Tasmania is heading for its second election in just over a year after Premier Jeremy Rockliff lost a dramatic no-confidence vote in state parliament this afternoon, with Speaker Michelle O’Byrne’s casting vote sealing his government’s fate.
The motion, brought by Labor Opposition Leader Dean Winter, succeeded after a nail-biting 17-17 tie, with O’Byrne using her deciding vote to side with Labor and bring down the minority Liberal government.
The result leaves Rockliff’s administration teetering on the edge of collapse after 14 months in power, following a fiery two-day debate that wrapped up just moments ago.
The no-confidence motion attracted support from nine Labor MPs, five Greens MPs and independents Craig Garland, Kristie Johnston and the Jacqui Lambie Network’s Andrew Jenner.
It was opposed by the Liberals’ 14 MPs, along with independents David O’Byrne, Rebekah Pentland and Miriam Beswick.
Speaker O’Byrne’s decision proved decisive, with the Labor member explaining her reasoning to a packed chamber.
“I have voted with my party since assuming the chair in 2024. I am a member of the Labor Party,” O’Byrne said.
“When I was elected to this position, it was made clear to this house and the public that despite no longer attending the caucus and strategy meetings of the Labor Party, that I would always vote with them.”
“No one in this chamber could realistically expect me to provide confidence to a Liberal government. No one would expect me to turn my back on the rules of a party that I have believed in my entire life and been a member of for longer than some members of this chamber have actually been alive.”
Rockliff had warned this morning he would seek a snap election rather than resign if the vote failed, threatening to advise Lieutenant-Governor Chris Shanahan to dissolve parliament unless Winter could form an alternative government – something Winter has ruled out doing with the Greens.
The fallout throws fresh uncertainty over several major projects, including the future of the Tasmania Devils’ AFL team, the proposed Macquarie Point stadium and the state’s recently handed-down budget.
Despite losing the vote, Rockliff delivered a defiant and emotional address, declaring it “a very sad day for Tasmania” while vowing to battle on as Liberal leader.
Speaking to the packed chamber, Rockliff called the motion reckless and “a cowardice action” that amounted to nothing more than a “selfish grab for power”.
“I’ll be damned if the Labor Party is going to choose the leader of the Liberal Party that I love,” Rockliff said.
“I’m not going to let the Labor Party choose the leader of the Liberal Party. And I’m going to fight this all the way.”
The premier, who has led a minority Liberal government for the past 14 months with just 14 seats in the 35-member House of Assembly, said he would advise the governor of the vote.
He warned that Tasmania could face an unwanted election if Labor leader Dean Winter cannot command a majority or come to a deal with the Greens.
“Make no mistake, this will be an election that Tasmanians don’t want and Tasmania cannot afford,” he said. “But be that on Mr Winter’s and the Labor Party’s head.”
“You might get rid of me mate, but I tell you what, they’re coming for you as well. Because you will always be known as a wrecker,” he said.
