Kristie Johnston: Independent Clark MP is hoping for a minority government to force consensus

A Tasmanian MP, one of four independents sitting in parliament, says the election of more unaligned politicians at the next state election would “enhance accountability and transparency”.

Kristie Johnston Independent member for Clark. GBE hearing with Tas Racing. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

A Tasmanian MP says the election of more independents at the next state election would “enhance accountability and transparency”.

Former Glenorchy mayor Kristie Johnston was the sole independent elected in 2021 but has since been joined on the crossbenches by former Labor leader David O’Byrne and Liberal defectors John Tucker and Lara Alexander.

She scotched rumours she would not recontest her seat and, despite now running a hotel, said she was ready for an election whenever it was called.

“I feel that people want an election, that there needs to be a clean slate,” she told the Sunday Tasmanian.

“But it’s ultimately a matter of waiting to see what the government does in the New Year.”

Ms Johnston said housing remained the number one issued raised by constituents along with concerns about access to GPs and health care.

“Over and above all that I think people generally feel very frustrated and disappointed about the lack of integrity in politics, the lack of transparency, and accountability of this government in particular, and the fact that they aren’t willing to be honest and open with the Tasmanian community about a whole range of issues,” Ms Johnston said.

Kristie Johnston independent member for Clark. Final sitting week of parliament for 2023. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

She cited a lack of transparency on the proposed Macquarie Point stadium and the government’s failure to adequately respond to “reasonable questions” about the Commission of Inquiry into child sexual abuse in government institutions.

“The racing industry, again, is just symptomatic of a government that is failing to deal with serious issues of integrity over and over again.

“They’re the kind of things that people are talking to me about and that they’re frustrated about.”

Ms Johnston says a bigger 35-seat House of Assembly will provide an opportunity for more committees “to scrutinise important business of the government and important policies”.

She said voters in Clark were frustrated and “they feel like they’ve got nowhere to go”.

“If anyone’s to win government (it) really depends on how they conduct themselves and I think the parties have got a long way to go in terms of understanding the mood of the community, particularly when it comes to being honest and transparent and accountable,” Ms Johnston said.

“I think people are frustrated with the two party system, it’s not serving them well.

“I think a minority government is a more accountable government. It means that it has to negotiate and work with the opposition and with the crossbench and ultimately, that results in better outcomes and enhanced transparency for the community.”

If she were to hold the balance of power she said: “I’ve always said I won’t do deals. (But) I am also not in the business of causing instability in government. Every issue needs to be determined on its merits.”

Earlier this year Ms Johnston bought into the Maypole Hotel at New Town with then co-owners Ester and Justin Devine to save it from closing.

She said she and her partner of 18 months had now bought the hotel after being successfully “taught the ropes in hospitality” by the Devines.