Island of uncertainty: weekend truce but early election still looms in Tasmania

A key balance of power independent has withdrawn a threat to move no confidence in the Tasmanian government, but deep uncertainty still surrounds the nation’s last Liberal administration.

Independents John Tucker and Lara Alexander at Parliament House, Hobart, after crisis talks with Premier Jeremy Rockliff averted an immediate election call. Picture: Matthew Denholm

A key balance of power independent has withdrawn a threat to move no confidence in the Tasmanian government, but deep uncertainty still surrounds the nation’s last Liberal administration.

Crisis talks between Premier Jeremy Rockliff and two ex-Liberal independents on Friday ended with all parties stepping back from the threat of an immediate election call.

Independent John Tucker welcomed a statement from Mr Rockliff that building of a proposed $70m AFL training centre would not start before parliament ruled on the larger $715m-plus stadium proposal.

In return, Mr Tucker withdrew his threat to move a no-confidence motion in the government.

However, both Mr Tucker and crossbench colleague Lara Alexander stood firm on their refusal to only vote for motions and amendments backed by the government.

Mr Rockliff ruled out this weekend asking the governor for an election, not due until May 2025, but made no guarantees beyond that.

“I will now take the appropriate time to consider and to consult with my colleagues,” Mr Rockliff said. “This is an important matter, Tasmanians need stability and certainty, and I am focused on delivering that.”

While standing by their refusal to be “muzzled” in parliament, the two independents flagged a willingness to discuss ways to improve the stability of the government.

“We have come here in good faith to make sure we come up with a good solution to resolve this crisis,” Ms Alexander said.

The two wanted to stick with their existing deal with the Premier, struck when they quit the party last May, to provide confidence and support but with freedom to back non-government motions and amendments. However, Mr Tucker said there may be some “room to move”.

Mr Tucker and Ms Alexander stood firm on their refusal to only vote for motions and amendments backed by the government. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Mr Tucker said he had accepted “assurances” from the Premier that construction of the AFL training centre would not start before the stadium was voted on, and that CCTV would be installed in all abattoirs.

The government insisted this was always the case, and that Mr Tucker had merely had misunderstandings corrected, but the Labor opposition accused the Premier of “weakness” in further retreating from his threat to call an early election.

“Jeremy Rockliff has had his pants pulled down at the negotiating table by John Tucker today,” said Labor frontbencher Josh Willie.

“Mr Rockliff is now giving into Mr Tucker’s demands to delay the AFL high performance centre … Who is in charge here?

“The chaos continues, the Premier is being held to ransom, but he’s too weak to do anything about it.”

The two independents were uncertain if the government was genuinely wanting to negotiate a new deal – or setting them up to take the blame for an early election.

However, they said the Premier had indicated a desire to continue discussions next week. “I took it that he was genuine in the discussions today,” Mr Tucker said.

Ms Alexander believed Mr Rockliff may have “received slightly better advice” than that which preceded his criticisms of the two MPs last week.

“We want him to continue so that he can focus on things that really matter for our community,” she said.