Back to basics, critics tell ‘nice guy’ Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff

Senior Liberal Party figures are concerned about the performance of Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff and some ministers, believing they are distracted by non-core and unpopular issues.

Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff on Hobart’s waterfront. Picture: Peter Mathew

Senior Liberal Party figures are concerned about the performance of Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff and some ministers, believing they are distracted by non-core, unpopular issues that could cost them government.

Several senior figures told The Weekend Australian that Mr Rockliff, the “nice guy” of Tasmanian politics who took the reins in April 2022 following the sudden departure of Peter Gutwein, needed to go “back to basics”.

The concerns follow an open revolt by federal Liberals in opposition to Mr Rockliff’s commitment of $375m for a proposed Hobart AFL stadium.

However, they run deeper, with concern Mr Rockliff has been pursuing a raft of issues that do not resonate with voters or, worse, are deeply unpopular.

These include increasing the size of the lower house from 25 to 35 MPs, preparing to force council mergers and reforming poker machines without a mandate.

Critics worry resurgent state Labor leader Rebecca White appeared to be gaining traction on cost-of-living issues, including rising power bills, as well as by focusing on ongoing failures in health, housing and public transport.

Some senior Liberal figures accused Mr Rockliff and senior ministers of failing to consult widely within the party and instead making “Salamanca-manufactured” decisions, driven by poor advice and out-of-touch bureaucrats.

Other party figures defended Mr Rockliff for “not shying away from” unpopular decisions, and as having integrity and being genuinely committed to making “hard calls” on key issues.

They pointed to his willingness to take on federal responsibilities in tackling the GP shortage – by hiring regional doctors and giving pharmacists prescribing powers – and argued some of the unpopular reforms were needed.

Supporters said some of the internal criticism was “ideological” and may be designed to destabilise his leadership to the benefit of more conservative alternatives.

However, even the Premier’s strongest backers said he had allowed a “perception” to develop that he was not sufficiently focused on cost-of living-issues, suggesting he needed to “show more mongrel” in selling the government’s practical policies.

Mr Rockliff defended his approach. “I am totally focused on getting things done to ensure our state has the strong economy it needs to invest in the essential services Tasmanians expect, and deserve,” he told The Weekend Australian.

“We have a plan to create 20,000 new jobs over the next five years. We are continuing to back businesses across the state to continue to grow our economy. We are investing record amounts into health, education and housing, and taking action on cost-of-living pressures. These are things that matter to Tasmanians, and these are the things that matter to me and my entire Liberal team.”

There was no suggestion of an imminent leadership spill and Mr Rockliff is understood to still enjoy majority support within the Parliamentary Liberal Party. However, senior figures said this could change if the focus did not improve, warning the party would struggle to retain power at the state election, due by May 2025.

Some want to see more from the Premier on cost of living, including power bill assistance for middle-class households – not just concession holders and businesses. Some were concerned at the “distracting” nature of the Premier’s strong advocacy for the Indigenous voice and transgender reforms.

Polling by EMRS this week showed Mr Rockliff sliding as preferred premier from 48 per cent in May 2022 to 46 per cent, while Ms White surged from 34 per cent to 38 per cent over the same period.

Liberal support held at 42 per cent to Labor’s 30 per cent, the Greens’ 13 per cent and independents’ 13 per cent.