Premier Jeremy Rockliff backs Michael Ferguson to remain as Treasurer amid calls for him to resign

As calls mount for Michael Ferguson to resign as Treasurer after he gave up the infrastructure portfolio, Premier Jeremy Rockliff has launched a spirited defence of his deputy.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff and Michael Ferguson MP. Picture: Chris Kidd

Premier Jeremy Rockliff has launched a spirited defence of his deputy, Michael Ferguson, denying that he asked him to resign as Infrastructure Minister and backing him to continue as Treasurer amid calls for the Bass MP to hand over the reins.

In a statement released on Monday, Mr Ferguson said he had offered to relinquish the infrastructure portfolio due to the “distraction” of “ongoing commentary” regarding the delays and budget blowouts arising from the replacement Spirit of Tasmania ferries project, for which he apologised but blamed government business TT-Line.

There has been speculation that Mr Ferguson, who is also the Deputy Premier, may have opted to resign in order to head off a potential no-confidence motion when state parliament returns next month.

Former Minister for Infrastructure Michael Ferguson and Premier Jeremy Rockliff. Picture: Stephanie Dalton

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Mr Rockliff, who will now assume responsibility for infrastructure, said Mr Ferguson took ministerial responsibility and accountability “seriously”.

“Michael is a very diligent member of the parliament, has been since 2010, [and has] worked extraordinarily hard on all his portfolios,” he said.

Tasmanian senator Jacqui Lambie and Lyons Jacqui Lambie Network MP Andrew Jenner have called for Mr Ferguson to also resign as Treasurer in the lead-up to the 2024-25 state budget, following a damning review into Tasmania’s finances undertaken by independent economist Saul Eslake.

CANBERRA, Australia – NewsWire Photos – August 20, 2024: Senator Jacqui Lambie. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman

But the Premier said Mr Ferguson had his support to continue in the role and that he had not asked him to give up the infrastructure portfolio.

“He is a very good treasurer and he has delivered a budget last year, of course, and a difficult but good budget will be delivered this year where we do invest in those frontline services that Tasmanians care about,” Mr Rockliff said.

Originally published as Premier Jeremy Rockliff backs Michael Ferguson to remain as Treasurer amid calls for him to resign