Tasmanian crossbench budget threat: ‘Leave frontline services alone – or else’

Tasmania’s minority government may struggle to pass an austere budget, with balance-of-power MPs warning they won’t accept frontline service cuts.

Tasmanian independent MP Kristie Johnston flags ‘supplementary supply bills’ to plug budget funding holes.

Tasmania’s minority government may struggle to pass an austere budget, with balance-of-power MPs warning they won’t accept frontline service cuts, and flagging parliamentary manoeuvres to force additional funding.

With state debt rivalling Victoria’s on some measures, and ballooning deficits amid an economic decline, Tasmania’s September 12 budget is tipped to be tough, with health not immune from cuts. Australia’s last Liberal government relies on offers of confidence and budget supply from five crossbenchers: three Jacqui Lambie Network MPs and two independents, needing the votes of four to survive and pass bills.

Two JLN MPs told The Australian their pledges of supply did not necessarily extend to all budget measures, while joining independent Kristie Johnston in warning the government not to cut frontline services.

Ms Johnston said the parliament could vote to demand the minority government, formed after a hung parliament was elected on March 23, introduce a “supplementary supply bill” to cover spending shortfalls left by the budget.

“We could send a really clear signal to the government that their budget may not be satisfactory or that they need to be finding additional funds,” she said. “That’s where the crossbench can hopefully work very strongly together. The government ought to take that very seriously. If it ­ignores the will of the parliament, it does so at its own peril … It can get difficult for the government if they ignore those calls, because that shows a lack of confidence.”

Ms Johnston had “made it clear” that she would not support cuts to frontline services.

“Our housing waiting list is extreme, our public hospital waiting list is unacceptable – there cannot be cuts to them, and in particular to our child safety services,” she said.

“(Appropriate funding for) all those things I would expect to see in the budget. If they’re not, that’s a matter around which we would have to have a very difficult discussion … and can we get the government to make additional commitments perhaps via an ­additional supply bill and appropriation bill.”

JLN Bass MP Rebekah Pentland said she supported “belt tightening” and more efficiency in the bureaucracy. However, the guarantee of supply did not ­extend to every budget item. “No – absolutely not; we will scrutinise the budget,” she said.

She hoped the government would work with JLN MPs to ensure any disagreements over budget measures could be addressed before a vote in parliament.

JLN Lyons MP Andrew ­Jenner said he was unsure the extent to which he could oppose individual budget items while honouring his offer of supply. However, he warned the ­government not to cut frontline services.

The JLN MPs were conscious of their responsibility to provide stability, while holding the government to account. “It’s a real balancing act,” he said.

JLN Bass MP Miriam Beswick said she would back greater efficiencies, and fully honour her commitment to supply, but also be a “little storm cloud” for ministers failing to “meet expectations”.

Independent David O’Byrne said he would support “all money bills necessary to ensure supply” and “not support frivolous or ­opportunistic motions”.