Tasmania election: Crossbench MPs key to who leads Tassie as Greens offer shoulder

Labor leader Dean Winter is keen to form government and has already had talks with crossbench MPs about ensuring the new parliament runs its full term, with the Greens also hoping to strike a compromise. LATEST

Rosalie Winter says she's keen to chat to Labor leader Dean Winter. Pictures: Caroline Tan

Labor leader Dean Winter is keen to form government and has already had talks with crossbench MPs about working collaboratively to ensure the new parliament runs its full term.

He is still refusing to do any deals with the Greens but Greens leader Rosalie Woodruff says “there’s a world of possibilities ahead of us in the next couple of weeks” and she will phone Mr Winter to discuss working in the best interests of Tasmanians.

She said she had not spoken to her party room about supporting Labor.

“The count’s not finished, the first step is to have conversations, the details will come later,” Dr Woodruff said.

“I remain entirely optimistic about the opportunity of having conversations with Dean Winter and Labor, because I know that the Greens and Labor fundamentally share far more in common than we have differences.”

Former Labor leader and now independent David O’Byrne said he welcomed Mr Winter’s call saying it was “good he reached out”.

Independent candidate for Franklin, David O’Byrne at the Tasmanian State game at North Hobart on election day. Picture: Linda Higginson

“I have consistently said I will work to make sure the parliament works in the best interests of all Tasmanians,” he said.

New independent MP for Franklin Peter George said he had received “civilised congratulations” from both Mr Winter and Premier Jeremy Rockliff.

“They made their pitch but let’s wait and see the parliamentary make up and see where we have common ground.”

Re-elected Independent Braddon MP Craig Garland said he had a “general chit chat” with both leaders.

“I’m waiting for final wash up and the dust to settle,” he said.

Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Lyons candidate Carlo Di Falco, a former Labor Party member before founding his party said he would play his “cards close to my chest”.

“I’m waiting for the last notes of the fat lady to sing but want the best outcomes for my constituents,” he said.

With some saying Labor’s low vote was one of the worst ever, Mr Winter conceded the result was disappointing and he wished Labor had won more seats than its current 10.

“It’s clear that Jeremy Rockliff, having won the most seats, has got the first crack at forming a government here but it’s also clear that it’s going to be difficult for him to get the 18 seats that he needs,” he said.

“I’d love to see a Labor government, but more than anything I want to see something that works for the Tasmanian people.

“Chest-beating and bravado doesn’t cut it.

“What we need to see is collaboration and working together. Tasmanianswant to see their politicians rise to a higher level.”

Shooters, Fishers, Farmers candidates Carlo Di Falco, left, and Lorraine Bennett. Picture: SAM ROSEWARNE.

Mr Winter did not resile from his no-confidence motion in Mr Rockliff saying the “big challenge” facing Tasmania was the budget crisis which would see the current net debt of $4.2bn triple in the next four years.

He said he had spoken to the crossbenchers about health, housing, cost of living and an independent commission against corruption.

“I accept that all of us need to change the way that we approach this.

“There’s going to be a large crossbench again, and this is going to be about who can form a government that can last for four years.

“No one wants another early election, including myself and the Labor Party.

“This morning I’ve spoken to a number of members of the crossbench and offered that Tasmania Labor will try and work differently and collaboratively with the crossbench.

“But what I do want to reiterate is that Tasmania Labor will not do deals with the Greens. I repeated that hundreds of times during the election campaign and I will not change that.”

Labor leader Dean Winter at Drysdale Place. Picture: Caroline Tan

Mr Winter stressed Labor’s support for the Macquarie Point stadium would not change and expressed doubts Mr Rockliff could deliver stable government.

“We’re not going to be horse trading on policy, we’re going to not be selling out Labor values and Labor policy,” he said.

“All of us have got to work together to avoid having an early election and to give us a stable parliament.”

Dr Woodruff is pleased that all five Green MPs will be returned and that Tasmanians had voted for “a progressive majority in the next parliament”.

“The Greens are very hopeful about having conversations with Dean Winter, talking to him about how we can work in the best interests of Tasmanians,” she said.

“We are committed to establishing a Parliament that has stability and that can deliver on the things Tasmania desperately need, essential services and protecting the environment.”

“A minority parliament is about the numbers, it is about the maths, and what it is about is getting to 18.

“We voted no confidence in Jeremy Rockliff because of his behaviour in the last parliament and Jeremy Rockliff is the same person as he was only a couple of months ago.

“Tasmanians have delivered another hung Parliament and a clear message that they want their politicians to work together.”

Dr Woodruff said the Greens would “do everything we can to pile on the pressure to stop this stadium”.