Debate on no-confidence motion in Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff adjourned till Thursday

Tasmania’s embattled Liberal premier is expected to learn his fate on Thursday after making an impassioned speech against a no-confidence motion in him.

Embattled Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff’s future hangs in the balance after a marathon debate on a no-confidence motion in him was suspended for the night.

The 35 members of the state parliament spent Wednesday debating the motion brought by Labor Opposition Leader Dean Winter.

Mr Rockliff used his allocated 30 minutes to embark on an impassioned defence of his leadership, vowing to “fight to my last breath”.

But he also flagged he was not going easily and had earlier indicated if the motion passed, he would consider a snap election just 15 months after his government was re-elected in minority.

Mr Winter tabled the motion against Mr Rockliff for allegedly mismanaging the Apple Isle’s budget, infrastructure projects and the proposed Macquarie Point Stadium.

Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff (centre) is facing a no-confidence motion. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Mr Rockliff promised to continue fighting for his party and Tasmanians.

“I will fight for my last breath to ensure that we remain in government and to ensure we continue delivering for the people of Tasmania,” he said.

“This day might not end well for me, but it will define you

He accused Mr Winter of putting “so much at risk” with his actions, and accused him of “

scurrying around again like a chook with its head cut off not knowing what to do”

“You have shown in the last 24 hours that you are a weak leader and you are not ready to govern,” Mr Rockliff said.

“You have shown by your behaviour today and your weak leadership that you think you are more important than Tasmanians.

“You’re not only weak but you are being controlled by others.”

Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff made an impassioned speech to parliament to defend his record. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

He also appealed to the cross bench to consider what would happen if he lost the motion.

“I ask this Tasmanian parliament to think seriously about the consequences,” Mr Rockliff said.

“Do they really want to follow a wrecker who has come in day in day out and targeted individual members with disdain who did nothing more than to have the courage to put their hand up to make a difference to the Tasmanian people.

“Whatever the outcome is, I implore this parliament to put Tasmanians first. They do not want an election.

“Dean Winter wants an election. What the Tasmania people want is stability, certainty and strong leadership.”

The vote on the no confidence motion is likely to take place on Thursday after the debate is finalised.

Taking to social media earlier in the day, Mr Rockliff accused state Mr Winter of trying to force an early election.

https://www.facebook.com/jeremyrockliff/posts/pfbid0PpmDXw73qo9WVAgFTtB4Uhsp92dQL1ZMSUd1NaY1JBjwYNtQLNmmskSazn7mkEqtl

“It seems Dean Winter and the Labor Party are hell bent on forcing Tasmania to an early election,” he posted on Tuesday night.

“An election just over 12 months since the last one. That’s the last thing Tasmania needs. That’s the last thing Tasmanians want.

“Investment and business confidence would go off a cliff.”

Mr Rockliff said “nurses, doctors, firefighters and police would risk not being paid” because the budget had not been passed.

“But that’s what a no-confidence vote would do: force Tasmania back to the polls,” he said.

“That’s not leadership. That’s an obsessive desire for power at any cost. Tasmania deserves better.

“We need to work together to build a better Tasmania.”

The threat came just under 15 months since Tasmania’s last election.

The Liberals secured 14 of the 35 lower house seats in the 2024 state vote, giving Mr Rockliff a tenuous minority government.

Labor, that holds 10 seats, last month resisted calls from the Greens to back a no-confidence motion against Mr Rockliff.

Tasmanian Opposition Leader Dean Winter says Mr Rockliff ‘wrecked the budget’. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

But Mr Winter dramatically changed his tune on Tuesday during his budget-reply address.

“Today, I’ve tabled a motion that says the House has no confidence in this premier because he’s wrecked the budget, because he’s planning to sell our power companies, our ports and our public transport, and because no one can trust him after the handling of the Spirit of Tasmania fiasco,” he told the House of Assembly.

Mr Winter called on the cross bench to support his motion.

“If they really are opposed to the Premier’s agenda of debt, deficit and debacle as they claim, then tell the House you’ve lost confidence in this Premier,” he said.

Greens leader, Rosalie Woodruff called on Mr Winter to form a Labor-Green government.

“He can maintain stability. He can save Tasmania from a costly election,” Dr Woodruff said.

“The Greens will work in good faith to form an arrangement of minority government.”

Independent David O’Byrne said he would no longer support the Liberal government if Mr Rockliff was removed.

“If he goes, my support goes,” Mr O’Byrne said.

Independents Rebekah Pentland and Miriam Beswick have said they will vote with the government, but crossbench independents Kristie Johnston, Andrew Jenner and Craig Garland are backing Labor, the Hobart Mercury reported.

Originally published as Debate on no-confidence motion in Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff adjourned till Thursday