As Premier Jeremy Rockliff prepares to head to Government House to seek recommissioning, Labor leader Dean Winter says he is “stepping up meetings” with crossbench MPs in a bid to form an alternative government.
The Liberal premier confirmed he would meet Governor Barbara Baker within 48 hours to request his minority government be recommissioned – even without formal confidence and supply agreements from the crossbench.
“The Tasmanian people have elected a minority parliament. I’ve always said that we need to accept the will of the Tasmanian people and we will do so,” Rockliff said on Tuesday.
“I’m, of course, looking forward to working across the parliamentary divide to ensure that we can provide stable government and one where everyone can have their say.”
But Winter, who is eyeing off the role of Tasmania’s 48th premier, accused Rockliff of ignoring voters’ calls for more collaboration and stability and said his approach was “pig-headed”.
Labor suffered its worst primary vote in more than a century at the July election, winning 10 seats. The Greens secured five, while the Liberals claimed 14 – the same for each as before the election.
“As I have said before, Jeremy Rockliff rightfully has the first opportunity to form a stable government – but it is not the only opportunity,” Winter said.
“I will be stepping up meetings with independent members of parliament to discuss how we build a new approach to the parliament that is respectful and collaborative.”
“One that can provide stability and results for the next four years.”
Winter has not ruled out moving yet another no-confidence motion when parliament resumes if Rockliff hangs on as premier.
That could see history repeat itself, as happened with the 1989 Labor–Green Accord, when a hung parliament led to Liberal premier Robin Gray losing a no-confidence vote.
The governor refused Gray’s request for another election, paving the way for Labor to take power with the support of the Greens – a situation Rockliff said was “unique for the time”.
“Dean Winter will be able to form government if he reneges on his election commitment and does a deal with the Greens,” Rockliff said.
“Mr Winter will have to live with that.”
Winter, however, doubled down today, insisting he would “not be doing deals with the Greens”. “They will not be involved in these discussions,” he said.
“I won’t be asking any member of parliament to compromise on their values or beliefs and I won’t be compromising on mine.”
