivers a "sensible pathway to surplus", and invests record amounts in health and education.