Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff says Deputy Premier Michael Ferguson will be booted to the backbench if a no-confidence motion if a no-confidence motion is successfully passed against him.
Ferguson is facing growing pressure to resign and will likely become the subject of a no-confidence motion when Parliament resumes on Tuesday.
Ferguson stepped down as Infrastructure Minister in August following criticism over the bungled rollout of the new Spirit of Tasmania ferries and port upgrades.
“Minister Ferguson is a very diligent and hard-working minister and local member for the electorate of Bass and I have full confidence in Minister Ferguson,” Rockliff said.
“The fact is the Labor Party have signalled their intention, as I understand it, to move a vote of no confidence. It is up to them. We will always accept the will of the parliament.”
However, Rockliff was clear that Ferguson would step down if the Parliament decided as such.
“Should there be a no confidence passed in Minister Ferguson, then Minister Ferguson will be resigning as Minister and going to the backbench,” he said.
“I have always said in my 22 years of being a member of Parliament that the will of the Tasmanian people is reflected in the Tasmanian Parliament, irrespective of the maker.”
“And any no confidence motion that is passed in any member of the ministry—in this case, Minister Ferguson—then Minister Ferguson will resign from his ministry and go to the backbench.”
Rockliff could not say who would take over the Treasurer or Deputy Premier roles.
“That’s hypothetical. The motion has not yet been moved by the Labor Party and has not yet been passed,” he said.
“I have clearly outlined the situation should a motion be passed, but we will work through the outcome as it is presented.”
