Jostling for government hots up as final votes declared
With the votes counted and elected members confirmed, focus shifts to high-stakes negotiations as the major parties vie to form the next government.
Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff has declared his readiness to accept the "will of the people" as he positions the Liberal Party as the strongest contenders to form government.
He revealed on Sunday he intends to ask Governor Barbara Baker to recommission his government, saying he is keen to "get on with the job".
"We want to work with each and every member of parliament to ensure everyone has their say," Mr Rockliff said.
"Tasmanians are sick and tired of the political games. They have elected a parliament, they expect all members of parliament to work together."
The final makeup of Tasmania's parliament is 14 Liberals, 10 Labor, five Greens, one Shooters, Fishers and Farmers MP and five independents.
Labor's Jess Greene and independent George Razay claimed the final seats in the division of Bass on Saturday.
Mr Rockliff and Labor Leader Dean Winter are intensifying negotiations with the crossbench to form another minority government as they attempt to secure the 18 parliamentary votes needed to govern.
Professor Razay didn't reveal whether he would support the Liberals or Labor when speaking to ABC Radio Hobart on Monday.
"Nobody knows George's views until the day of voting because I like to listen to every opinion and do my background research and then make my opinion on that day," he said.
"So I said to both, 'look don't worry about me, if you are able to form a government, I am going to support whoever forms a government'."
Deputy Labor Leader Anita Dow criticised Mr Rockliff's pledge, saying he had "learned nothing" from the starring role he played in the collapse of the last parliament.
"The increasingly arrogant Premier claimed that without changing the way he operates, a new government he leads could last a full term,'' she said.
"Despite losing the confidence of the house, he still thinks the last parliament was working well."
The snap election on July 19 was triggered after Mr Rockliff lost a no-confidence motion, prompting the state's second election in 16 months.
A key sticking point in negotiations to form government is the major parties backing a new stadium on Hobart's waterfront, which is a condition for Tasmania getting a side in the AFL.
But the Greens and some independents are bitterly opposed to the plan.
Tasmanians hope to soon gain a clearer picture of their next government, as the declaration of poll ceremony finalises results of a snap election that left the state in political limbo.
With the votes counted and elected members confirmed, focus shifts to high-stakes negotiations as the major parties vie to form the next government.
Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff has declared his readiness to accept the "will of the people" as he positions the Liberal Party as the strongest contenders to form government.
He revealed on Sunday he intends to ask Governor Barbara Baker to recommission his government, saying he is keen to "get on with the job".
"We want to work with each and every member of parliament to ensure everyone has their say," Mr Rockliff said.
"Tasmanians are sick and tired of the political games. They have elected a parliament, they expect all members of parliament to work together."
The final makeup of Tasmania's parliament is 14 Liberals, 10 Labor, five Greens, one Shooters, Fishers and Farmers MP and five independents.
Labor's Jess Greene and independent George Razay claimed the final seats in the division of Bass on Saturday.
Mr Rockliff and Labor Leader Dean Winter are intensifying negotiations with the crossbench to form another minority government as they attempt to secure the 18 parliamentary votes needed to govern.
Professor Razay didn't reveal whether he would support the Liberals or Labor when speaking to ABC Radio Hobart on Monday.
"Nobody knows George's views until the day of voting because I like to listen to every opinion and do my background research and then make my opinion on that day," he said.
"So I said to both, 'look don't worry about me, if you are able to form a government, I am going to support whoever forms a government'."
Deputy Labor Leader Anita Dow criticised Mr Rockliff's pledge, saying he had "learned nothing" from the starring role he played in the collapse of the last parliament.
"The increasingly arrogant Premier claimed that without changing the way he operates, a new government he leads could last a full term,'' she said.
"Despite losing the confidence of the house, he still thinks the last parliament was working well."
The snap election on July 19 was triggered after Mr Rockliff lost a no-confidence motion, prompting the state's second election in 16 months.
A key sticking point in negotiations to form government is the major parties backing a new stadium on Hobart's waterfront, which is a condition for Tasmania getting a side in the AFL.
But the Greens and some independents are bitterly opposed to the plan.
Tasmanians hope to soon gain a clearer picture of their next government, as the declaration of poll ceremony finalises results of a snap election that left the state in political limbo.
With the votes counted and elected members confirmed, focus shifts to high-stakes negotiations as the major parties vie to form the next government.
Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff has declared his readiness to accept the "will of the people" as he positions the Liberal Party as the strongest contenders to form government.
He revealed on Sunday he intends to ask Governor Barbara Baker to recommission his government, saying he is keen to "get on with the job".
"We want to work with each and every member of parliament to ensure everyone has their say," Mr Rockliff said.
"Tasmanians are sick and tired of the political games. They have elected a parliament, they expect all members of parliament to work together."
The final makeup of Tasmania's parliament is 14 Liberals, 10 Labor, five Greens, one Shooters, Fishers and Farmers MP and five independents.
Labor's Jess Greene and independent George Razay claimed the final seats in the division of Bass on Saturday.
Mr Rockliff and Labor Leader Dean Winter are intensifying negotiations with the crossbench to form another minority government as they attempt to secure the 18 parliamentary votes needed to govern.
Professor Razay didn't reveal whether he would support the Liberals or Labor when speaking to ABC Radio Hobart on Monday.
"Nobody knows George's views until the day of voting because I like to listen to every opinion and do my background research and then make my opinion on that day," he said.
"So I said to both, 'look don't worry about me, if you are able to form a government, I am going to support whoever forms a government'."
Deputy Labor Leader Anita Dow criticised Mr Rockliff's pledge, saying he had "learned nothing" from the starring role he played in the collapse of the last parliament.
"The increasingly arrogant Premier claimed that without changing the way he operates, a new government he leads could last a full term,'' she said.
"Despite losing the confidence of the house, he still thinks the last parliament was working well."
The snap election on July 19 was triggered after Mr Rockliff lost a no-confidence motion, prompting the state's second election in 16 months.
A key sticking point in negotiations to form government is the major parties backing a new stadium on Hobart's waterfront, which is a condition for Tasmania getting a side in the AFL.
But the Greens and some independents are bitterly opposed to the plan.
Tasmanians hope to soon gain a clearer picture of their next government, as the declaration of poll ceremony finalises results of a snap election that left the state in political limbo.
With the votes counted and elected members confirmed, focus shifts to high-stakes negotiations as the major parties vie to form the next government.
Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff has declared his readiness to accept the "will of the people" as he positions the Liberal Party as the strongest contenders to form government.
He revealed on Sunday he intends to ask Governor Barbara Baker to recommission his government, saying he is keen to "get on with the job".
"We want to work with each and every member of parliament to ensure everyone has their say," Mr Rockliff said.
"Tasmanians are sick and tired of the political games. They have elected a parliament, they expect all members of parliament to work together."
The final makeup of Tasmania's parliament is 14 Liberals, 10 Labor, five Greens, one Shooters, Fishers and Farmers MP and five independents.
Labor's Jess Greene and independent George Razay claimed the final seats in the division of Bass on Saturday.
Mr Rockliff and Labor Leader Dean Winter are intensifying negotiations with the crossbench to form another minority government as they attempt to secure the 18 parliamentary votes needed to govern.
Professor Razay didn't reveal whether he would support the Liberals or Labor when speaking to ABC Radio Hobart on Monday.
"Nobody knows George's views until the day of voting because I like to listen to every opinion and do my background research and then make my opinion on that day," he said.
"So I said to both, 'look don't worry about me, if you are able to form a government, I am going to support whoever forms a government'."
Deputy Labor Leader Anita Dow criticised Mr Rockliff's pledge, saying he had "learned nothing" from the starring role he played in the collapse of the last parliament.
"The increasingly arrogant Premier claimed that without changing the way he operates, a new government he leads could last a full term,'' she said.
"Despite losing the confidence of the house, he still thinks the last parliament was working well."
The snap election on July 19 was triggered after Mr Rockliff lost a no-confidence motion, prompting the state's second election in 16 months.
A key sticking point in negotiations to form government is the major parties backing a new stadium on Hobart's waterfront, which is a condition for Tasmania getting a side in the AFL.
But the Greens and some independents are bitterly opposed to the plan.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Age
41 minutes ago
- The Age
Albanese seeks call with Netanyahu amid Sydney, Melbourne protests
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is continuing to pursue a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as at least 90,000 people marched across Sydney Harbour Bridge calling for an end to the war in Gaza and pressure builds within Labor for recognition of Palestinian statehood. Albanese said on Monday he would use any phone call with Netanyahu to advocate for a two-state solution. Assistant Immigration Minister Matt Thistlethwaite had earlier confirmed that the call was being pursued, as Labor politicians backed the peaceful protest organised by the Palestine Action Group, with at least three members of the federal caucus in attendance. Backbenchers Ed Husic, Alison Byrnes and Tony Sheldon marched with protesters on Sunday, putting further pressure on Albanese to recognise Palestine. At a press conference on Monday, Albanese said he would continue to advocate for peace with Netanyahu. Loading 'I have said to prime minister Netanyahu before, as I've said publicly for a long period of time that I'm a supporter of a two-state solution, and that there can't be peace and security in the Middle East, without there being an advance on that two-state solution,' Albanese said. The government has repeatedly said that recognition of a Palestinian state is a matter of timing. Allies in France, Canada and the United Kingdom have all laid the groundwork to recognise the state at the next United Nations General Assembly in September. Albanese ruled out any further sanctions against Israeli figures, following those already placed on ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich in June for inciting violence against Palestinians in the West Bank. Speaking about the Harbour Bridge protest, Albanese said he was not surprised so many felt moved to march after seeing images of 'people being deprived of food and water and essential services' in Gaza.
AU Financial Review
an hour ago
- AU Financial Review
Labor's bailouts for globally competitive smelters a contradiction
The economic reforms of the 1980s and 1990s liberalised and opened up Australia's highly protected economy, which had long sheltered behind high tariff walls. The result was three decades of prosperity broken only by the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the past three years, living standards have fallen amid the nation's steep productivity decline. Jim Chalmers' economic reform roundtable needs to focus on a meaningful tax, workplace, and regulatory agenda to fix Australia's economic malaise by boosting investment in productive and globally competitive businesses. However, what is now gathering pace is Labor's revival of industry policy. Counter-productively, this marks a return to old 'Fortress Australia' days of government intervention cossetting select industries at the expense of the nation's overall international competitiveness.
The Advertiser
an hour ago
- The Advertiser
Labor vows to fight on as premier makes power move
Tasmania's political limbo will come to a head as the premier seeks to have his government recommissioned within days, but the opposition leader isn't going down without a fight. Premier Jeremy Rockliff revealed on Tuesday he would approach the state's governor within 48 hours to be reappointed following a snap election in July that did not deliver any party a clear majority. Negotiations with the cross bench to form another minority government have intensified as Mr Rockliff and Tasmanian Labor Leader Dean Winter attempt to secure the 18 parliamentary votes needed to govern. The premier revealed he would attempt to stay in power even if he could not secure confidence and supply agreements from crossbenchers. "I would welcome more formal agreements with confidence and supply should individual members wish to do so," Mr Rockliff told reporters on Tuesday. "My understanding is that it is not necessary in terms of being recommissioned in a minority government." Mr Winter said while Mr Rockliff had the first opportunity to form government, it was not the only opportunity. He vowed to step up meetings with crossbenchers because a government without supply and confidence agreements would lead to instability, highlighting intentions for formal talks with independents in coming days. Mr Winter continued to rule out doing a deal with the Greens and said he wasn't seeking to meet with them. "We want to work with independents in particular who have said they want change," he said. "They want a new government, they want a government that can deliver stability and confidence to Tasmanians." The final makeup of Tasmania's parliament is 14 Liberals, 10 Labor, five Greens, one Shooters, Fishers and Farmers MP and five independents. Many crossbenchers are remaining tight-lipped on who they would support including Shooters, Fishers, Farmers MP Carlo Di Falco, who has placed gun law changes on the political agenda. He nominated "gun laws fit for purpose" among his priorities in parliament but insisted the issue hadn't come up in negotiations with Mr Rockliff or Mr Winter, suggesting his party's name made it obvious that was a core policy. Mr Di Falco believes the federal Howard government acted too quickly on gun control after the 1996 Port Arthur massacre. "There are anti-firearm zealots out there and I think it's morally reprehensible that 30 years after a tragedy that you know, that traumatised everybody, that they're still trying to milk that tragedy for all it's worth," he told AAP. "My view is just let ... the victims of Port Arthur rest in peace and it's not serving anybody's purposes to just keep regurgitating the same fearmongering that was happening in 1996." His comments drew criticism from Stephen Bendle from the Alannah & Madeline Foundation, an anti-violence charity set up by Walter Mikac after his two daughters were killed in the shooting. Mr Bendle, the charity's advocacy advisor, accused Mr Di Falco of being disrespectful and said the majority of Australians felt the nation's gun laws were "about right" or could be tighter. "It is hard to speak to anyone in Tasmania, let alone the rest of Australia that hasn't felt the impact of that tragedy," he said. "The fact that our strong gun laws have been largely responsible for the fact that it hasn't been repeated might be uncomfortable for Mr Di Falco and his supporters." Elected members have been confirmed after Labor's Jess Greene and independent George Razay claimed the final seats in the division of Bass on Saturday. The July 19 election was triggered after Mr Rockliff lost a no-confidence motion, prompting the state's second election in 16 months. A key sticking point in negotiations to form government is the major parties backing a new $1 billion stadium in Hobart, which the Greens and some independents oppose. Tasmania's political limbo will come to a head as the premier seeks to have his government recommissioned within days, but the opposition leader isn't going down without a fight. Premier Jeremy Rockliff revealed on Tuesday he would approach the state's governor within 48 hours to be reappointed following a snap election in July that did not deliver any party a clear majority. Negotiations with the cross bench to form another minority government have intensified as Mr Rockliff and Tasmanian Labor Leader Dean Winter attempt to secure the 18 parliamentary votes needed to govern. The premier revealed he would attempt to stay in power even if he could not secure confidence and supply agreements from crossbenchers. "I would welcome more formal agreements with confidence and supply should individual members wish to do so," Mr Rockliff told reporters on Tuesday. "My understanding is that it is not necessary in terms of being recommissioned in a minority government." Mr Winter said while Mr Rockliff had the first opportunity to form government, it was not the only opportunity. He vowed to step up meetings with crossbenchers because a government without supply and confidence agreements would lead to instability, highlighting intentions for formal talks with independents in coming days. Mr Winter continued to rule out doing a deal with the Greens and said he wasn't seeking to meet with them. "We want to work with independents in particular who have said they want change," he said. "They want a new government, they want a government that can deliver stability and confidence to Tasmanians." The final makeup of Tasmania's parliament is 14 Liberals, 10 Labor, five Greens, one Shooters, Fishers and Farmers MP and five independents. Many crossbenchers are remaining tight-lipped on who they would support including Shooters, Fishers, Farmers MP Carlo Di Falco, who has placed gun law changes on the political agenda. He nominated "gun laws fit for purpose" among his priorities in parliament but insisted the issue hadn't come up in negotiations with Mr Rockliff or Mr Winter, suggesting his party's name made it obvious that was a core policy. Mr Di Falco believes the federal Howard government acted too quickly on gun control after the 1996 Port Arthur massacre. "There are anti-firearm zealots out there and I think it's morally reprehensible that 30 years after a tragedy that you know, that traumatised everybody, that they're still trying to milk that tragedy for all it's worth," he told AAP. "My view is just let ... the victims of Port Arthur rest in peace and it's not serving anybody's purposes to just keep regurgitating the same fearmongering that was happening in 1996." His comments drew criticism from Stephen Bendle from the Alannah & Madeline Foundation, an anti-violence charity set up by Walter Mikac after his two daughters were killed in the shooting. Mr Bendle, the charity's advocacy advisor, accused Mr Di Falco of being disrespectful and said the majority of Australians felt the nation's gun laws were "about right" or could be tighter. "It is hard to speak to anyone in Tasmania, let alone the rest of Australia that hasn't felt the impact of that tragedy," he said. "The fact that our strong gun laws have been largely responsible for the fact that it hasn't been repeated might be uncomfortable for Mr Di Falco and his supporters." Elected members have been confirmed after Labor's Jess Greene and independent George Razay claimed the final seats in the division of Bass on Saturday. The July 19 election was triggered after Mr Rockliff lost a no-confidence motion, prompting the state's second election in 16 months. A key sticking point in negotiations to form government is the major parties backing a new $1 billion stadium in Hobart, which the Greens and some independents oppose. Tasmania's political limbo will come to a head as the premier seeks to have his government recommissioned within days, but the opposition leader isn't going down without a fight. Premier Jeremy Rockliff revealed on Tuesday he would approach the state's governor within 48 hours to be reappointed following a snap election in July that did not deliver any party a clear majority. Negotiations with the cross bench to form another minority government have intensified as Mr Rockliff and Tasmanian Labor Leader Dean Winter attempt to secure the 18 parliamentary votes needed to govern. The premier revealed he would attempt to stay in power even if he could not secure confidence and supply agreements from crossbenchers. "I would welcome more formal agreements with confidence and supply should individual members wish to do so," Mr Rockliff told reporters on Tuesday. "My understanding is that it is not necessary in terms of being recommissioned in a minority government." Mr Winter said while Mr Rockliff had the first opportunity to form government, it was not the only opportunity. He vowed to step up meetings with crossbenchers because a government without supply and confidence agreements would lead to instability, highlighting intentions for formal talks with independents in coming days. Mr Winter continued to rule out doing a deal with the Greens and said he wasn't seeking to meet with them. "We want to work with independents in particular who have said they want change," he said. "They want a new government, they want a government that can deliver stability and confidence to Tasmanians." The final makeup of Tasmania's parliament is 14 Liberals, 10 Labor, five Greens, one Shooters, Fishers and Farmers MP and five independents. Many crossbenchers are remaining tight-lipped on who they would support including Shooters, Fishers, Farmers MP Carlo Di Falco, who has placed gun law changes on the political agenda. He nominated "gun laws fit for purpose" among his priorities in parliament but insisted the issue hadn't come up in negotiations with Mr Rockliff or Mr Winter, suggesting his party's name made it obvious that was a core policy. Mr Di Falco believes the federal Howard government acted too quickly on gun control after the 1996 Port Arthur massacre. "There are anti-firearm zealots out there and I think it's morally reprehensible that 30 years after a tragedy that you know, that traumatised everybody, that they're still trying to milk that tragedy for all it's worth," he told AAP. "My view is just let ... the victims of Port Arthur rest in peace and it's not serving anybody's purposes to just keep regurgitating the same fearmongering that was happening in 1996." His comments drew criticism from Stephen Bendle from the Alannah & Madeline Foundation, an anti-violence charity set up by Walter Mikac after his two daughters were killed in the shooting. Mr Bendle, the charity's advocacy advisor, accused Mr Di Falco of being disrespectful and said the majority of Australians felt the nation's gun laws were "about right" or could be tighter. "It is hard to speak to anyone in Tasmania, let alone the rest of Australia that hasn't felt the impact of that tragedy," he said. "The fact that our strong gun laws have been largely responsible for the fact that it hasn't been repeated might be uncomfortable for Mr Di Falco and his supporters." Elected members have been confirmed after Labor's Jess Greene and independent George Razay claimed the final seats in the division of Bass on Saturday. The July 19 election was triggered after Mr Rockliff lost a no-confidence motion, prompting the state's second election in 16 months. A key sticking point in negotiations to form government is the major parties backing a new $1 billion stadium in Hobart, which the Greens and some independents oppose. Tasmania's political limbo will come to a head as the premier seeks to have his government recommissioned within days, but the opposition leader isn't going down without a fight. Premier Jeremy Rockliff revealed on Tuesday he would approach the state's governor within 48 hours to be reappointed following a snap election in July that did not deliver any party a clear majority. Negotiations with the cross bench to form another minority government have intensified as Mr Rockliff and Tasmanian Labor Leader Dean Winter attempt to secure the 18 parliamentary votes needed to govern. The premier revealed he would attempt to stay in power even if he could not secure confidence and supply agreements from crossbenchers. "I would welcome more formal agreements with confidence and supply should individual members wish to do so," Mr Rockliff told reporters on Tuesday. "My understanding is that it is not necessary in terms of being recommissioned in a minority government." Mr Winter said while Mr Rockliff had the first opportunity to form government, it was not the only opportunity. He vowed to step up meetings with crossbenchers because a government without supply and confidence agreements would lead to instability, highlighting intentions for formal talks with independents in coming days. Mr Winter continued to rule out doing a deal with the Greens and said he wasn't seeking to meet with them. "We want to work with independents in particular who have said they want change," he said. "They want a new government, they want a government that can deliver stability and confidence to Tasmanians." The final makeup of Tasmania's parliament is 14 Liberals, 10 Labor, five Greens, one Shooters, Fishers and Farmers MP and five independents. Many crossbenchers are remaining tight-lipped on who they would support including Shooters, Fishers, Farmers MP Carlo Di Falco, who has placed gun law changes on the political agenda. He nominated "gun laws fit for purpose" among his priorities in parliament but insisted the issue hadn't come up in negotiations with Mr Rockliff or Mr Winter, suggesting his party's name made it obvious that was a core policy. Mr Di Falco believes the federal Howard government acted too quickly on gun control after the 1996 Port Arthur massacre. "There are anti-firearm zealots out there and I think it's morally reprehensible that 30 years after a tragedy that you know, that traumatised everybody, that they're still trying to milk that tragedy for all it's worth," he told AAP. "My view is just let ... the victims of Port Arthur rest in peace and it's not serving anybody's purposes to just keep regurgitating the same fearmongering that was happening in 1996." His comments drew criticism from Stephen Bendle from the Alannah & Madeline Foundation, an anti-violence charity set up by Walter Mikac after his two daughters were killed in the shooting. Mr Bendle, the charity's advocacy advisor, accused Mr Di Falco of being disrespectful and said the majority of Australians felt the nation's gun laws were "about right" or could be tighter. "It is hard to speak to anyone in Tasmania, let alone the rest of Australia that hasn't felt the impact of that tragedy," he said. "The fact that our strong gun laws have been largely responsible for the fact that it hasn't been repeated might be uncomfortable for Mr Di Falco and his supporters." Elected members have been confirmed after Labor's Jess Greene and independent George Razay claimed the final seats in the division of Bass on Saturday. The July 19 election was triggered after Mr Rockliff lost a no-confidence motion, prompting the state's second election in 16 months. A key sticking point in negotiations to form government is the major parties backing a new $1 billion stadium in Hobart, which the Greens and some independents oppose.
