Premier says collaboration necessary in next parliament as he courts crossbenchers

The Premier has already engaged with key crossbenchers, but not the Greens leader, as he walks back divisive comments about independents and looks to recommission his government.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff is engaging with key crossbenchers to recommission his government.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff insists the previous parliament was working well as he engages with crossbenchers and tries to recommission his government.

In the lead up to the election Mr Rockliff and his team said a majority government was “critical” and labelled independents as “destructive left-wing radicals”.

On Monday, Mr Rockliff had softened to the idea of a collaborative government after the election delivered a similar make up as the previous House of Assembly.

He clarified that he characterised “some” but “not all” independents as “radical” and “left-wing”.

“Tasmanians want us as a parliament to work together, to work collaboratively, be very passionate about our issues but at the end of the day the will of the parliament must always be reflected,” Mr Rockliff said.

He said he had spoken to key crossbenchers, barring Greens leader Rosalie Woodruff, and it was his view that formal agreements were not necessary for the Liberals to form government.

“It may well be some formal agreement but we have 14 members of parliament, possibly more, that we can easily form a government.

“And then when it gets to the floor of the house, we’ll be able to work through all the issues.”

Premier Jeremy Rockliff speaks to volunteers at Loaves and Fishes Devonport. Picture: Elise Kaine

Mr Rockliff said the last parliament was already working well and that he was always “willing to meet with the crossbench” and that view would continue.

“This is about ensuring that everyone who is elected takes their responsibility very seriously

To ensure that Tasmanians are able to have a parliament that works, a parliament that lasts the distance, a parliament that delivers for the Tasmanian people and a parliament that is reflective of the views of Tasmanians.

“We expect whoever is elected to have a broad minded view on what is the way forward for Tasmania.”

He said no individual member should have the right to “hold the government to ransom”.

Mr Rockliff held steady in his support for contentious issues championed by some members of the progressive crossbench like the expansion of salmon farming, native forest logging and Marinus Link.

He said it was up to those members to test these views on the floor of parliament by bringing forth motions, and that these issues have the support of Labor as well.

Peter George outside Parliament House in Hobart. Picture: Linda Higginson

With two key independents Craig Garland and Peter George standing up against the expansion of the aquaculture industry, Mr Rockliff was asked if he would compromise on his government’s support for the contentious industry.

He said the commitment to the industry was very clear and government regulation was full cost recovery “which the salmon industry pays for”.

He said the salmon industry was “highly accountable and also pays its own way”.

Mr Rockliff was at Loaves and Fishes in Devonport on Monday with former MHR and member for Braddon Gavin Pearce.

Mr Pearce said he was looking forward to working with former federal colleague Bridget Archer but was tight-lipped about whether he expected a ministry position.

He said he had a broad range of skills to bring to the parliament and was looking forward to working with the whole team.

“This is about respect,” Mr Pearce said. “It’s about respecting not only the people that we represent- it’s about respecting our state, our state’s future and those people from right across our parliament,”

Originally published as Premier says collaboration necessary in next parliament as he courts crossbenchers