Liberal Party campaign rally takes aim at Labor’s ‘political games’

Jeremy Rockliff, along with all his Liberal candidates have come out swinging at their official campaign launch rally, as they made a major health announcement, including an extra 250 beds.

Jeremy Rockliff at the Tasmanian Liberal Party campaign launch. Picture: Tasmanian Liberal Party

“Dean, I’m still here.”

That was the blunt message from Premier Jeremy Rockliff as the Tasmanian Liberal Party officially launched their campaign and suite of candidates at a rally on Sunday.

Held in Launceston, the 35 Liberal Party candidates and their families gathered.

Mr Rockliff addressed the crowd about how proud he was of the candidates who had put themselves forward but also once again called out Labor leader Dean Winter over his “grab for power”.

The Premier was flanked by his wife, his daughters and his mother as he walked out to speak to his supporters and team.

“I must say: None of us wanted to be here,” he said.

Jeremy Rockliff at the Tasmanian Liberal Party campaign launch. Picture: Tasmanian Liberal Party

“Indeed, there’s only one person who has forced us to be here.”

The crowd chanted “shame” when Mr Rockliff said Mr Winter forced this election.

“He saw an opportunity to get rid of me and he didn’t care how he did it,” Mr Rockliff told the crowd.

“But it didn’t quite work out. Dean, I’m still here.”

Mr Rockliff said Tasmania needed a stable government and not “political games”.

“My team is focused on one thing: delivering our plan for Tasmanian families,” he said.

“You cannot build a future on division and political games.”

Mr Rockliff also announced another healthcare boost for Tasmanians with a $240 million Northern Health Complex — a seven-storey care complex at Launceston General Hospital.

“This $240 million investment will deliver 250 additional beds and will be directly linked to the LGH, as part of our long-term masterplan while also enabling the co-location of services in the future,” he said.

Candidate for Bass Bridget Archer spoke as well, saying how she was ready to fight for Tasmania, alongside Mr Rockliff and the other candidates.

“This was not on my bingo card for 2025,” she said.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff at TasIVF in Hobart announcing access to fertility treatment will be made more affordable if re-elected. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“But I was appalled by the personal nature of attacks during the no-confidence motion.”

Newcomer and Braddon candidate Kate Wylie addressed the rally.

“I put myself forward because I believe in the future of my region,” she said.

“We need strong leadership. This campaign isn’t about politics but about people.”

Also during the rally, Mr Rockliff acknowledged the large number of non-major party candidates this election — 44 across five electorates.

“Let’s talk for a moment about independents,” he said.

“I know many Tasmanians feel good about voting for an independent, I get that. But look at how it’s worked out.

“Despite our very best efforts, because of political games played by Labor, the Greens and some independents, it has been a recipe for instability and uncertainty.”

The premier said the independents would “continue to create uncertainty” and “division”.

“Independents – especially those single-issue independents – are not the answer,” he said.

Originally published as Liberal Party campaign rally takes aim at Labor’s ‘political games’