Jacqui Lambie Network MPs seal 12 month deal with the Liberal Party in king-making deal

Weeks of speculation has come to an end with three Jacqui Lambie Network MPs reaching an agreement with the Liberal Party to shore up support to form a government. The deal >>

Newly elected members of Tasmanian Parliament, Member for Braddon Miriam Beswick, Member for Lyons Andrew Jenner, and Member for Bass, Rebekah Pentland of the Jacqui Lambie network at Parliament Lawns, Hobart, Monday, April 8, 2024. Picture: Linda Higginson

Jacqui Lambie Network MPs have signed up to back a Liberal government for 12 months after gaining a handful of minor concessions on transparency and the promise of some of extra staff in return for their votes.

The three new members of the JLN, Miriam Beswick, Andrew Jenner, and Rebekah Pentland, signed a deal to provide confidence to the Rockliff Liberal Government on all confidence and censure votes, to guarantee supply, to support all appropriation and revenue bills, and support the government on parliamentary motions that bind the Government.

“All parties have entered into this agreement with goodwill and trust, and I am confident that this agreement will provide the long-term certainty and stability the Tasmanian people expect,” the Premier said.

Tasmanian State Election 2024, Premier Jeremy Rockliff in the tally room, Hotel Grand Chancellor. Picture: Chris Kidd

“Importantly, the agreement ensures that the Tasmanian parliament functions at its best and serves the best interests of Tasmanians,” he said.

“I thank the JLN for the productive and collaborative approach that they have taken as we have worked towards an agreement.

“I look forward to working with the JLN and taking action on the things that matter to Tasmanians.”

A blurry PDF of the “Confidence and Stability Agreement” was released after the announcement.

It appears to bind the Lambie MPs to back the government in a range of matters where even Liberal MPs enjoy a conscience vote.

The new MPs have agreed to back the government in all no-confidence and censure motions outside of “cases of malfeasance or corruption”, plus all budget bills and all motions which might bind the government.

They have also agreed to inform the government of any intention to vote against it on any matter in advance and vote in favour of any adjournment so negotiations can take place.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff at Princes Park, Hobart. Picture: Chris Kidd

In return, the Premier has agreed to meet with the JLN members once a week when parliament is sitting and once a fortnight when it is not.

They will also get a confidential advance briefing on the state budget, four extra staff, an office in Parliament House — like every other MP — and a party room in the building.

They have also secured reviews of the state’s finances, financial modelling of the proposed Macquarie Point Stadium, and reviews of the Integrity Commission, right to information laws and political donations laws.

The Premier has also agreed to refer public servants named in the Commission of Inquiry report “to the appropriate authorities” — something that has already been done — and to shut down Ashley Detention Centre within the term of the Rockliff government.

In a statement, the JLN MPs said they recognised the importance of providing a stable government and a workable parliament for the benefit of the people of Tasmania.

“The JLN ran in the recent State Election to provide Tasmanians with a choice of a fourth political party that cares about representing the people of Tasmania, with integrity and transparency,” the party said.

“The three new MPs are fully committed to delivering on their promise to ensure greater transparency, accountability and integrity in our Parliament.”

Originally published as Jacqui Lambie Network MPs seal 12 month deal with the Liberal Party in king-making deal