Former Labor Leader David O’Byrne has thrown his support behind Liberal leader Jeremy Rockliff to form Tasmania’s next government, citing concerns about parliamentary stability after weeks of intense negotiations.
The now-independent member for Franklin announced his decision following extensive discussions with both major parties since the July election delivered a hung parliament.
“I feel that the Liberal Party, led by Jeremy Rockliff, is the only party that will be able to form a workable majority on the floor of parliament,” O’Byrne said.
“It’s not been an easy decision for me to make, given my long history with the Labor movement.”
O’Byrne said legitimacy played a key role in his decision, saying the Liberals achieved approximately 40% of the primary vote statewide despite a “shock election” that Tasmanians “were not happy to go through”.
He said Labor suffered their worst electoral outcome in history with just 25% of the primary vote, while leader Dean Winter’s personal performance “was not a strong one”.
The crossbencher rejected suggestions his support came with conditions, saying he declined offers of ministerial positions to avoid any perception of a “transaction”.
“I believe in cabinet solidarity, I believe in the role of cabinet and caucuses,” he said. “I felt that as an independent member I did not want to be involved in a transaction.”
O’Byrne will provide confidence and supply to Rockliff through a letter of intent, similar to arrangements after the last election.
He previously withdrew confidence from former treasurer Michael Ferguson only months ago.
The decision delivers a significant boost to Rockliff’s chances of forming government when parliament sits on Tuesday, though questions remain over other crossbench support.
Rockliff welcomed O’Byrne’s support, saying he will continue to have “good engaging conversations” with the independent “in the best interest of his electorate”.
“I’ve had some very good conversations with David not just in the last few weeks but over the course of the last 15 months in particular as he was elected as an independent member of parliament, a very good one because he was re-elected back at the last election,” Rockliff said.
“I’ll continue to have good engaging conversations with David in the best interest of his electorate, the people that support him and what he stands for and indeed what’s best for Tasmanians.”
“I welcome David’s support today and I would welcome the support of others.”
