Leadership search in Tasmanian Liberals, after Premier Peter Gutwein quits

Tasmania will have a new premier by the week’s end after the demands of running a state, an economy and a pandemic response proved too much for Peter Gutwein.

Tasmania will have a new premier by the week’s end after the ­demands of running a state, an economy and a pandemic response proved too much for Peter Gutwein.

In a shock decision, the Premier and Treasurer who guided the island state through the pandemic announced he would be leaving the role he has held for just over two years, and quit politics.

“I’m somebody that gets up and gives 110 per cent every day and what I’ve found after the last two years especially is that I’ve got nothing left in the tank to give,” Mr Gutwein told a hastily convened press conference late on Monday afternoon.

“I have worked as hard as I possibly can every single day I’ve been Premier … and unless you can give 110 per cent to the role of premier, you shouldn’t be doing this job – and I can no longer.

Elise Archer. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“It’s absolutely my decision. I informed the cabinet this afternoon and the parliamentary Liberal Party and I’ve just spoken with the Governor and with the Prime Minister, as well as the ­director of the Liberal Party.”

Mr Gutwein, who took the reins following the sudden resignation of then-premier Will Hodgman in January 2020, had a health scare last August linked to overwork.

Last month he revealed he was as a child the victim of a sexual assault, while more recently he was forced to isolate for a week because of Covid in his family.

 With a daughter, Millie, turning 18 on Tuesday, and a son Finn, 15, this period in quarantine had underscored how little time he had spent with them and wife Amanda since taking the top job.

 “The longest I’ve spent in my house here in Launceston in the last couple of years was the seven days I had in isolation,” he told reporters. “I think that probably says it all.”

He had not been pushed by colleagues, who must now select a new leader. Frontrunners include State Development Minister Michael Ferguson, who pulled out of the last leadership race in January 2020 at the 11th hour.

 Deputy Premier Jeremy Rockliff is well respected and has broad support, but is not thought to be interested in stepping up, having declined in 2020.

The Attorney-General, Elise Archer – like Mr Ferguson a party conservative — may be interested in becoming deputy, as she initially intended in 2020 ­before Mr Ferguson withdrew.

However, this could upset the party’s delicate factional balance and it appears more likely that Mr Rockliff, a moderate like Mr ­Gutwein, will remain deputy ­leader, or be replaced by another moderate.

Michael Ferguson. Picture: Zak Simmonds

Jeremy Rockliff. Picture: Chris Kidd

Under Tasmania’s system of Hare Clark proportional representation, Mr Gutwein’s replacement as MP for Bass will be chosen on a recount and is virtually assured of being a Liberal.

Mr Gutwein, 57, secured a ­record third consecutive majority government for the Liberals at last year’s May election, and has presided over increased state debt but also a period of relatively strong economic growth.

“I’ll be doing some reading and some gardening and spend time with my family; I have no jobs lined up,” he said.

“I cannot wait to get back and spend some time (at home) in Launceston, to be frank.”

The former financial adviser and tattooed publican had been Treasurer since the Liberals took office in 2014, and a member for the Launceston-based seat of Bass since 2002.

 Labor leader Rebecca White wished her former adversary well.

“Mr Gutwein has governed through some of the most difficult times, as Tasmanian faced the scourge of Covid-19,” Ms White said. “I wish him and his family well for the future.”

His departure is a big loss for the Liberals, not only because of his experience but also his vote-pulling power in Bass.

However, the next state election is not due until 2025.

Scott Morrison said Mr Gutwein was a “great Tasmanian leader” leaving public life “with gratitude and great respect”.

“As Premier since 2020, he led Tasmania through a once-in-a-century pandemic,” the Prime Minister said.

“Peter did not put a foot wrong.

“As Treasurer since 2014, Peter along with former premier Will Hodgman was the architect of Tasmania’s economic revival.

“He leaves politics with a world-best response to Covid and a Tasmanian economy thriving with jobs at a record high.

“His contributions to the ­national cabinet have been invalu­able.

“As Prime Minister and beforehand as treasurer, I have always respected the way Peter has demonstrated strength and compassion in his leadership, delivering jobs and lifting communities.”

Tasmania’s business community was mourning his departure.

“Peter has been an absolute trailblazer,” said Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive Michael Bailey.

“He’s never done anything by halves. Our economy is the envy of the nation – there are more people in work than ever before and he got the budget back in black so that when we were hit by Covid, we had the capacity to deal with it.

“I regard Peter as the best ­treasurer Tasmania has ever had and I know many others in the business community do too.”