David Killick Analysis: Wild week in Tasmanian politics makes for great entertainment

If the numbers in the parliament’s usually deserted public gallery this week were anything to go by, politics is the state’s fastest-growing spectator sport. ANALYSIS >>>

Independents Lara Alexander and John Tucker. Question time in the Tasmanian parliament. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

If the numbers in the parliament’s usually deserted public gallery this week were anything to go by, politics is the state’s fastest-growing spectator sport.

It’s a good job we already have a covered stadium for matches.

There’s a usually couple of regulars fighting sleep in the glassed-in bleachers above the House of Assembly chamber, school groups roll through exhibiting occasional interest in the shouty bits, and a rusted-on audience watches the top-notch webcast from home or work.

But on Tuesday there was a veritable crowd perched on the edge of their seats, watching live the greatest show in town.

Labor leader Rebecca White. Question time in the Tasmanian parliament. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Whether it’s a comedy, a tragedy or a face is a matter of opinion.

But do the colour and movement of defections and no-confidence motions reflect good governance? Besides the budget, what matters of substance were resolved in parliament this week?

This state has no shortage of tough issues needing creative and decisive leadership, is ten hours of time well spent debating a motion that is a foregone conclusion?

Predictability and certainty will not be the hallmarks of this, or the next, parliament.

New independents Lara Alexander and John Tucker will make governing more difficult for the Rockliff-Ferguson government between now and the next election.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff. Treasurer Michael Ferguson delivers the 2023 state budget in parliament. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Mr Rockliff has shown deftness in holding things together so far and while some are tipping that election will come before Christmas, it is an outcome that the government will work hard to avoid.

The EMRS polling released during the week points towards no major party laying claim to a decisive majority, and to maybe three or four Greens and four or five independents in the new 35-seat house.

Labor has some work to do to nail down a comprehensive position on the AFL deal, settle the status of David O’Byrne and get some policies before the people.

Looking like an alternative government is a harder task than looking like an opposition.

There are difficult days ahead for the government too, including the Commission of Inquiry’s final report looming larger.

As is normal during times of uncertainty, the rumour mill is running hot with talk of leadership changes, of potential candidates gearing up for a run.

Some usually well-informed observers have already declared the Macquarie Point stadium dead, a premature call on an issue where the fortunes have see-sawed more suddenly and seismically than a close-fought grand final.

Can we hold onto the team dream? The final whistle is still some time off.

Parliament resumes Tuesday. Admission is free. BYO popcorn.