Peter Gutwein to be Liberal leader and 46th Tasmanian Premier

Peter Gutwein has been elected unopposed as Tasmania’s 46th Premier after a last-minute withdrawal by Michael Ferguson, the other candidate in the two-horse race.

TASMANIA’S newest Premier has been sworn in to office.

Premier Gutwein said he would deliver a united government which would take action on health, housing and climate change — and make a push for greater social inclusion.

Mr Gutwein told reporters he planned to stick closely to the agenda the Liberal government had taken to the 2018 state election.

But he acknowledged that it had work to do to address its perceived weak points.

“There is more to do, demand in health remains at elevated levels and we need to do more,” he said.

“Demand for housing hasn’t abated and we need to do more.

“A rapidly changing climate is now the new norm and we must learn from the recent lessons of the mainland bushfires and once again, we must do more.”

New Tasmania Premier Peter Gutwein addresses the media alongside new Deputy Premier Jeremy Rockliff. Picture: ZAK SIMMONDS

Mr Gutwein said he would continue to be himself, and would work to ensure that state’s economic boom for the benefit of all.

“Every leader brings their own style. You’ve become accustomed to my style, over the last number of years that I’ve treasurer.

“One thing that I do bring to the table, in terms of the commitment that I give to the Tasmanian people, one thing that I have a burning desire to do is to ensure that the opportunities that Will Hodgman worked so hard to create are being shared across the whole of the state.

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RELATED: GUTWEIN FAVOURED IN SHOWDOWN AT HIGH NOON

EARLIER: A new Liberal Party leader will be sworn in after a last-minute withdrawal by one of the two candidates in the race for Premier ahead of a scheduled vote of Liberal MPs in Hobart today.

Government Whip confirmed the Tasmanian Parliamentary Liberal Party had unanimously endorsed Peter Gutwein as the new leader of the Parliamentary Liberal Party, and Jeremy Rockliff as Deputy Leader.

READ MORE:

NEW PREMIER ANNOUNCES CABINET RESHUFFLE AT FIRST PRESS CONFERENCE

Mr Gutwein will be sworn in as the 46th Premier of Tasmania at Government House later today by Her Excellency Kate Warner AC.

The confirmation comes after contender Michael Ferguson this morning publicly withdrew from the contest, which was to be decided at a midday vote.

WHO IS THE NEW PREMIER?

Peter Gutwein. Picture: PATRICK GEE

PETER GUTWEIN

• Was Treasurer and Minister for the Environment, Parks and Heritage
• First elected to state parliament in 2002 in the northern seat of Bass
• Has overseen a period of economic growth in Tasmania, but also rising net debt
• Before politics held senior management positions in financial services in Europe
• Is a qualified black belt instructor in taekwondo
• Married with two children, aged 55

Mr Ferguson arrived at the executive building about 11.30am and gave no hint what was to come except to say the Liberal Party “was united”.

In a statement issued minutes later, Mr Ferguson said it was his position to do what was “best for our party, the Government and most importantly the Tasmanian people”.

Jeremy Rockliff will fill the post of the Deputy Premier.

READ MORE:

• ANALYSIS: WHY TASMANIAN PREMIER WILL HODGMAN RESIGNED
• DEPUTY OPPOSITION LEADER LASHES OUT AT PREMIER CONTENDERS

Tasmanian Deputy Premier Jeremy Rockliff. Picture: Zak Simmonds

“I have been speaking with my colleagues over the weekend about the leadership of the Liberal Party and have decided to not stand as a candidate,” it read.

“Elise Archer joins me in wanting our new leadership to be elected unopposed.

“Peter Gutwein and Jeremy Rockliff have made significant contributions to Tasmania in their Parliamentary careers and they will be a strong and dependable leadership team.

“We respect them.

“They will have our full support.”

Mr Ferguson said it was his and Ms Archer’s intention to continue to work as members of the Liberal team.

There were two candidates for the leadership position: Treasurer Peter Gutwein and Infrastructure Minister Michael Ferguson.

Peter Gutwein and Michael Ferguson. Parliament question time. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

Education Minister Jeremy Rockliff and Attorney-General Elise Archer were standing for the deputy roles.

Today’s announcement was brought about by the sudden resignation of Premier Will Hodgman after nearly six years in the job.

A cabinet reshuffle is expected later this week.

A recount will determine who fills Mr Hodgman’s parliamentary seat of Franklin.

Liberal Senator for Tasmania Eric Abetz said Mr Gutwein was a “great choice”

“Premier-elect Peter Gutwein will ensure continuity and stability for Tasmania ensuring jobs, economic growth and enhanced service delivery,” he said.

“Mr Gutwein’s track record of personal electoral success and policy grunt combined with his strength of character and determination will see Tasmania continue as the “turn around State”.

“While Will Hodgman’s leadership has been exceptional Peter Gutwein was always there in the engine room developing the policy framework and financial stewardship needed to transform Tasmania.”

Mr Abetz said Jeremy Rockliff’s re-election as Deputy would provide further stability and ongoing experience.

“Peter’s and Jeremy’s willingness to serve in these capacities is appreciated,” he said.

“While Michael Ferguson and Elise Archer would’ve also made a good leadership team their decision to withdraw is a fine example of putting State and Party ahead of personal ambition.

“The Tasmanian Federal Liberal Team looks forward to working together with the new Premier in continuing to advance Tasmania’s interests.”