No confidence: key MP Kristie Johnston drops political bombshell on minority Liberal government
The future of Tasmania’s minority Liberal government appears increasingly uncertain after key backer, Kristie Johnston, declared she had lost confidence in the current administration.
Tasmania
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The future of Tasmania’s minority Liberal government appears increasingly uncertain after key backer, independent MP Kristie Johnston, declared she had lost confidence in the current administration, and demanded an urgent sit-down with Premier Jeremy Rockliff.
Ms Johnston, who last year signed a conditional agreement with Mr Rockliff guaranteeing confidence and supply on the floor of parliament, said the government’s recent decision to abandon a promised independent review of the Integrity Commission was arrogant and proved it was “allergic to scrutiny”.
A day after Jacqui Lambie Network MP Andrew Jenner announced he no longer trusted the government over its Integrity Commission backflip, and Braddon independent Craig Garland said he was willing to vote down budget future bills, Ms Johnston’s revelation heaped further pressure on the government ahead of Tuesday’s return to parliament.
Ms Johnston told the Sunday Tasmanian that key principles of her agreement relating to transparency, integrity, and prioritising the interests of Tasmania had been “breached” by the government on multiple occasions, and said the abandoned Integrity Commission review was the final straw.
“The government’s cavalier response to the Eslake Report was a serious failing, likewise its dismissal of the Gruen Report on the stadium,” the member for Clark said.
“The Rockliff government’s brazen cave-in to gambling interests on the introduction of the pokies player card, its science-defying backing of the salmon industry, and its anti-democratic support for large developers over local communities on planning decisions are other examples where the interests of Tasmanians are given the back seat by this government.
“This government does not have my confidence and I will be seeking an urgent meeting with the Premier to discuss my concerns and to hear whether he intends to change the way he is governing so I, the parliament, and the Tasmanian people can be sure he is governing in their interests.”
With Premier Rockliff facing growing discontentment among previously supportive crossbenchers, a chief supporter of the minority government arrangement called for cooler heads to prevail.
Franklin independent MP, David O’Byrne, who like Ms Johnston has a signed agreement with the Premier, warned fellow members against engaging in “gun-boat diplomacy”, saying the entire parliament needed to get on with the task of serving the Tasmanian people.
“This Parliament was elected barely 12 months ago, it is our responsibility to work through the issues facing the government and the people of Tasmania in a methodical and constructive manner,” Mr O’Byrne said.
“I have shown that I will act when needed, and my removal of confidence in former Treasurer Ferguson demonstrates this.”
Opposition Leader, Dean Winter, said it was vital the government kept its promise for an independent review of the Integrity Commission, saying it currently lacked the resources to adequately scrutinise ministers.
“We will do everything we can to get the Integrity Commission right, because we know this government has a big problem with transparency and honesty, and we need a tough cop on the beat to hold them accountable,” Mr Winter said.
A spokesperson for the government said it would continue to support the Integrity Commission, and ensure it was able to meet the needs of the community.
“The Tasmanian government has consistently increased its funding to the Integrity Commission over the past decade, demonstrating that we value the Integrity Commission’s work, respect its independence, and have every confidence in its ability to undertake its duties,” the spokesperson said.
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