Political scientist says Rockliff and Barnett a ‘duopoly in engine room of government
Not surprisingly, Labor is unimpressed with Premier Jeremy Rockliff’s new look cabinet. But a political scientist says the reset might provide stability.
Tasmania
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While Labor has lambasted the Premier’s cabinet reshuffle a political scientist says there is now a “duopoly” running the government.
Professor Richard Herr said Premier Jeremy Rockliff and his new deputy and treasurer Guy Barnett, who retained his Attorney-General portfolio, now held the most significant constitutional portfolios in the government.
“My initial reaction is that it is a Rockliff Barnett duopoly,” he said.
“While not wanting to detract from the other contributors they are the core engine.
“I think this reset is trying to provide a core of stability without too many risks.
“It will give confidence and stability when the government could look shaky.”
However, Labor’s treasury spokesman Josh Willie said the reshuffle showed “failure was no barrier to promotion with several failed ministers given even bigger responsibilities”.
He said Eric Abetz had been overlooked for the top treasury spot because he was at war with Mr Rockliff over the expulsion from the Liberal Party of Clarence mayor Brendan Blomeley.
“I’m pleased he (Guy Barnett) did take the job, because I think there needs to be a competitive tension between the Premier and the Treasury portfolio,” Mr Willie said.
“We’ve seen premiers in the past take on both, like Peter Gutwein, who had to loosen the purse strings, and that didn’t work.
“But we know that treasurer Barnett hasn’t covered himself in glory when it comes to other portfolios presiding over significant power bill increases for Tasmanian families and businesses. He hasn’t covered himself in glory in health either.
“Now he has one of the most challenging jobs in the government when we’ve got the worst finances because of poor decision making.
“It’ll be interesting to see if he’s got the ticker to turn it around.”
Mr Willie was critical of Mr Rockliff who he said had “checked out and isn’t interested in having responsibility for serious issues”.
“Less than two months on from saying he was going to take over the infrastructure portfolio and fix the Spirits, Mr Rockliff has handballed the ministry to newcomer Kerry Vincent,” he said.
“Jacquie Petrusma has been recycled back into one of the biggest jobs in government, despite a track record of being fired for letting down children and misleading parliament.
“It is a very surprising appointment in the wake of the Commission of Inquiry and shows just how shallow the Premier’s talent pool has become.”
The new cabinet is expected to be sworn in on Wednesday.
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Originally published as Political scientist says Rockliff and Barnett a ‘duopoly in engine room of government
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