Labor leader Dean Winter says a no-confidence motion against Jeremy Rockliff’s Liberal government will be moved when parliament resumes in the coming weeks, as he makes his play for the top job.
Speaking at a press conference this afternoon after Rockliff was reappointed by the Governor, Winter said any motion would “result in either a Liberal government or a Labor government”.
But he ruled out the possibility of voters heading back to the polls.
“Whether it’s by us or an independent, there will be a motion moved in parliament of no-confidence in the Liberals and confidence in the Labor government,” Winter said.
To take power, Winter needs the backing of eight crossbench MPs to hit the 18 votes required in Tasmania’s hung parliament, where Labor currently holds just 10 seats. The Liberals have 14.
Labor suffered its worst primary vote in more than a century at the July 19 state election.
Winter said he will meet with all independent crossbenchers tomorrow to outline how he believes parliament can work under Labor leadership.
“I’ve got to be assured that I’ve got an independent crossbench that’s prepared to work with Labor and prepared to work with the Labor agenda,” he said.
“We want to work with them as well though, it’s important that all of Tasmanians’ views are brought to the table but it’s also important that we don’t ask people to compromise on their values and beliefs.”
To form government, Winter will also need support from the Greens, who secured five seats. He had repeatedly ruled out doing a deal with them before and during the election campaign.
Now, Winter says he will talk to the Greens and “every member” of parliament as he works towards a Labor government.
“Tasmanians want us to work across the parliament, whether that’s with Liberals, Greens, independents or the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers,” he said.
“Whoever forms government after the first day of parliament needs to be able to work with the crossbench in particular but right across the parliament.”
Winter says his focus is on delivering a stable budget and improving outcomes in health, housing and education.
“Tasmanians need us to provide stability here and I think Labor is in the best position to provide stable government with this parliament,” he said.
The Labor leader has less than two weeks to lock in the support he needs before parliament sits on August 19.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff faces the same challenge, admitting this morning he does not yet have any guaranteed deals with crossbench MPs.
