Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff announces plans to increase number of politicians

Liberal Premier Jeremy Rockliff wants to expand Tasmania’s lower house from 25 to 35 members.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff says ‘when things need fixing, we need to have the courage to fix them’. Picture: Chris Kidd

In a “courageous” move, Tasmanian Liberal Premier Jeremy Rockliff has announced plans for more politicians: an expansion in the state’s lower house from 25 to 35 members.

The decision, which follows decades of debate about a 1998 cut from 35 to 25 in the House of Assembly, appears certain to draw tripartite support – but some community hostility.

“I have said as Premier that I will lead a courageous government, a government that is accountable and operates with integrity,” Mr Rockliff said on Wednesday.
“Our government has always said we support an increase in the size of parliament. Our priorities right now are to continue our significant investment into health, education, and housing, as well as the vital job of improving safety for children and women.
“However, I accept that we need a functional parliament, and importantly, a functional committee system. I do not suspect it will be a popular issue (but) when things need fixing, we need to have the courage to fix them.”

He said his government would introduce a bill by the end of this year to restore the numbers from 25 to 35, taking effect at the next state election, due in 2025.
The major parties combined to reduce the assembly from 35 to 25 seats in 1998 to nobble the Greens by increasing the size of the quota required for election of MPs under the Hare Clark voting system.

However, critics argue it ultimately failed and meant there have been too few MPs from which governments could choose ministers, too small a backbench and too few MPs to serve on committees.

A Greens motion backing the increase was supported on Wednesday by MPs from all parties, suggesting the government legislation is likely to pass.

“Tasmanians will be better served by a larger parliament and a deeper talent pool for the ministry, and they … deserve stronger representation at the community level,” said Greens leader Cassy O’Connor.