Two-way tussle for Tasmanian premier as deputy Jeremy Rockliff declines

A two-way tussle has emerged for the next premier of Tasmania.

State Growth Minister Michael Ferguson, left, with Treasurer Peter Gutwein. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

A two-way tussle has emerged for the leadership of Tasmania’s Liberal Party, and with it the premiership, between Treasurer Peter Gutwein and State Growth Minister Michael Ferguson.

The contenders confirmed their interest after Deputy Premier Jeremy Rockliff, who polls suggest­ is the most popular choice to replace outgoing Premier Will Hodgman, decided against standing as leader.

Instead, Mr Rockliff has formed a ticket with Mr Gutwein, offering to serve as his deputy, while Mr Ferguson has enlisted Attorney-General Elise Archer as his proposed deputy.

The contest will be resolved on Monday at a parliamentary Libera­l partyroom meeting.

The outcome is difficult to predict­ but Mr Gutwein is thought to be the most likely victor.

Mr Ferguson and Ms Archer are both party conservatives and unlikely to win support from moderates, while Mr Rockliff, a widely respected moderate, will bolster Mr Gutwein’s support.

However, the Ferguson-­Archer ticket does offer a better parochial balance — traditionally an important issue in Tasmania — with Mr Ferguson from Bass in the state’s north and Ms Archer from Clark in the south.

Mr Rockliff, from northwest-focused Braddon, and Mr Gutwein, from northern Bass, are the only two other Liberal MPs — aside from the departing Mr Hodgman — who have been in parliament since 2002.

The party unexpectedly finds itself searching for a new leader following the sudden decision by Mr Hodgman, 50, to leave politics halfway through his second term. He cited the impact of the job on his family and the need for a new leader to have a two-year run-up to the 2022 state election.

Mr Gutwein, 55, and Mr Rockliff issued a joint statement saying they were “committed to continue to deliver a strong and stable majority Liberal government focused­ on building a better future for all Tasmanians”.

“After much consideration, I can confirm I will be standing for the leadership of the parliament­ary Liberal Party,” Mr Gutwein said.

“In the interests of stability and certainty, Jeremy Rockliff has agreed to stand as my deputy and we will be putting ourselves forward as a strong and experienced leadership team.”

Mr Rockliff said: “I believe Peter Gutwein is the right person to be the next premier of Tasmania and I have agreed to support his nomination and stand at his side as deputy. As a leadership team, we have the experience, energ­y and dedication to continue to deliver the government’s long-term plan for Tasmania.”

Mr Ferguson was not quite so bold in his statement.

“I am offering­ myself to my Liberal ­colleagues to serve as their leader,” he said.

“My friend and colleague Elise Archer is offering to serve as deputy leader.”

A state MP since 2010 and the federal member for Bass from 2004 to 2007, Mr Ferguson, 45, hinted that he would continue as a minister if he was unsuccessful in the leadership push.

 “In our Liberal Party team, we have people other than us who are also capable,” he said.

“Whatever happens next, it's my intention to continue to work hard and serve Tasmanians as a member of our strong Liberal team — as we were elected to do.”