The state government is in minority after Liberal MPs John Tucker and Lara Alexander quit

Premier Jeremy Rockliff continues to put on a brave face about his new minority government situation.

Lara Alexander member for Bass and John Tucker member for Lyons in Launceston. Both members of the Tasmanian parliament have now resigned as Liberal sitting members. Picture: Patrick Gee

Premier Jeremy Rockliff says he’s having “productive discussions” with the two former Liberal MPs who have placed his government in minority.

Bass MP Lara Alexander and Lyons MP John Tucker quit the Liberal party last Friday over a range of factors, including the Hobart stadium, state debt and internal disharmony.

At a press conference on Thursday, Mr Rockliff spoke positively about his discussions with his former backbenchers.

“I’ve had a good relationship with both John and Lara ever since I’ve met them,” he said.

“I think I met Tux when I was about 15. And we’ve still got a good relationship, farmers at heart I guess, open frank and honest with each other.

“Lara of course I’ve known more recently. But always enjoyed a cordial relationship and we’ve had productive discussion about the way forward and we will continue to do so and I look forward to those.”

Mr Rockliff said we was feeling confident the pair would not seek to derail the government when parliament resumed next week.

“We’re still working through a number of matters and I look forward to those productive discussions continuing in a very measured and sensible way,” he said.

“I’m very confident that confidence and supply will be achieved. The reason for that is that John, Lara and myself have Tasmania’s best interests at heart. We believe stable government has got us where we are today.”

Deputy Premier Michael Ferguson and Premier Jeremy Rockliff in Launceston. Picture: Patrick Gee

In terms of significant concern about the Hobart stadium — a factor in Mr Tucker and Ms Alexander’s departure — Mr Rockliff appealed to members of parliament not to cause the state to lose its hard-won AFL team.

The Greens are proposing a motion against the stadium and an amendment to the state budget.

“This is a huge opportunity for Tasmania and a huge opportunity lost if people play politics with what is a really important infrastructure investment, investment in our team, but also an investment in jobs and the economy,” Mr Rockliff said.