Two crossbench independents have confirmed they won’t support Labor leader Dean Winter’s no-confidence motion against Premier Jeremy Rockliff.
Northern independents Miriam Beswick and Rebekah Pentland announced their decision shortly after Winter tabled the motion in parliament on Tuesday.
They said their decision was based on a commitment to providing stability, rather than triggering political chaos.
“We take the supply and confidence agreement we signed very seriously,” Beswick said. “It was a commitment to Tasmanians as much as it was an agreement with the premier.”
Winter had urged crossbench MPs to get behind his motion, arguing the government had lost the right to govern after handing down what he called the worst budget in the state’s history.
“We’ve made our criticisms of the budget and the stadium saga crystal clear, but political chaos is not the answer,” Beswick added.
Pentland was equally critical of Labor’s tactics, warning the party was about to “trigger a political crisis”.
“I firmly believe that would not be in the best interests of the state,” she said.
Winter has indicated he will only move the motion for debate if enough crossbench MPs signal support, as it would require backing from the Greens and at least three of the six crossbenchers to pass.
Independent MPs Kristie Johnston and Craig Garland, alongside Jacqui Lambie Network MP Andrew Jenner have said they would support the motion.
Independent David O’Byrne said he was committed to making parliament work.
“I’ll consider any no confidence motion from Labor if and when they move one,” he said.
