Two independent MPs from Tasmania’s north say they do not support calls from the crossbench and opposition for the sacking of Infrastructure Minister Michael Ferguson.
Former Lambie Network MPs Rebekah Pentland and Miriam Beswick say the current political “drama” is an “unwanted distraction” from the challenges facing the state.
“We’ve had enough political upheaval in the last two years, now is the time for hard work,” Pentland said.
“On balance, we don’t believe booting Michael Ferguson out of cabinet is in the best interests of the state.”
The pair argue that Ferguson should be allowed to “make up for the mess he was part of” in relation to the Spirit of Tasmania debacle, rather than being moved to the backbench.
“He lost the Infrastructure portfolio and he’s obviously paid a high political price for his failures,” Pentland said.
The independent MPs say they are committed to providing stability to the government and while they are not prepared to break their agreement with the Premier, they have made it clear to the Liberals that they are “appalled” by the way the Spirit issue has been handled.
Beswick says the priority moving forward must be finishing the new Spirit berth in Devonport and supporting the tourism sector.
“The people I talk to in the north-west care more about the berth being completed than they do about politics,” she said.
“Yes, they’re angry and frustrated but only the new Spirits being fully utilised will help that.”
The independent MPs say they are prepared to go against the political grain.
“We’re new to politics and will see things through a different lens than other members of the crossbench and opposition,” Pentland said.
“Tasmanians want less political games and more action.”
More on this story: Premier Jeremy Rockliff says Ferguson will move to backbench if no-confidence motion succeeds
