Tasmania’s new Premier announces “minimal” cabinet reshuffle after taking the top job

Tasmania’s 46th Premier has addressed the public for the first time only hours after being elected the Liberal Party’s new leader.

TASMANIA’S 46th Premier Peter Gutwein has addressed the public for the first time only hours after being elected the Liberal Party’s new leader.

Mr Gutwein said he was honoured and privileged to become the state’s 46th Premier.

“I want to thank Michael and Elise for putting forward an alternative leadership team and the way they have conducted themselves throughout,” he said.

Mr Gutwein said he was looking forward to continuing the work of the Liberal government.

“Our government will be a government of conviction, compassion and importantly, opportunity for all,” he said.

Mr Gutwein said as the son of immigrants he wanted to create a state of opportunity for all Tasmanians no matter where they lived or what their circumstances.

Deputy Premier Jeremy Rockliff said he believed Mr Gutwein would serve the state well.

“Peter will be a fantastic premier for Tasmania,” he said.

READ MORE:

PETER GUTWEIN TO BE LIBERAL LEADER AND 46TH TASMANIAN PREMIER

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

The new Premier said he was planning a “minimal” cabinet reshuffle later in the week.

He said Mr Ferguson informed him earlier today that he would not stand for the leadership

“Micheal came and saw me this morning,” he said.

“Micheal is a man of integrity, a man who has worked very hard for this state and will continue to do so.

“Michael took the view … that there would be no need for a vote this morning and I thank him for that.

Mr Gutwein said he would continue with the Liberal’s election agenda, but acknowledged there were challenges ahead.

“Health we can do more, housing we can do more, climate change we can do more,” he said.

“But there will be no radical divergence from our policy positions.”

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

The new Premier said he would not be changing his personal style now that he had taken the top job.

“With me what you see is what you get and in terms of the function of government and the way I conduct myself I will continue to do so in the way I have done so in the past,” he said.

“You will be very clear in terms of the positions we take and the decisions that are made.”

And he said that there would be no major change to the way government functions despite the leadership team hailing from the north and northwest.

“The seat of government is in the south of the state and it will remain,” Mr Gutwein said.

He said the budget fundamentals were still strong and despite some “headwinds” with revisions to the state’s GST receipts posing a challenge to the budget, the state was still on a strong footing.

And he told reporters that Mr Hodgman was a tough act to follow.

“He’s certainly a better-looking bloke than I am, but I will work very hard in every corner of the state to make sure everybody understands that there is opportunity for all ... regardless of their background, where they live.”

Mr Gutwein said he expected Sue Hickey to stay on as Speaker and he had spoken with independent MP Madeleine Ogilvie during the last week.

He and said he had a special affection for the Treasury role and it was not without precedent for a Premier to hold both portfolios.

“It’s something I will talk through with my colleagues this week,” he said.

Mr Gutwein said he was sad to see Mr Hodgman leave politics and had enjoyed working with him during their time in Parliament.

He said he would continue to be a fearless advocate for the state.

“We will always fight for Tasmania’s best interests. That has been clear from our actions in the past and we will continue to do so.”

Mr Rockliff told reporters he was committed to standing at the 2022 state election and said he would continue to serve in the education and training portfolio.

He said he had considered running for the Premier’s job, but was happy to serve as deputy.

“We can’t all be premier, you have to look out for the best interests of the team and Peter Gutwein going forward is in the best interests of the team.”