Tasmanian Labor leader Dean Winter is positioning his party as ready to form government if Premier Jeremy Rockliff cannot secure the support needed for a parliamentary majority.
Speaking for the first time since Sunday, following Saturday’s inconclusive election, Winter acknowledged the Liberals “won the most seats” and have the “first opportunity” to govern.
But with no party reaching the 18-seat majority in the 35-member House of Assembly, Winter said Labor is also in the mix and has already started talks with the crossbench.
“No one party was able to form a majority and no one party was able to secure 18 seats, which means that no one party has a mandate to govern,” Winter said.
“The message Tasmanian sent to us on Saturday night is that we need to work together. The premier has opened his discussions with the crossbench. I’ve opened my discussions with the crossbench.”
So far, the Liberals have won 14 seats, with Labor picking up at least 10 as counting continues. The Greens have locked in five seats.
Winter said Labor’s discussions with independents and minor party MPs have focused on how to deliver a stable parliament.
“I’m not asking anyone to compromise on their values or beliefs. I’m asking people to work together. And there’s a lot more that we agree on than we disagree on,” he said.
“Tasmanians expect us to work together on things like housing and health and fixing the budget crisis.”
Throughout the campaign, Labor ruled out doing any formal deals with the Greens. When asked if he would accept confidence and supply support from them now, Winter was careful not to give a direct answer.
“The Greens will make their own decisions about what they do and they’ll do that on the basis of who they think is best placed to form government,” he said.
“I’ve made it clear to the Greens that we won’t be doing any deals and we won’t be compromising on our values.”
“We believe in safe, secure, well-paid jobs and we support traditional industries.”
Independent MP David O’Byrne today said he is open to backing either major party to form government.
Fellow independents Craig Garland, Kristie Johnston and Peter George have also confirmed they are in talks with both Labor and the Liberals about confidence and supply.
“We remain committed to a respectful and constructive process focused on achieving a stable and accountable government for Tasmania,” the trio said in a statement.
