Key Tasmania independents Kristie Johnston, David O’Byrne sign deal with Tasmanian Government

Independents Kristie Johnston and David O’Byrne share why they made a deal with the Liberal Party to support a stable state government. Further details on the arrangements >>

Key Tasmanian independents David O’Byrne and Kristie Johnston sign deal with Tasmanian Government.

Separate agreements with two independents guaranteeing confidence and supply for a stable Tasmanian government come with a number of caveats.

Mr O’Byrne’s deal is with the Premier only and would cease if Jeremy Rockliff was replaced as party leader, while Ms Johnston said all votes put before her will have to pass three key tests.

And both independents have demanded greater access to the Office of Parliamentary Counsel, for assistance in drafting their own private member’s Bills.

Earlier today, Premier Jeremy Rockliff announced the agreement, which comes a fortnight after Jacqui Lambie Network members Miriam Beswick, Andrew Jenner, and Rebekah Pentland, inked their own agreement with Mr Rockliff to back the Liberal Government for at least 12 months.

Independent Kristie Johnston MP at Parliament lawns, Hobart. Picture: Chris Kidd

On Wednesday, Ms Johnston committed to assuming a collaborative approach to dealing with other members of parliament, and said she would consider each motion, bill and issue of supply using a merits-based assessment.

“What I have done today is outline the three key principles that I will be using to determine the merits of each matter before me,” Ms Johnston said.

“They are the need for transparent and accountable government, the need for integrity within parliament and its processes, and the need to promote the interests and improve the lives of Tasmanians.

“Every decision I make in parliament will be based on these three guiding principles.”

But Ms Johnston’s decision to provide confidence and supply to the government drew criticism from the Labor opposition.

Shadow treasurer Josh Willie suggesting the independent member for Clark had reneged on a promise not to do “a deal” with the Liberals.

“Today, she changed her tune – releasing a list of requests she put forward before giving her commitment to provide confidence and supply to prop up Jeremy Rockliff’s minority government,” Mr Willie said.

“If it looks like a deal and sounds like a deal, it’s a deal.

“But it appears that instead of asking for outcomes for the electorate, Ms Johnston’s requests were for among other things: more staff just for herself, meeting rooms, new offices in parliament and the electorate, and a carpark”.

– Duncan Abey

O’Byrne negotiations didn’t include request for more resources

Independent Franklin MP David O’Byrne has guaranteed to pass the budget bills and will not side against the government in no-confidence motions except in cases of clear misconduct.

“To be clear, this understanding does not compromise or change my position on any policy matter,” he said.

“I will still freely vote on all matters based on my values, and in line with the commitments I made to the people of Franklin.”

Independent member for Franklin David O'Byrne speaks to the media on Parliament Lawns in Hobart on Tuesday, April 9, 2024.

Despite dedicating much of his life to the Labor Party, Mr O’Byrne said his election as an independent in a hung parliament meant he was obliged to negotiate with whichever party could form government.

“I’ve never had confidence in a necessarily in a Liberal Government, I’ve never made any secret of that. But I’ve been elected as an independent. The people have spoken, he said.

“In the absence of any other party putting up their hand to seek government … I’ve got an obligation and a responsibility to the people of Tasmania to ensure we have a functioning parliament.

“This is an unusual circumstance for a number of members of parliament.”

Mr O’Byrne said his negotiations with the Premier had not included a request for more resources.

“If the government is able to allow us more resources to do our job better that’s a matter for them. I’m no seeking it … I’m focused on outcomes for the Tasmanian people,” he said.

– Blair Richards

Key independents sign new deal with Tasmanian government

Initial: Key Tasmanian independents Kristie Johnston and David O’Byrne have signed a deal promising confidence and supply in the state’s parliament.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff announced the arrangement on Wednesday morning, saying letters of agreement had been reached between the Tasmanian Government and the Independents.

“I thank both members for their good will and constructive input which have been in the interests of ensuring the stability and certainty Tasmanians desire and deserve,” Mr Rockliff said.

The government had already garnered the support of the three Jacqui Lambie Network members to boost its number to form a minority government.

See Kristie Johnston’s letter here.

See David O’Byrne’s letter here.

– Molly Appleton