Independent Franklin MP Peter George says the crossbench is “determined” to make Tasmania’s hung parliament work – but just how that will happen remains up in the air.
With both major party leaders staking claims to government, George says the path out of the current “extremely dodgy” state of affairs is far from clear.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff has told the Governor he can stay in power with just 14 seats in the 35-member parliament, as he expects to win the confidence of the house.
But Labor leader Dean Winter wants to put that to the test and is threatening a no-confidence motion on the first day of the new parliament on August 19.
“It’s been like having a ringside seat with a couple of ailing wrestlers facing up to each other for one last time,” George said of the situation.
“Quite how either of them expect to be able to take the reins of government without actually coming to a proper accord with the crossbenchers is anyone’s guess.”
George is one of five independent MPs who hold the balance of power, along with one MP from the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers (SFF) Party.
The Liberals need the support of at least four crossbenchers to govern. Labor, with 10 seats, needs eight and cannot form government without the Greens.
“We will get there,” George said. “I’ve been talking to a number of crossbenchers and they’re as determined as I am to make this parliament work for the next four years.”
George last week sent the Liberals – and by extension Labor – a list of terms he would want met in exchange for his support.
They include scrapping the Macquarie Point stadium, phasing out industrial salmon farming and introducing stronger integrity and transparency measures.
SFF MP Carlo Di Falco has flagged gun law reform as one of his priorities, while independent Craig Garland has ruled out backing the Liberals altogether.
