‘Curveballs’ and a year ‘full of surprises’ for Premier Jeremy Rockliff as he reflects on 2023

His government lost three members, and he had to fend off election calls. However, Premier Jeremy Rockliff says they ‘got on with the job’ in 2023. Why his party remained resolute.

Jeremy Rockliff at his farm at Sassafras with his dog Jack. Picture: James Whiteley.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff has described 2023 as a year “full of surprises”.

His Liberal government was under siege for much of the year over contentious issues such as health, housing, child safety and the Macquarie Point multipurpose stadium.

And speculation of an early election was never far away as the Liberals wrestled with minority government.

Mr Rockliff admitted there had been challenges throughout 2023.

“[However] we have been resolute in getting on with the job, and that’s what I’m proud of. Curveballs will always come your way; it’s how you deal with them.”

Mr Rockliff said he still had much to be proud of.

“Despite the incessant negative — and I would describe as juvenile — opposition, we’ve ignored all those personal attacks and focused on the main game, and we won’t be distracted,” he said.

“The opposition were convinced we’d be in an election in October this year or earlier.

“But we’ve got too much to do and too much to focus on than play negative and, at times vitriolic and very personal political games.

“Our main game is Tasmanians.”

Revolving doors of party members

In 2023, the Tasmanian Liberal government went from a majority to a minority.

Liberal backbenchers Lara Alexander and John Tucker left the party in May to sit as independents. The pair cited concerns about the proposed Macquarie Point stadium as the primary motivation for leaving.

Mr Rockliff said “these things happen” and that he held no grudges.

He said he still had regular contact with Ms Alexander and Mr Tucker.

“I met with them weekly, and I engage with them more than that. We have a constructive working relationship that is needed,” Mr Rockliff said.

“If we’re serious about focusing on the needs of Tasmanians, you don’t take your ball and go home.

“You step up to the crease and play a straight bat as best as you can.”

Jeremy Rockliff at his farm at Sassafras with his dog Jack. Picture: James Whiteley.

However, Mr Rockliff said he was no longer in contact with former senior Liberal and Attorney-General Elise Archer.

Ms Archer resigned from parliament amid allegations of workplace bullying.

She initially did not quit after Mr Rockliff asked for her resignation, which prompted him to threaten an early election if she did not leave parliament.

“It was a very tough time for me, and no doubt, Elise,” Mr Rockliff said.

“We’ve just got to move on and do the best we can.”

Early election quashed

Mr Rockliff said Tasmanians should not expect to go to the polls in 2024 and that the Liberal Party intends to serve a full term.

“The Labor Party are talking about early elections because that’s frankly all they’ve got to offer, trying to disrupt and distract as much as possible,” he said.

“That’s not in Tasmania’s interest, frankly.”

The next state election is due on or before June 28, 2025.

“We are three-quarters of the way through the term, so naturally, we’re preparing for an election, but we would expect that in terms of candidates, our own pre-selection and our own plans for our next term,” Mr Rockliff said.

The issue dividing Tasmania

The most divisive issue in Tasmanian politics has been the proposed multipurpose stadium at Macquarie Point in Hobart.

“I’ve always had a very firm view, right from when I was elected in 2002, that you never know how long you’re going to be here, so you’ve got to make the most out of it,” Mr Rockliff said.

“I am proud of the fact that on May 3 this year, the AFL, Tasmanian government, and the Deputy Prime Minister [Richard Marles] were all there [at North Hobart Oval] announcing Tasmania’s own AFL and AFLW team, fought for decades.

“So people can point the finger and yahoo all they like.

“We got it done, and it’s a bloody good deal for Tasmania; it’s been recognised as such, and I’m proud of it.”

Jeremy Rockliff at his farm at Sassafras with his dog Jack. Picture: James Whiteley.

Mr Rockliff said the team and the stadium were something Tasmania deserved.

“This notion that Tasmania can’t have something is complete BS, in my view.

“We have so much to be proud of, and why can’t we have an AFL team and the best stadia infrastructure that brings people to Tasmania?

“For me, the AFL team is a proud achievement. Yes, it includes that infrastructure.

“What’s a leader meant to do if it gets a bit hard? Sit on their hands; can’t do that.

“We need to be strong and tougher than that in fighting for Tasmania.”

‘Lives have been destroyed forever’

This year saw the conclusion of the Commission of Inquiry, which looked into the state government’s responses to child sexual abuse in institutional settings.

Mr Rockliff said that while it was necessary, hearing evidence from those affected was tough.

He described the stories heard during the hearings as “distressing, horrific and traumatic”.

“Lives have been destroyed forever as a result of governments of all colours’ failures,” Mr Rockliff said.

“We set up the Commission of Inquiry to shine a light on those failures.

“There are 191 recommendations, and we’ll implement every single one of them and more.”

Mr Rockliff said he wanted to be nation-leading in response to the Commission of Inquiry.

“I just don’t want to implement 191 recommendations.

“I want to implement 191 recommendations and more over the next six years, but for it also to be nation-leading.

“So when over states of Australia look at systems, procedures, checks and balances, safety and culture, they look no further than Tasmania.”

Giving up passion portfolio

In May, having held the portfolio for his tenure as Premier, Mr Rockliff relinquished the health portfolio.

“I wanted to make sure, given the headwinds we’re facing globally and nationally, to ensure that I was paying the right attention to the economy and state development.”

Mr Rockliff said he was proud of how Guy Barnett had moved into the health portfolio, saying he had stepped into it “very enthusiastically and competently”.

However, the Premier still held on to the mental health and wellbeing portfolio.

“It’s very close to my heart,” Mr Rockliff said.

“People know my experience in mental health in terms of my volunteering for Lifeline in my 20s.

“It opened my eyes enormously, and I’ve been a passionate advocate since. I’m very proud of the reforms and the investment we’re making in that area as well.”