Lambie Network MPs deny signing away their votes, reject ’sniping from the sidelines’
The Lambie Network has denied its MPs have signed away their rights to vote against the government — and has accused critics of “sniping from the sidelines”.
Tasmania
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The Lambie Network has denied its MPs have signed away their rights to vote against the government — and has accused critics of “sniping from the sidelines”.
The Network’s defence came as independent David O’Byrne denied agreeing to anything beyond his supporting the Liberals in no-confidence motions and to pass budget bills.
The JLN’s three MPs Miriam Beswick, Andrew Jenner and Rebekah Pentland signed an agreement to back the Rockliff Liberal government earlier this week.
The agreement contains clauses that require them to give up to 24 hours notice in writing of their intention to vote against the government during scheduled parliamentary debate.
In “on-the-fly debate” on any matter, the agreement requires the JLN members inform the government, back any vote to adjournment for negotiations and if an adjournment is not practical, “notwithstanding their views” to back the government regardless.
The agreement has brought criticism from non-government MPs, but the Lambie Network issued a statement disagreeing.
“Reports in the media about the Lambie network signing away their rights to vote against the government are simply untrue,” the statement said.
“The Lambie Network MPs … have agreed to provide confidence and stability in Government. … the JLN has not agreed to support the government on every piece of legislation.
“The JLN MPs did not enter Parliament to engage in votes of no confidence, or other games by parties seeking to destabilise — in fact, we campaigned against this type of negative politics that do not serve the people.
“Those who do not share our ‘people before politics’ approach are entitled to constructively express their views on the agreement that was shared with transparency. However, Tasmanians deserve better than people sniping from the sidelines.”
Deal or no deal? O’Byrne denies pact with Libs
April 12, 12:45pm
Independent MP David O’Byrne has denied signing a deal to back the Liberal government beyond offering support in no-confidence motions and passing budget bills.
Mr O’Byrne released a statement on Friday after comments from Premier Jeremy Rockliff suggested there was a written deal in place.
The independent member for Franklin said he had made a limited and conditional offer of support to the only party in a position to form government.
“Consistent with comments I have made over the course of the last few weeks, I am still in discussions with Premier Jeremy Rockliff regarding the formation of the next Government and ensuring that Tasmanians have a functioning parliament,” he said.
“To clarify, the public statement made by the Premier this morning more or less echoes the public statements that both Kristie Johnston and I have made regarding supply and confidence matters without qualification.
“Discussions are still ongoing and no arrangements have been finalised.”
The Liberals have struck a wide-ranging deal with the Jacqui Lambie Network to bolster its numbers in the House of Assembly. The Liberals have 14 of the 35 seats, and Mr O’Byrne is crucial to ensuring they have a majority of votes on crucial issues.
“I intend to provide supply and confidence to the Premier and this Government, in the absence of any other Party putting their hand up and attempting to form a government.
“A letter was provided to ensure the Governor was aware of my public position prior to any arrangement being finalised.
“I want to be clear that I will not be signing up to any agreement that will limit my ability to stand up for what matters and fight for the better outcomes Tasmanians deserve.”
“The outcome of these negotiations will be made public once finalised.”
On ABC radio this morning, Premier Jeremy Rockliff revealed he had a signed letter from Mr O’Byrne.
“We’ve got written assurances from David … and look forward to working with David,” he said.
“We’ll have other matters to discuss in a more formal written agreement which we will make public as we have with the Jacqui Lambie Network agreement as well.
“I’ve offered to work with him in a constructive way. I’ve offered David nothing in return apart from goodwill and partnership.
“We’ll talk over the course of the next week or so … and will work on a more formal agreement and we will make that public.”
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