The Tasmanian Nationals have firmly rejected speculation about an automatic coalition with the Liberals, insisting they won’t enter any agreement ahead of next weekend’s state election.
The Nationals have moved to clarify their position, saying many current Liberal policies conflict with their own stance.
Former Liberal MP and current Nationals candidate for Lyons, John Tucker, said voters were confused about the relationship between the two parties.
“The Tasmanian Nationals do not have any agreement for a coalition, nor supply with the Tasmanian Liberals. Any suggestion otherwise is simply false,” Tucker said.
Nationals candidates Miriam Beswick and Andrew Jenner confirmed they aren’t committed to supporting the Liberals in the next parliament.
Beswick sought to reassure voters across key electorates about the party’s independence.
“I want to assure the voters in Braddon, as well as in Bass and Lyons, should any party find themselves in a position to form a minority Government, we will only discuss these matters once the whole picture has become clear,” she said.
Jenner took a stronger stance, specifically ruling out support for a continuation of the current Liberal leadership without significant policy changes.
“I will not offer support or supply to another Jeremy Rockliff style Liberal Government, without a major shift in the Government’s support for the rural areas of Tasmania,” Jenner said.
