Clarence Mayor Brendan Blomeley has come out in support of Eric Abetz to replace Jeremy Rockliff as Tasmania’s premier, saying the former federal senator has been “doing all the heavy lifting” in the government over the past 14 months.
Speaking just days after parliament passed a no-confidence motion against Rockliff, Blomeley said there was “only one credible candidate” to lead the Liberal Party and that was Abetz.
“There is no doubt that someone with Eric’s experience, his work ethic and his knowledge would make a fantastic contribution,” Blomeley told reporters on Monday.
Blomeley was expelled from the Liberal Party last year after suggesting he might run outside the party. He ultimately stood as an independent in Franklin in the recent federal election.
His comments come as Tasmania remains in political limbo, with Rockliff refusing to resign despite losing the confidence of parliament last week.
The premier has indicated he would prefer to take the state to an early election than step aside and plans to ask the Governor Barbara Baker for one on Tuesday.
Blomeley, who has been a vocal critic of Rockliff’s leadership and the state government, said Tasmanians were “angry” and “disappointed” at the idea of another election so soon after the last one.
“People see it as unnecessary and expensive. What I’m hearing loud and clear is they want politicians to put egos and self-ambition aside and work together to ensure the best outcomes for Tasmania,” he said.
The mayor has called on Rockliff to “do the honourable thing” and resign, paving the way for the Liberal Party to elect a new leader and avoid a costly election.
“We need to thank Premier Rockliff for his more than two decades of service,” Blomeley said. “He needs to resign and make way for a new leader of the Liberal Party, a new premier of our state.”
Blomeley, however, couldn’t say whether he would run in any upcoming state election but didn’t rule it out.
“From my perspective, I sincerely hope that cool, calm, collected, mature heads prevail and that it’s not an option,” he said.
“I mean, seriously, this state cannot afford this unnecessary and expensive election. We need to move forward. There’s too much at stake.”
Minister Abetz told Pulse on Thursday, after the no-confidence motion was passed, that Rockliff was “the best one to lead” the Liberal Party.
“We have absolute confidence in our premier, Jeremy Rockliff. He will lead us to the next election,” Abetz said.
The Greens have attempted to avoid an election by working with Labor to form government, which Labor leader Dean Winter has categorically ruled out.
