Independents say government could be weeks away

Three key independents who will play a role in determining who forms the next government in Tasmania say they will not be rushed — and won’t begin formal negotiations until final results are posted next week.

Kristie Johnston Independent member for Clark. Tasmanian premier Jeremy Rockliff faces a no-confidence motion. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Three key independents who will play a role in determining who forms the next government in Tasmania say they will not be rushed — and won’t begin formal negotiations until final results are posted next week.

Craig Garland, Kristie Johnston and Peter George issued a statement on Thursday saying they expected it would be weeks before Tasmanians knew who would be their next government.

They stressed that they had not formed an alliance and said they would talk with both major parties but would not be providing updates to the public unless everyone involved agreed.

“Any suggestion that only one major party has a mandate to form government is simply incorrect, and for that reason, like other crossbench members, we will be speaking to both major parties about confidence and supply,” they said.

“While informal discussions have begun, we will not begin formal negotiations with either major party until the results of the House of Assembly election are confirmed.

“This is not expected to occur for at least another week.

Independent member for Braddon, Craig Garland, turns up to vote in at Boat Harbour Primary School. Tasmania State Election 2025. Picture: Patrick Gee.

The joint statement said al three were working to understand the challenges the incoming government would face and consulting widely.

“We will continue to request briefings through the Premier’s office from relevant Government Departments, including follow-up requests to access the Whole-of-State Business Case for the Marinus project,” the trio said.

“We will also use this time to meet with other members of both Houses and seek advice from independent experts across key policy areas, including the economy and governance.

“We will not be conducting negotiations through the media.”

And they said they were agreed on the principles to make the new parliament work.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff produced a series of principles he proposed for the new parliament earlier in the week and Labor is understood to be working on something similar.

“Good faith, mutual respect, and trust are essential foundations for any successful negotiation and for the stability of any power-sharing arrangement.

Tasmania State Election 2025 Kristie Johnston Independent Member for Clark. Picture: Caroline Tan

“Now is the time to set the tone for the next Parliament.

“So, while we appreciate the public and media interest in this process, and the need for transparency, in order to demonstrate trust, good faith and respect during these discussions, we will only be providing updates with the prior agreement of all involved.

“We expect the same approach from the major parties if they are also committed to negotiating with us in good faith.

“We anticipate that this process will take a number of weeks and will not be pressured or railroaded by either major party.”

Originally published as Independents say government could be weeks away