Jacqui Lambie will stay away from Tasmanian state politics in the future after a weekend of drama within the Jacqui Lambie Network (JLN).
The decision comes after Miriam Beswick and Rebekah Pentland were booted from the JLN for failing to uphold its values.
Lambie said she will continue to support Andrew Jenner, the remaining JLN MP, if he runs in future elections but will not field any other candidates under the JLN banner.
Senator Lambie told Local Radio she had “tried to give ordinary Tasmanians a go in politics”, but it had “obviously not worked”.
“I will say to those ordinary Tasmanians now that want a shot in politics, I am not big enough to make that happen,” she said.
“Those days of giving ordinary Tasmanians a go are over.”
Lambie said the disruption caused by the split with Beswick and Pentland had “not been fair ” on Tasmanians.
“I have tried on the other side but it has been really, really difficult. It has not been fair on Tasmanians either, putting them in the instability by them leaving,” she said.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff has since signed a new agreement with Beswick and Pentland guaranteeing confidence and supply.
“Jacqui and I have known each other for some time. I appreciate her sentiment very much,” Rockliff said.
“This is a time where people need to work together. Yes, robust debate of ideas is very, very important. But most importantly, positivity, talking up Tasmania,” he said.
“But more importantly, across the parliament, which I’ve said many times, has been functioning well.”
“And my view is it’ll continue to function well because I do believe that everyone elected, irrespective of political colour, are there for the right reasons.”
