Federal politicians react to Premier Will Hodgman’s shock resignation

UPDATED: The Prime Minister has described departing Premier Will Hodgman as a “Tasmanian and Liberal legend” in a touching tribute.

PRIME Minister Scott Morrison has described departing Premier Will Hodgman as a “Tasmanian and Liberal legend” whose leadership engineered the state’s remarkable turnaround.

Mr Hodgman announced he will step down as the 45th Premier of Tasmania on Tuesday.

“In his maiden speech, Will paid tribute to the tremendous role model his father was, including as a fellow Parliamentarian, hoping to ‘display the same level of passion, commitment and service to the community,” Mr Morrison said.

“I think the record shows, Will, you have done that in spades over your more than 17 year parliamentary career and your father would be rightly proud.

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Prime Minister Scott Morrison. Picture: AAP IMAGE/MARC TEWKSBURY

On a personal note, Mr Morrison said: “Will has been not just a leader for Tasmania, but a tremendous friend and support to me.”

“I wish him, Nicky and their family all the best as they move to this next stage.”

The Prime Minister added his friend would leave behind a record of distinguished service, including cutting unemployment from 7.6 per cent to 6.0 per cent, creating more than 19,200 new jobs, and ending the drain of Tasmanians leaving the state.

He also noted they had worked closely together on the Hobart and Launceston City Deals, a $2.8 billion infrastructure program, and the Battery of the Nation and Marinus Link projects.

Mr Morrison also praised Mr Hodgman’s “quiet advocacy” for the interests of Tasmania and Australia.

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Mr Hodgman, the 45th Premier of Tasmania, said he had taken time to reflect over the Christmas period on the position but did not arrive at a final decisionuntil early this week.

He became Premier in March 2014, replacing the state’s first female premier, Lara Giddings.

Mr Hodgman then led the party to a second consecutive term at the state election in March 2018.

Liberal Senator Jonathon Duniam, previously Mr Hodgman’s deputy chief of staff, said he knew first hand “the tremendous man he is and the energy and commitment he had in serving the people of Tasmania since his election in 2002”.

Tasmanian MP Jonathon Duniam.

“His record in office speaks for itself, having led Tasmania through a time of unprecedented economic and cultural growth that has improved the lives of all Tasmanians,” Senator Duniam said.

“I thank Will and his family for their commitment to the state and wish them all the very best for the future.

“I am certain that Will has much more to contribute into the future.”

Independent Federal MP Andrew Wilkie thanked Mr Hodgman for his public service but said his departure was “regrettable”.

“The state is at risk of a period of instability while the Liberal Party finds a new leader and deals with the inevitable ministerial reshuffle,” Mr Wilkie said.

“The pressure will be on Mr Hodgman’s successor to finally address the broad range of challenges continuing to confront the state, for instance the health and housing crises, severe traffic congestion in Hobart and distrust of the State Government borne of dodgy deals with vested interests and an almost complete lack of transparency.”

TASMANIAN INDEPENDENT AND OPPOSITION MPS REACT

Independent Senator Jacqui Lambie wished Mr Hodgman all the best.

“I have appreciated his cooperative approach,” she told the Mercury.

“I look forward to working with the new Premier to get the best results we can for the Tasmanian people.”

Liberal Senator Eric Abetz is seen at Parliament House in Canberra. Picture by Sean Davey.

Veteran Liberal Senator Eric Abetz said Mr Hodgman had “left Tasmania in a lot better shape than when he gained the Premiership from the Labor/Green debacle in 2014.”

“Will’s contribution into making Tasmania the ‘turn around State’ will be his enduring legacy,” he said.

“Thousands more Tasmanians are now in employment, the budget is restored and service delivery improved.”

Senator Abetz added: “Will always observed he couldn’t undertake the task without the support of his exceptionally supportive wife, Nicky. Tasmanians owe her and the family a debt of gratitude as well as to Will for their service to Tasmania.