Last Liberal Premier Jeremy Rockliff backflips on key local council reform

Jeremy Rockliff has effectively dumped his signature structural reform policy – a major shake-up of local government - after an escalating internal Liberal revolt.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Tasmanian Liberal Premier Jeremy Rockliff has effectively dumped his signature structural reform policy – a major shake-up of local government - after an escalating internal Liberal revolt revealed by The Australian.

On Friday, The Australian exposed rising internal pressure within the Liberal Party for Mr Rockliff to abandon his willingness to force the state’s 29 local councils into mergers.

On Sunday, the nation’s last Liberal premier – facing party dissent, loss of senior staff and a precarious minority government – buckled.

“There will be no forced amalgamations,” Premier Jeremy Rockliff announced. “We have listened to the concerns of Tasmanians and councils, and I want to end their fear and uncertainty today.

“The Local Government Review Board is continuing their important work, but I want to make it clear, this will not result in forced amalgamations.”

This was exactly what Liberal figures on Friday told The Australian they wanted to hear, following increasingly concern the government – already facing a tough election that could come any time – was committing “political suicide” by “picking fights” with regional constituents.

Labor savaged the about-face, which brings Liberal policy in line with Labor’s – to encourage but not force council mergers.

“Premier Jeremy Rockliff’s decision to abandon his signature reform to local government is nothing more than a see-through attempt to save his own political skin, as community discontent with his shambolic government grows by the day,” said Labor local government spokesman Luke Edmunds.

“The only fear and uncertainty he’s responded to in making this decision is his own fear and uncertainty about his plummeting popularity - including inside the Liberal Party.

“If it wasn’t obvious the Premier was planning an election before, this clearing of the decks makes his intentions abundantly clear.”

Local Government Minister Nic Street defended the government’s decision to ignore the review board’s advice that forced mergers were vital if reform was to bring significant benefits.

He outlined a “pathway” by which each council would respond to the board’s final report, due in October 31. “Each council will be invited to review the final report and make a submission to government, about what they want,” Mr Street said.

“Any plans agreed by councils will be taken to the community for a vote, to ensure it has community support to go ahead. There will be no changes unless both the council and community want them.”

The backflip was welcomed by the Local Government Association of Tasmania. “The commitment by the minister today to work with interested councils and their communities through the next stages of reform will ensure the process delivers the appropriate change that is in the best interests of individual local areas,” said association president, Break O’Day Mayor Mick Tucker.

“Local government reform should focus on delivering what communities need in a sustainable way. The best way to do this is to create a more robust and capable system of local government.

“Designing new boundaries and shared services requires time and resources. The transition process must be very carefully managed. The commitment from the minister today to support this process is very welcome and responds to a number of concerns our sector has been raising.”

The next state election is due in May 2025 but there is increasing speculation of an October poll, while an earlier poll could be triggered if the government loses the confidence of two ex-Liberal MPs who in May defected to the crossbench.