UPDATED: Tasmania’s Liberal Party has been thrown into minority after two backbenchers quit to sit as independents.
The announcement was made this morning by Member for Lyons John Tucker and Member for Bass Lara Alexander.
Speaking in Launceston, the pair confirmed they would be leaving the party over concerns surrounding a new $715m stadium to be constructed at Hobart’s Macquarie Point, as well as government transparency and the Marinus Link project.
The Liberals held 13 of the 25 seats in the House of Assembly prior to the announcement, but will now hold only 11.
Labor currently holds nine seats and the Greens have two seats.
The state government has acknowledged the two backbenchers leaving the Liberal Party, with Premier Jeremy Rockliff labelling the exit as ‘disappointing’.
“I am obviously disappointed, but this is their decision,” the Premier said.
“We will continue getting on with the job of building a strong economy and a safe caring community.”
More to come…
EARLIER: It is understood the Rockliff Government will lose its majority in State Parliament as two MP’s announce their resignation from the party to sit as independents.
John Tucker and Lara Alexander are expected to resign from the Liberal Party this morning, reportedly due to financial concerns surrounding the proposed $715 million stadium in Hobart and a ‘lack of transparency’.
Ms. Alexander has previously raised concerns about the lack of transparency in government decision-making, while Mr. Tucker has voiced grievances regarding the Marinus Link project.
Both are expected to make an announcement about their future in Launceston today at 11am.
