Independents’ pledges add stability to Tasmanian Liberals‘ rule

Two Tasmanian independent MPs’ written undertakings have shored up Jeremy Rockliff’s minority administration, in return for improved staffing and parliamentary clout.

Tasmanian independent MP Kristie Johnston in Hobart on Wednesday. Picture: Judy Augustine

Two Tasmanian independent MPs have given written undertakings on budget supply and qualified confidence to the state’s minority Liberal government, shoring up the nation’s last Liberal administration.

The move by independents Kristie Johnston and David O’Byrne gives the nation’s last Liberal government an added level of stability, after its failure to secure a majority at the March 23 state election.

Unlike Jeremy Rockliff’s deal with the three Jacqui Lambie Network MPs, the reciprocal undertakings leave the independents free to vote for motions binding the government.

The two independents’ promises not to support no confidence motions will not apply if either MP believes there has been corruption or wrongdoing.

Ms Johnston made it clear her commitments were not a blank cheque.

“The Premier, the parliament and the people of Tasmania can be sure that I will at all times make decisions on merit, giving regard to my conscience and the prevailing circumstances, and that includes questions of confidence and supply,” she said.

David O'Byrne says his support remains as longas Jeremy Rockliff remains Premier.

None of the crossbench agreements prevent MPs from backing Labor or Greens legislation opposed by the government. Combined, non-government MPs have the numbers to pass laws against the government’s wishes.

When parliament resumes on May 14, Tasmania will enter a new era in which the government of the day does not control the legislative agenda and may need to horse-trade to pass its bills.

“I look forward to a new parliament where every matter is genuinely debated, and the best decisions are made for the people of Tasmania,” Ms Johnston said.

Mr O’Byrne, as well as the JLN, have warned their commitments are provided as long as Mr Rockliff – who faces a revolt in Liberal branches and pressure from conservative critics – remains premier.

“My undertakings are to you for the duration of your term as premier,” Mr O’Byrne said in a letter to Mr Rockliff. “If you cease to be premier then my undertakings are withdrawn with immediate effect.”

As a former Labor leader, Mr O’Byrne defended his decision to provide confidence to the Liberals, noting Labor had declined to try to form a government.

“I have always been a staunch critic of successive Liberal governments in Tasmania; governments that have failed to improve government services and failed to improve the lives of Tasmanians,” he said. “However, dragging Tasmanians back to the polls prematurely is not the solution that our state needs right now.”

Mr Rockliff, whose Liberals have only 14 seats in the 35-seat assembly, has promised in return to back the abolition of “Dorothy Dixers” (the government asking itself questions) and to improve resourcing and departmental and legislative drafting access for crossbenchers.

“The agreement(s) provides confidence and supply in the forthcoming parliament,” Mr Rockliff said.

“I thank both members for their goodwill and constructive input, which have been in the interests of ensuring the stability and certainty Tasmanians desire and deserve.

“I also again acknowledge and welcome the positive engagement undertaken by the JLN members in ensuring this parliament works with efficiency, accountability, and transparency in the best interests of their constituents and the entire state.”

The election returned 14 Liberals, 10 Labor, 5 Greens, 3 JLN and three independents.