Latest news with #Hobart-based
The Advertiser
20-07-2025
- Politics
- The Advertiser
Drawn-out minority talks after state's snap election
Tasmania faces a protracted period of political limbo as election votes are counted and major parties court the cross bench. The incumbent Liberals (14) claimed more seats than Labor (nine) in Saturday's snap election but neither can reach the 18-seat mark required for majority. Liberal Premier Jeremy Rockliff, whose refusal to resign after losing a no-confidence vote sparked the poll, has been given "first crack" at forming government by Labor leader Dean Winter. However, Mr Winter hasn't ruled out trying to get the numbers to govern if Mr Rockliff is unable to form a working government. It could be weeks for three in-doubt seats to be confirmed via preferences, and any formal minority agreements might not be arranged until after the numbers are settled. Mr Rockliff on Sunday said he had reached out to independents on the cross bench, pledging to work collaboratively. The Liberals' failure to keep the cross bench onside in minority resulted in an early election in March 2024 as well as the successful no-confidence vote against Mr Rockliff in June. Mr Rockliff will have to mend bridges and deal with several crossbenchers who are against the Liberals' stadium plan and don't like Liberal-backed salmon farming and forestry. Two of the four elected independents, Kristie Johnston and Craig Garland, voted for the no-confidence motion in Mr Rockliff and have been critical of Tasmania's ballooning debt. Mr Winter, however, has ruled out doing a deal with the five-seat Greens to form government, despite needing their votes, but has reached out to independents. Greens leader Rosalie Woodruff urged Mr Winter to pick up the phone again on Sunday and potentially form an alliance. Mr Rockliff said the Liberals would not walk away from their pet project $945 million AFL stadium, or their support for traditional industry. STATE OF PLAY AND NEW FACES * Seats: Liberal 14, Labor nine, Greens five, independent four, in doubt three * Bridget Archer (Liberal): The former federal MP was successful in the northern electorate of Bass just a few months after losing her federal seat * Gavin Peace (Liberal): Another former federal MP who jumped on board to help the party * Marcus Vermey (Liberal): A third-generation butcher and first-term MP who picked up the most votes for his party in the Hobart-based seat of Clark * Peter George (Independent): Anti-salmon farming activist coming off a strong campaign at the federal election Tasmania faces a protracted period of political limbo as election votes are counted and major parties court the cross bench. The incumbent Liberals (14) claimed more seats than Labor (nine) in Saturday's snap election but neither can reach the 18-seat mark required for majority. Liberal Premier Jeremy Rockliff, whose refusal to resign after losing a no-confidence vote sparked the poll, has been given "first crack" at forming government by Labor leader Dean Winter. However, Mr Winter hasn't ruled out trying to get the numbers to govern if Mr Rockliff is unable to form a working government. It could be weeks for three in-doubt seats to be confirmed via preferences, and any formal minority agreements might not be arranged until after the numbers are settled. Mr Rockliff on Sunday said he had reached out to independents on the cross bench, pledging to work collaboratively. The Liberals' failure to keep the cross bench onside in minority resulted in an early election in March 2024 as well as the successful no-confidence vote against Mr Rockliff in June. Mr Rockliff will have to mend bridges and deal with several crossbenchers who are against the Liberals' stadium plan and don't like Liberal-backed salmon farming and forestry. Two of the four elected independents, Kristie Johnston and Craig Garland, voted for the no-confidence motion in Mr Rockliff and have been critical of Tasmania's ballooning debt. Mr Winter, however, has ruled out doing a deal with the five-seat Greens to form government, despite needing their votes, but has reached out to independents. Greens leader Rosalie Woodruff urged Mr Winter to pick up the phone again on Sunday and potentially form an alliance. Mr Rockliff said the Liberals would not walk away from their pet project $945 million AFL stadium, or their support for traditional industry. STATE OF PLAY AND NEW FACES * Seats: Liberal 14, Labor nine, Greens five, independent four, in doubt three * Bridget Archer (Liberal): The former federal MP was successful in the northern electorate of Bass just a few months after losing her federal seat * Gavin Peace (Liberal): Another former federal MP who jumped on board to help the party * Marcus Vermey (Liberal): A third-generation butcher and first-term MP who picked up the most votes for his party in the Hobart-based seat of Clark * Peter George (Independent): Anti-salmon farming activist coming off a strong campaign at the federal election Tasmania faces a protracted period of political limbo as election votes are counted and major parties court the cross bench. The incumbent Liberals (14) claimed more seats than Labor (nine) in Saturday's snap election but neither can reach the 18-seat mark required for majority. Liberal Premier Jeremy Rockliff, whose refusal to resign after losing a no-confidence vote sparked the poll, has been given "first crack" at forming government by Labor leader Dean Winter. However, Mr Winter hasn't ruled out trying to get the numbers to govern if Mr Rockliff is unable to form a working government. It could be weeks for three in-doubt seats to be confirmed via preferences, and any formal minority agreements might not be arranged until after the numbers are settled. Mr Rockliff on Sunday said he had reached out to independents on the cross bench, pledging to work collaboratively. The Liberals' failure to keep the cross bench onside in minority resulted in an early election in March 2024 as well as the successful no-confidence vote against Mr Rockliff in June. Mr Rockliff will have to mend bridges and deal with several crossbenchers who are against the Liberals' stadium plan and don't like Liberal-backed salmon farming and forestry. Two of the four elected independents, Kristie Johnston and Craig Garland, voted for the no-confidence motion in Mr Rockliff and have been critical of Tasmania's ballooning debt. Mr Winter, however, has ruled out doing a deal with the five-seat Greens to form government, despite needing their votes, but has reached out to independents. Greens leader Rosalie Woodruff urged Mr Winter to pick up the phone again on Sunday and potentially form an alliance. Mr Rockliff said the Liberals would not walk away from their pet project $945 million AFL stadium, or their support for traditional industry. STATE OF PLAY AND NEW FACES * Seats: Liberal 14, Labor nine, Greens five, independent four, in doubt three * Bridget Archer (Liberal): The former federal MP was successful in the northern electorate of Bass just a few months after losing her federal seat * Gavin Peace (Liberal): Another former federal MP who jumped on board to help the party * Marcus Vermey (Liberal): A third-generation butcher and first-term MP who picked up the most votes for his party in the Hobart-based seat of Clark * Peter George (Independent): Anti-salmon farming activist coming off a strong campaign at the federal election Tasmania faces a protracted period of political limbo as election votes are counted and major parties court the cross bench. The incumbent Liberals (14) claimed more seats than Labor (nine) in Saturday's snap election but neither can reach the 18-seat mark required for majority. Liberal Premier Jeremy Rockliff, whose refusal to resign after losing a no-confidence vote sparked the poll, has been given "first crack" at forming government by Labor leader Dean Winter. However, Mr Winter hasn't ruled out trying to get the numbers to govern if Mr Rockliff is unable to form a working government. It could be weeks for three in-doubt seats to be confirmed via preferences, and any formal minority agreements might not be arranged until after the numbers are settled. Mr Rockliff on Sunday said he had reached out to independents on the cross bench, pledging to work collaboratively. The Liberals' failure to keep the cross bench onside in minority resulted in an early election in March 2024 as well as the successful no-confidence vote against Mr Rockliff in June. Mr Rockliff will have to mend bridges and deal with several crossbenchers who are against the Liberals' stadium plan and don't like Liberal-backed salmon farming and forestry. Two of the four elected independents, Kristie Johnston and Craig Garland, voted for the no-confidence motion in Mr Rockliff and have been critical of Tasmania's ballooning debt. Mr Winter, however, has ruled out doing a deal with the five-seat Greens to form government, despite needing their votes, but has reached out to independents. Greens leader Rosalie Woodruff urged Mr Winter to pick up the phone again on Sunday and potentially form an alliance. Mr Rockliff said the Liberals would not walk away from their pet project $945 million AFL stadium, or their support for traditional industry. STATE OF PLAY AND NEW FACES * Seats: Liberal 14, Labor nine, Greens five, independent four, in doubt three * Bridget Archer (Liberal): The former federal MP was successful in the northern electorate of Bass just a few months after losing her federal seat * Gavin Peace (Liberal): Another former federal MP who jumped on board to help the party * Marcus Vermey (Liberal): A third-generation butcher and first-term MP who picked up the most votes for his party in the Hobart-based seat of Clark * Peter George (Independent): Anti-salmon farming activist coming off a strong campaign at the federal election
Perth Now
20-07-2025
- Politics
- Perth Now
Drawn-out minority talks after state's snap election
Tasmania faces a protracted period of political limbo as election votes are counted and major parties court the cross bench. The incumbent Liberals (14) claimed more seats than Labor (nine) in Saturday's snap election but neither can reach the 18-seat mark required for majority. Liberal Premier Jeremy Rockliff, whose refusal to resign after losing a no-confidence vote sparked the poll, has been given "first crack" at forming government by Labor leader Dean Winter. However, Mr Winter hasn't ruled out trying to get the numbers to govern if Mr Rockliff is unable to form a working government. It could be weeks for three in-doubt seats to be confirmed via preferences, and any formal minority agreements might not be arranged until after the numbers are settled. Mr Rockliff on Sunday said he had reached out to independents on the cross bench, pledging to work collaboratively. The Liberals' failure to keep the cross bench onside in minority resulted in an early election in March 2024 as well as the successful no-confidence vote against Mr Rockliff in June. Mr Rockliff will have to mend bridges and deal with several crossbenchers who are against the Liberals' stadium plan and don't like Liberal-backed salmon farming and forestry. Two of the four elected independents, Kristie Johnston and Craig Garland, voted for the no-confidence motion in Mr Rockliff and have been critical of Tasmania's ballooning debt. Mr Winter, however, has ruled out doing a deal with the five-seat Greens to form government, despite needing their votes, but has reached out to independents. Greens leader Rosalie Woodruff urged Mr Winter to pick up the phone again on Sunday and potentially form an alliance. Mr Rockliff said the Liberals would not walk away from their pet project $945 million AFL stadium, or their support for traditional industry. STATE OF PLAY AND NEW FACES * Seats: Liberal 14, Labor nine, Greens five, independent four, in doubt three * Bridget Archer (Liberal): The former federal MP was successful in the northern electorate of Bass just a few months after losing her federal seat * Gavin Peace (Liberal): Another former federal MP who jumped on board to help the party * Marcus Vermey (Liberal): A third-generation butcher and first-term MP who picked up the most votes for his party in the Hobart-based seat of Clark * Peter George (Independent): Anti-salmon farming activist coming off a strong campaign at the federal election
Perth Now
18-06-2025
- Business
- Perth Now
Ex-Liberal hits out at 'bankrupting' AFL stadium
A former senior Liberal has lashed her ex-party's plan for a new AFL stadium, saying the project as it stands will bankrupt the state. One-time attorney-general Elise Archer was part of Tasmania's Liberal government in May 2023 when it signed a deal with the AFL for the Devils' inclusion in the competition in 2028. Construction of a roofed stadium at Macquarie Point in Hobart is a condition of the licence. Ms Archer quit the party and parliament in September 2023 amid bullying allegations, which she denied, but is running at the July 19 state election as an independent. She accused Premier Jeremy Rockliff of making a "captain's call" on the stadium and not consulting with the Liberal party cabinet. Mr Rockliff said Ms Archer's description of consultation wasn't correct. "The stadium went to the budget committee, went to cabinet. My colleagues were kept informed of the agreement," he told reporters on Wednesday. Tasmania has been flung into a second election in as many years after minority premier Mr Rockliff lost a no-confidence motion in parliament. The motion, put forward by Labor and supported by the Greens and three crossbench MPs, was critical of Mr Rockliff's budget management. The island state's net debt is set to more than double to almost $11 billion in 2028/29. Ms Archer said she couldn't support the stadium in its current form - the estimated cost has ballooned to $945 million from an initial $715 million. The Liberals, who once pledged to cap their stadium spend at $375 million, will need to borrow an additional $300-plus million to cover a shortfall after dropping a part-private funding model. "When we did have that policy for a stadium it was a different time and there was a finite amount that would be put in, of taxpayer money," Ms Archer told ABC radio. "We can't just put in endless buckets of (taxpayer) money … because it will bankrupt the state. "No other side, no other state in Australia has had this type of condition placed on it by the AFL." The Liberals and Labor both support the stadium, but the Greens and some minor parties and independents who could hold crucial balance-of-power positions are opposed. Final approval of the stadium is expected to rest with a vote of parliament. Under Tasmania's voting system, seven MPs are elected in each of the five electorates. Ms Archer, who will stand in the Hobart-based electorate of Clark, was the second biggest vote getter in the seat when she last ran in 2021 as a Liberal. The Liberals (14 seats) and Labor (10) face an uphill battle to reach the 18-seat mark required to govern in majority.
The Advertiser
15-06-2025
- Politics
- The Advertiser
Familiar face returns for election as stadium divides
A slew of familiar faces have popped up as candidates in a surprise state election that continues to be dominated by a controversial stadium plan. Among those putting their hands up ahead of the Tasmanian election are former Liberal state attorney-general Elise Archer, who will run as an independent at the July 19 poll. The snap election, which will be the state's second in 16 months, was called after Premier Jeremy Rockliff refused to resign following a successful no-confidence vote in his leadership. Ms Archer is contesting the Hobart-based seat of Clark after she was dumped from her frontbench role and quit parliament following bullying allegations. She denies any wrongdoing. She said she decided to run after being frustrated about the state's financial situation and poor governance under the Liberal-led minority administration. Minority government seemed "inevitable" and sensible but experienced independents were needed, Ms Archer said. Mr Rockliff declined to comment on his former colleague's tilt as an independent while unveiling the Liberals' seven candidates for the seat of Lyons on Sunday, but he reiterated only a majority government could provide stability. "A vote for an independent is a vote for politics and instability," he said. The premier was in Launceston on Sunday, announcing a pledge to expand women's healthcare service The Bubble and reduce the need for women and girls in the north to travel for care. The Greens, which could have a role in deciding who forms government in the 35-seat lower house, have called on both parties to clarify their position on the controversial Macquarie Point stadium. The stadium in Hobart is a condition of the AFL granting the island state a team licence and has been backed by the Liberals and Labor, but the Greens and some independents oppose the project due to its potential $1 billion price tag. The Greens insist York Park in Launceston, which hosted 15,000 people for a Friday clash between Hawthorn and Adelaide, should be the home of football. Mr Rockliff said his party supported the stadium as it would keep the state economy strong. "We keep investing in people, in infrastructure that grows our economy, so we can fund those essential services that all Tasmanians care about," the premier said. Labor Leader Dean Winter said his party was consulting with stakeholders over legislation allowing the stadium to bypass planning and development approvals, but he reiterated support for the project. "We understand that that's the link between the AFL team that Tasmania has desperately wanted," he said in Old Beach, north of Hobart, to announce a plan to slash development rules in half to get housing built faster. Ms Archer said she couldn't support the stadium due to the cost, noting "no other AFL team has had such strict requirements placed on it like Tasmania". A slew of familiar faces have popped up as candidates in a surprise state election that continues to be dominated by a controversial stadium plan. Among those putting their hands up ahead of the Tasmanian election are former Liberal state attorney-general Elise Archer, who will run as an independent at the July 19 poll. The snap election, which will be the state's second in 16 months, was called after Premier Jeremy Rockliff refused to resign following a successful no-confidence vote in his leadership. Ms Archer is contesting the Hobart-based seat of Clark after she was dumped from her frontbench role and quit parliament following bullying allegations. She denies any wrongdoing. She said she decided to run after being frustrated about the state's financial situation and poor governance under the Liberal-led minority administration. Minority government seemed "inevitable" and sensible but experienced independents were needed, Ms Archer said. Mr Rockliff declined to comment on his former colleague's tilt as an independent while unveiling the Liberals' seven candidates for the seat of Lyons on Sunday, but he reiterated only a majority government could provide stability. "A vote for an independent is a vote for politics and instability," he said. The premier was in Launceston on Sunday, announcing a pledge to expand women's healthcare service The Bubble and reduce the need for women and girls in the north to travel for care. The Greens, which could have a role in deciding who forms government in the 35-seat lower house, have called on both parties to clarify their position on the controversial Macquarie Point stadium. The stadium in Hobart is a condition of the AFL granting the island state a team licence and has been backed by the Liberals and Labor, but the Greens and some independents oppose the project due to its potential $1 billion price tag. The Greens insist York Park in Launceston, which hosted 15,000 people for a Friday clash between Hawthorn and Adelaide, should be the home of football. Mr Rockliff said his party supported the stadium as it would keep the state economy strong. "We keep investing in people, in infrastructure that grows our economy, so we can fund those essential services that all Tasmanians care about," the premier said. Labor Leader Dean Winter said his party was consulting with stakeholders over legislation allowing the stadium to bypass planning and development approvals, but he reiterated support for the project. "We understand that that's the link between the AFL team that Tasmania has desperately wanted," he said in Old Beach, north of Hobart, to announce a plan to slash development rules in half to get housing built faster. Ms Archer said she couldn't support the stadium due to the cost, noting "no other AFL team has had such strict requirements placed on it like Tasmania". A slew of familiar faces have popped up as candidates in a surprise state election that continues to be dominated by a controversial stadium plan. Among those putting their hands up ahead of the Tasmanian election are former Liberal state attorney-general Elise Archer, who will run as an independent at the July 19 poll. The snap election, which will be the state's second in 16 months, was called after Premier Jeremy Rockliff refused to resign following a successful no-confidence vote in his leadership. Ms Archer is contesting the Hobart-based seat of Clark after she was dumped from her frontbench role and quit parliament following bullying allegations. She denies any wrongdoing. She said she decided to run after being frustrated about the state's financial situation and poor governance under the Liberal-led minority administration. Minority government seemed "inevitable" and sensible but experienced independents were needed, Ms Archer said. Mr Rockliff declined to comment on his former colleague's tilt as an independent while unveiling the Liberals' seven candidates for the seat of Lyons on Sunday, but he reiterated only a majority government could provide stability. "A vote for an independent is a vote for politics and instability," he said. The premier was in Launceston on Sunday, announcing a pledge to expand women's healthcare service The Bubble and reduce the need for women and girls in the north to travel for care. The Greens, which could have a role in deciding who forms government in the 35-seat lower house, have called on both parties to clarify their position on the controversial Macquarie Point stadium. The stadium in Hobart is a condition of the AFL granting the island state a team licence and has been backed by the Liberals and Labor, but the Greens and some independents oppose the project due to its potential $1 billion price tag. The Greens insist York Park in Launceston, which hosted 15,000 people for a Friday clash between Hawthorn and Adelaide, should be the home of football. Mr Rockliff said his party supported the stadium as it would keep the state economy strong. "We keep investing in people, in infrastructure that grows our economy, so we can fund those essential services that all Tasmanians care about," the premier said. Labor Leader Dean Winter said his party was consulting with stakeholders over legislation allowing the stadium to bypass planning and development approvals, but he reiterated support for the project. "We understand that that's the link between the AFL team that Tasmania has desperately wanted," he said in Old Beach, north of Hobart, to announce a plan to slash development rules in half to get housing built faster. Ms Archer said she couldn't support the stadium due to the cost, noting "no other AFL team has had such strict requirements placed on it like Tasmania". A slew of familiar faces have popped up as candidates in a surprise state election that continues to be dominated by a controversial stadium plan. Among those putting their hands up ahead of the Tasmanian election are former Liberal state attorney-general Elise Archer, who will run as an independent at the July 19 poll. The snap election, which will be the state's second in 16 months, was called after Premier Jeremy Rockliff refused to resign following a successful no-confidence vote in his leadership. Ms Archer is contesting the Hobart-based seat of Clark after she was dumped from her frontbench role and quit parliament following bullying allegations. She denies any wrongdoing. She said she decided to run after being frustrated about the state's financial situation and poor governance under the Liberal-led minority administration. Minority government seemed "inevitable" and sensible but experienced independents were needed, Ms Archer said. Mr Rockliff declined to comment on his former colleague's tilt as an independent while unveiling the Liberals' seven candidates for the seat of Lyons on Sunday, but he reiterated only a majority government could provide stability. "A vote for an independent is a vote for politics and instability," he said. The premier was in Launceston on Sunday, announcing a pledge to expand women's healthcare service The Bubble and reduce the need for women and girls in the north to travel for care. The Greens, which could have a role in deciding who forms government in the 35-seat lower house, have called on both parties to clarify their position on the controversial Macquarie Point stadium. The stadium in Hobart is a condition of the AFL granting the island state a team licence and has been backed by the Liberals and Labor, but the Greens and some independents oppose the project due to its potential $1 billion price tag. The Greens insist York Park in Launceston, which hosted 15,000 people for a Friday clash between Hawthorn and Adelaide, should be the home of football. Mr Rockliff said his party supported the stadium as it would keep the state economy strong. "We keep investing in people, in infrastructure that grows our economy, so we can fund those essential services that all Tasmanians care about," the premier said. Labor Leader Dean Winter said his party was consulting with stakeholders over legislation allowing the stadium to bypass planning and development approvals, but he reiterated support for the project. "We understand that that's the link between the AFL team that Tasmania has desperately wanted," he said in Old Beach, north of Hobart, to announce a plan to slash development rules in half to get housing built faster. Ms Archer said she couldn't support the stadium due to the cost, noting "no other AFL team has had such strict requirements placed on it like Tasmania".
Perth Now
15-06-2025
- Politics
- Perth Now
Familiar face returns for election as stadium divides
A slew of familiar faces have popped up as candidates in a surprise state election that continues to be dominated by a controversial stadium plan. Among those putting their hands up ahead of the Tasmanian election are former Liberal state attorney-general Elise Archer, who will run as an independent at the July 19 poll. The snap election, which will be the state's second in 16 months, was called after Premier Jeremy Rockliff refused to resign following a successful no-confidence vote in his leadership. Ms Archer is contesting the Hobart-based seat of Clark after she was dumped from her frontbench role and quit parliament following bullying allegations. She denies any wrongdoing. She said she decided to run after being frustrated about the state's financial situation and poor governance under the Liberal-led minority administration. Minority government seemed "inevitable" and sensible but experienced independents were needed, Ms Archer said. Mr Rockliff declined to comment on his former colleague's tilt as an independent while unveiling the Liberals' seven candidates for the seat of Lyons on Sunday, but he reiterated only a majority government could provide stability. "A vote for an independent is a vote for politics and instability," he said. The premier was in Launceston on Sunday, announcing a pledge to expand women's healthcare service The Bubble and reduce the need for women and girls in the north to travel for care. The Greens, which could have a role in deciding who forms government in the 35-seat lower house, have called on both parties to clarify their position on the controversial Macquarie Point stadium. The stadium in Hobart is a condition of the AFL granting the island state a team licence and has been backed by the Liberals and Labor, but the Greens and some independents oppose the project due to its potential $1 billion price tag. The Greens insist York Park in Launceston, which hosted 15,000 people for a Friday clash between Hawthorn and Adelaide, should be the home of football. Mr Rockliff said his party supported the stadium as it would keep the state economy strong. "We keep investing in people, in infrastructure that grows our economy, so we can fund those essential services that all Tasmanians care about," the premier said. Labor Leader Dean Winter said his party was consulting with stakeholders over legislation allowing the stadium to bypass planning and development approvals, but he reiterated support for the project. "We understand that that's the link between the AFL team that Tasmania has desperately wanted," he said in Old Beach, north of Hobart, to announce a plan to slash development rules in half to get housing built faster. Ms Archer said she couldn't support the stadium due to the cost, noting "no other AFL team has had such strict requirements placed on it like Tasmania".
