Rocky’s reset: Liberals 2.0 will focus on the basics

Premier Jeremy Rockliff says it is hard to admit his government has been “knocked off course” by recent events, but he’s pledged a fresh approach. Here’s his promise.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff at the In The Hanging Garden precinct. Picture: Chris Kidd

Premier Jeremy Rockliff will today announce a back-to-basics reset for the Liberal minority government.

Mr Rockliff will announce a renewed determination to battle the rising cost of living, fix the housing crisis, improve healthcare, boost economic growth and deliver a stadium at Macquarie Point.

Battered by the defection of two MPs to the crossbenches which has plunged his government into minority, Mr Rockliff says he will focus on the big issues facing Tasmanians and ignore political distractions.

In a speech to be delivered to the Committee for Economic Development of Australia on Hobart on Thursday, Mr Rockliff vows fresh focus on core issues.

“We’ve been knocked off course by events,” he says.

Tasmania's new independent MPs Lara Alexander and John Tucker, pictured outside Parliament House, Hobart. Picture: Matthew Denholm / The Australian

“The defection of two members of our team to the crossbench has brought uncertainty to our political and business environment.

“The political debate has become mired in an argument about just one project – the Macquarie Point Stadium – at the expense of everything else.”

Mr Rockliff says the government will focus on its core values and long-term plan.

“Recognising that we have been thrown off track by recent events isn’t easy,” he says. “Admitting it is even harder.

“And changing it and getting back on track will take a lot of work but that is exactly what I am determined to do.

“My government will not be defined by one issue, and two individuals.

“We will not allow for Tasmanians to be worried about their future local representation.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“We will not stand for parliament debate being driven by political games and speculation of what political trick might be tried next, at the cost of what matters to all Tasmanians.”

Mr Rockliff cites ruling out forced council amalgamations and proposed planning reforms as examples of his government listening to feedback.

And he says he is committed to delivering the proposed stadium – but says it is only one part of the government’s plan.

“I have mums and dads literally stopping me in the supermarket to tell me how their sons and daughters are pumped to play for Tassie,” he said.

‘This is their dream, and I won’t let them down.

“Subject to the approval of the parliament – and I’m confident that it will get that approval, despite the posturing of our political opponents – this project will be independently assessed and progressed through the rigorous Projects of State Significance process.”

Originally published as Rocky’s reset: Liberals 2.0 will focus on the basics