Independent MP Kristie Johnston has dealt a blow to Labor’s hopes of forming government, confirming she will not back tomorrow’s no-confidence motion against the Liberal government.
Johnston has sided with the Greens and fellow independent David O’Byrne, saying she cannot “in good conscience” support a Dean Winter Labor government.
“I cannot, given the circumstances, actively express confidence in a Labor government,” Johnston said on Monday.
She, like the Greens, criticised Labor’s refusal to compromise or collaborate since the July election, accusing the party of doubling down instead.
“Their unwillingness to engage more collaboratively and to compromise on policies has demonstrated that they are not listening to the community,” she said.
The Liberals, meanwhile, have pledged changes to greyhound racing and native forest logging and a review of the state’s salmon industry.
“I have expressed cautious welcome for some of the commitments that Jeremy Rockliff has made to policy changes of the Liberal Party over the last four years,” Johnston added.
“I have, though, been very clear to him that I don’t have confidence and trust in him and I will be doing everything in my power to hold him accountable each and every day in this parliament.”
With the Greens also refusing to back Labor, Winter’s no-confidence motion now has no chance of passing.
Whether he will still put it forward will become clear on Tuesday.
