Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff has accused Labor of “bullying” the Jacqui Lambie Network (JLN) in a bid to destabilise the state government.
Rockliff’s comments come after reports emerged suggesting JLN MPs were wavering in their support for the deal they signed with the state government.
“We’ve got a good working relationship with the JLN. I respect the JLN as individuals and as a team and I admire them for wanting to not only represent their constituents but also to bring stability and certainty to the Tasmanian Parliament,” he said.
“What I’m disappointed with is the Labor Party bullying of the JLN and the Labor Party not wanting certainty and stability because that somehow suits their interests.”
“It doesn’t serve the Tasmanian people’s interests. The Tasmanian people want this parliament to work.”
Rockliff said the parliament is “functioning well” and has been “reformed” under his government.
“We’re very pleased with the progress that not only we have made … but also the discussion and the informed debate that is happening within the Parliament,” he said.
“I’ve been around a long time and I believe … the best ideas are generated from good discussion, good listening and a collective, if you like, will to do the best for Tasmania and Tasmanians.”
Opposition leader Dean Winter said the deal was unlikely to last, while fellow MP Josh Willie earlier this week said the network’s chances of survival were diminishing daily.
“This is a Lambie-Liberal government. They have signed a confidence and supply agreement and now frankly, they appear to be walking away from it,” Winter said.
“The first thing they [did] when they got into parliament was to sign up to this deal … this coalition agreement with the Liberal Party and now they’re trying to walk away from it before it’s even finished.”
