David O’Byrne says he is still undecided about which government he will support, revealing he has not made up his mind on whether Labor or the Liberals are better placed to lead Tasmania.
The independent Franklin MP is also considering whether to back Labor’s expected no-confidence motion against Premier Jeremy Rockliff when parliament reconvenes on August 19.
“I have not arrived at a final decision regarding supply and confidence,” O’Byrne said on Friday.
“My strong preference is for a government which can command a majority on the floor of the parliament.”
“Labor’s poor primary vote combined with only 10 seats in the house will weigh in my decision-making as but so will the size, scope and opinions of the crossbench.”
Labor is aiming to oust the Liberals and form a minority government with the Greens and crossbench members. However, it is struggling to secure support as it plays hardball over policy.
Greens deputy leader Vica Bayley, whose party is crucial for Labor to form government, said yesterday that Labor had yet to engage in any talks with the Greens.
O’Byrne, on the other hand, said he had held multiple meetings with both Labor leader Dean Winter and Premier Jeremy Rockliff in recent days.
The Franklin MP noted he would not approach negotiations with a “shopping list” of demands like fellow independents have, but insisted both major parties need to stay open to crossbench policy priorities.
However, his position on the Macquarie Point stadium is non-negotiable. He is the only crossbench MP backing the project.
“I remain focussed on the need to deliver the current Macquarie Point Stadium plan, which I see as a central to not only securing an AFL team, but also to creating economic growth and job opportunities by revitalising the Macquarie Point precinct,” O’Byrne said.
“I am pleased both parties are committed to this project and to the team.”
