Tasmanian Premier’s own ‘coalition of chaos’

The balance of power in Tasmania rests with an eclectic trio of ‘Lambies’ and three independents, making governing a challenge for the nation’s last Liberal administration.

Senator Jacqui Lambie with soon to be JLN Braddon MP Miriam Beswick

The balance of power in Tasmania rests with an eclectic trio of “Lambies” and three independents, making governing a challenge for the nation’s last Liberal administration.

Preference distribution following the March 23 state election late Friday pointed to 14 seats for the incumbent Liberals – four short of a majority – with Labor on 10, the Greens 5, the Jacqui Lambie Network 3 and independents 3.

The result means Premier Jeremy Rockliff will need the support of all three JLN MPs, as well as one independent, to govern.

That support appears to be on offer, with Jacqui Lambie and the independents flagging a constructive approach, but if Mr Rockliff is to obtain written guarantees or formal agreements he will likely need to pledge funding and policy commitments.

It is understood Mr Rockliff - who during the campaign accused Labor of planning a “coalition of chaos” with crossbenchers - has in recent days met with Senator Lambie and has “reached out to” new crossbenchers.

Labor’s caucus, meanwhile, has informally resolved to back pro-industry and Labor right faction MP Dean Winter as its new leader, following the post-election resignation of Rebecca White.

The decision, forecast by The Australian, is a display of unity within the Parliamentary Labor Party but will anger sections of the party’s left faction and some unionists who bitterly oppose Mr Winter.

The three JLN MPs will be a former British Tory mayor who boasts of meeting the Queen 16 times; an “entrepreneur” who wants to abolish land tax, and; a small businesswoman who acts as carer for her blind husband.

The Liberals will also need the support of one of three independents: left-leaning David O’Byrne and Kristie Johnston and maverick fisherman Craig Garland.

The result confirms Mr Rockliff’s gamble in calling an early election – following difficulties dealing with two ex-Liberal MPs – has backfired, with his grip on power now dependant on a bigger, more diverse crossbench.

However, none of the JLN MPs-in-waiting appear particularly radical. In the northwest seat of Braddon, JNL’s Miriam Beswick is a waste management manager and carer for her legally blind husband.

Ms Beswick, who describes herself as an active church goer, champions greater health care and education outcomes. “I look forward to working with all those elected from every political party who are committed to delivering better community outcomes, rather than playing petty political party games,” she said, during the campaign.

In Launceston-based Bass, the JLN’s Rebekah Pentland is another small businesswoman pushing for improved health care, claiming her son with a heart condition would likely have died had she not taken him to Sydney for assessment.

JLN’s Rebekah Pentland. Picture: Patrick Gee

“It’s not okay – fixing this should be treated like an emergency, but instead our government is doing nothing,” she said, during the campaign.

Ms Pentland, who is involved in an apartment rental business, wants land tax abolished, arguing it “is contributing to the huge cost of living pressures”.

In sprawling Lyons, JLN’s MP is likely to be Andrew Jenner, a former Tory mayor of England’s Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead.

Mr Jenner boasts of meeting the Queen “at least 16 times”, while declining an invitation to watch the Royal Wedding procession.

Also a former magistrate in the UK, Mr Jenner told The Australian he would be demanding more transparency of decision making. “Transparency and accountability these are my main concerns,” he said. “There’s been far too little of it in the past few years.

“Obviously, there are major issues with health, affordable housing , education, front-line staff. These are issues that need to be addressed, not swept under the carpet.”

Mr Garland has flagged opposition to the Robbins Island wind farm and clear-felling of native forests, while demanding fisheries management reform.

Mr Winter, whose deputy will be Anita Dow, from Labor’s left faction, flagged a pro-industry, pro-jobs approach under his leadership.

“Too many times over the past 12 months, I’ve been asked ‘what does Labor stand for?’,” he said. “Labor stands for creating good, well paid, safe and secure jobs that support families.”