Premier Jeremy ‘Rocky’ Rockliff happy to go rounds with Scott Morrison on health, GST but will campaign for federal MPs

Jeremy Rockliff has flagged an assertive approach to federal relations, including on hospital funding and the GST.

Tasmania’s new Premier, Jeremy Rockliff, has flagged an assertive approach to federal relations, including on hospital funding and the GST, and a strong local focus on health and mental wellbeing.

The 52-year-old, on Friday elected unopposed to replace Peter Gutwein who resigned earlier this week, recommitted to a truth and treaty process and a commission of inquiry into child abuse responses.

A party moderate from a farming background, known as “Rocky”, he suggested he would not shy away from going a few rounds with Scott Morrison, declaring himself a “fierce defender of Tasmania”.

This included on demands for an extension of the GST no worse off guarantee and a “live” push for 50-50 federal-state hospital funding.

“It is a live issue and we’re committed to that – we want a very good deal to support Tasmanians from Canberra,” said Mr Rockliff, the former longstanding deputy premier.

“I will not resile … I am in Tasmania’s corner and that will be reflected in my discussions with the Prime Minister, absolutely.”

A former Lifeline telephone counsellor, Mr Rockliff said he would retain the Health and Mental Health portfolios, while anointing his deputy, Michael Ferguson, as Treasurer.

He said there had been “no deals” with Mr Ferguson or Mr Ferguson’s conservative faction to secure the leadership.

Mr Ferguson, elected unopposed as deputy following the failure of rival Elise Archer to secure sufficient support, conceded he had done “my own numbers” before backing Mr Rockliff.

As Treasurer, replacing Mr Gutwein, who held both roles, Mr Ferguson said the business community and investor confidence would be “king”, while Mr Rockliff would have “complete” loyalty.

“Jeremy will not have the problem that people like famous federal leaders have had where they’ve got to look over their shoulder,” Mr Ferguson said. “My role is to support Jeremy loyally, faithfully and thoroughly.”

Mr Rockliff, Tasmania’s 47th Premier, said he would discuss the remaining cabinet roles with colleagues over the weekend and announce a new ministry next week.

A popular figure in his Northwest seat of Braddon – which has mirror state and federal boundaries – Mr Rockliff promised to campaign for sitting federal Liberal Gavin Pearce as he seeks to defend a 3.1 per cent margin.

Mr Gutwein cited burnout as his reason for quitting after little more than two years as premier, albeit during a pandemic.

Mr Rockliff, the father of three young daughters, said he would “lead by example” as Mental Health and Wellbeing Minister by balancing work and personal life.

Despite his mild persona and quietly spoken ways, he said he was “upfront”, “passionate and committed”, and a “survivor” of a 20-year political career including tough calls in the health and education portfolios.

He was open to “innovation and reform” and committed to responsible budget management but said “above all, I will lead a government with heart”.

Priorities cited in his first press conference as premier-designate, before being sworn in at Government House in Hobart, included health, education, job growth in renewable energy, the Marinus power interconnector, agriculture, manufacturing, tourism and the “quietly powerful” Tasmanian brand.

The third premier in as many years, he promised to lead the Liberals to the next state election, due in 2025. “I’ll be there, with bells on,” he said.

Labor said the government was in “chaos”. “It took three days for Mr Ferguson to endorse Jeremy Rockliff for leader before he then turned on Ms Archer to secure the deputy leadership for himself,” said Labor’s leader of opposition business, Dean Winter.

“It remains to be seen what dirty deal was made to keep Mr Ferguson out of the leadership – at least for now.”