O’Byrne says Winter dishonest to accuse him of backing Libs

Independent MP David O’Byrne says it was dishonest of Labor’s Dean Winter to accuse him of steadfastly backing the Liberals during the last term of government.

David O'Byrne and Dean Winter.

Independent MP David O’Byrne has accused Labor’s Dean Winter of dishonesty for accusing him of backing the Liberals in government after the last election.

During an interview on ABC Radio on Thursday morning, Mr Winter said the member for Franklin — a former Labor leader — had steadfastly backed the Liberals during the last term of parliament.

Hobart Airport CEO Norris Carter, Labor leader Dean Winter and TICT chief Amy Hills speak to the media at Hobart Airport on Monday, June 23, 2025.

“David O’Byrne signed up to a deal with the Liberals for confidence and supply and frankly he backed them every single day … he never varied,” he said.

Mr O’Byrne said Mr Winter was misreprepresenting the truth.

“I understand that Mr Winter is under pressure in an election campaign but dishonestly lashing out at others on the crossbench is not the answer,” he said.

“After the last election the Labor party chose not to seek to form Government and work with the crossbench.

“I offered supply and confidence to Premier Jeremy Rockliff to allow a parliament to form and to get to work.

Independent member for Franklin David O'Byrne speaks to the media at Parliament Square in Hobart on Monday, January 20, 2025.

“My agreement for confidence and supply was Mr Rockliff alone, not the Liberal Party.

“Believe me, offering confidence to a Liberal Premier was not on my bingo card given my lifelong involvement with the labour movement.”

Mr O’Byrne said he voted against the Labor motion of no confidence in the Premier because it did nothing to address the major issues the states faced — but had brought on an election nobody wanted or needed.

Originally published as O’Byrne says Winter dishonest to accuse him of backing Libs