Premier Jeremy Rockliff and his new cabinet have been sworn in as his government faces a looming no-confidence vote, insisting his team has the experience to deliver for Tasmanians.
Speaking after Monday’s ceremony at Government House, Rockliff said whether his government survives next week will come down to Labor leader Dean Winter.
“Tasmanians sent a very strong message to Mr Winter in that they are sick and tired of the political games,” Rockliff said.
“We have a lot of work to do and we’re very proud of the fact that here we are, a brand new government.”
“Tasmanians have spoken and we need to respect the will of the people.”
Rockliff’s ministry features former federal MPs Bridget Archer in the health portfolio and Gavin Pearce in the primary industries seat.
“They have experience, parliamentary experience behind them, of course, as well as what is crucial and that’s life experience,” Rockliff said.
The premier is working to secure at least four crossbench votes to survive the no-confidence motion, which is expected to be moved as early as Tuesday.
He is already moved to win them over, scrapping plans to expand forestry through the “wood bank” proposal and promising to shut down the greyhound industry by mid-2029.
The moves have won praise from independents Kristie Johnston and Peter George, but drawn fierce criticism from Shooters, Fishers and Farmers MP Carlo Di Falco.
“We have to recognise the will of the people. We have to be collaborative in our approach. I believe the parliament worked well in the last term,” Rockliff said.
“But we can build on that and we can do an even better job.”
“And this is an example of strong collaboration and listening to the Tasmanian community and recognising, of course, others that have been elected to the parliament and their views.”
With parliament resuming next Tuesday, Rockliff’s minority government could be over before it’s even begun.
