Rockliff backs his ability to juggle a minority government with 11 crossbenchers

Rockliff concedes his party has been given a ‘kick up the backside’, but is confident he can lead the new parliament. However, Labor has cast doubt on his ability to do so.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff changing a drill bit in his workshop. Picture: Simon McGuire.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff says he remains confident the Liberal Party is in a position to form minority government.

He said this comes after discussions with both Jacqui Lambie Network and independent candidates following the official declaration of election results.

And while Labor acknowledged Mr Rockliff would be given “first crack” at the premiership by Tasmanian Governor Barbara Baker, party spokesman Luke Edmunds called into question the Premier’s ability to keep control over a parliament in which the Liberals hold just 40 per cent of seats.

Labor spokesman Luke Edmonds. Picture: Linda Higginson

“I think he will be given the chance to govern, but whether he can pull it together is highly doubtful,” Labor’s Legislative Member of Pembroke Mr Edmunds said.

“I think that Jeremy Rockliff might even be thinking about whether he should jump before he is pushed.

“He couldn’t manage his backbench, he couldn’t manage the crossbench, and he’s delivered a pretty unstable-looking minority government.”

It was confirmed on Saturday, the Liberal Party will hold 14 seats in the new 35-member parliament.

Speaking from his home base of Sassafras on Sunday, Mr Rockliff acknowledged Tasmanian voters had delivered “a very clear message” to his government.

“They’ve given us a kick up the backside, as I’ve said before,” Mr Rockliff said.

“We note that, we reflect on that, and it’s up to us as a government to redouble our efforts when it comes to concentrating on the things that matter to Tasmanians.

“We need to accept the will of the Tasmanian people.”

Mr Rockliff said it was vital all members of the House of Assembly worked together to achieve stability for the Tasmanian people, and said talks with the new crossbench consisting of JLN members Miriam Beswick, Rebekah Pentland and Andrew Jenner, and independents David O’Byrne, Craig Garland, and Kristie Johnston, were progressing well.

“I’ve been very encouraged by those discussions; I’m excited about those discussions and what we can all deliver collectively and cooperatively for the Tasmanian people,” Mr Rockliff said.