Updated 7:35pm, Wednesday: Debate on a motion of no-confidence against Premier Jeremy Rockliff has been adjourned for tonight.
Parliament will return on Thursday morning to decide the fate of the premier.
Earlier: “I will fight for my last breath to ensure that we remain in government and to ensure that we continue delivering for the people of Tasmania.”
Those were the words of Premier Jeremy Rockliff this morning as he addressed parliament while facing a vote of no-confidence that could end his time in office.
Speaking in parliament, Rockliff acknowledged that Labor leader Dean Winter appeared to have secured enough support to bring down the government, but remained determined to hold onto power.
“You’ve got, as I understand it, the support of enough people in this place to bring me down. But can I say this,” he said. “I will fight to my last breath”.
The premier criticised Winter’s timing, arguing the no-confidence motion was damaging Tasmania’s interests by coming during budget discussions when “nurses and teachers and police and other hardworking public servants need to be paid as a result of this budget”.
Rockliff accused Winter of putting major state projects at risk, including Marinus Link, the AFL and AFLW team plans and Macquarie Point stadium infrastructure.
“You are prepared to jeopardise Tasmania’s future and the stability of this parliament,” he said, directing his comments at Winter.
“I have spent 23 years in this parliament and I hand on heart can say to you that I fought more for vulnerable people in this place than the Labor Party could ever dream of.”
“This day will define you for the rest of your political career where you are now will have the stigma as leader of being a wrecker.”
Rockliff also made a final pitch to those holding his fate in their hands.
“Whatever the outcome is and I implore this parliament, please put Tasmania first. Please put the Tasmanian people first. They do not want an election,” he said.
“Dean Winter wants an election because his time is running out. But what the Tasmanian people want is stability, is certainty and strong leadership.”
Labor appears to have the numbers to pass the no-confidence motion, with backing from the Greens and crossbenchers Andrew Jenner, Craig Garland and Kristie Johnston.
Winter said his decision to move the motion was driven by privatisation plans, the worst budget in the state’s history and debt.
“This is the most serious motion that a parliament can move and we don’t move it lightly,” he said.
“We don’t move it lightly because Tasmania, we cannot stand by and allow this premier to continue down this path. This is too serious.
