Premier slams 'selfish grab for power' as snap election looms
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Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff has affirmed he will initiate an election if a no-confidence motion against him succeeds in parliament today.

Rockliff addressed the media outside parliament this morning, as the issue gains momentum.

A vote is expected on the issue this afternoon, with a number of MPs set to speak after debate resumes from 10am.

Premier of Tasmania Jeremy Rockliff is facing a no-confidence motion. (Alex Ellinghausen)

Outside parliament, Rockliff was defiant, calling opposition leader Dean Winter’s motion “divisive and destructive”.

“This will be an election that Tasmanians don’t want and Tasmania cannot afford. Be that on Mr Winter’s head,” he said.

“This has been a selfish grab for power.”

Tasmanian Labor leader Dean Winter.
Tasmanian Labor leader Dean Winter. (Brodie Weeding/AFR)

Rockliff said the government had “built a better Tasmania”.

“I cannot let Mr Winter’s selfish grab for power destroy what we have built over the course of the last decade,” he said.

“The only job Mr Winter is interested in is mine. And I am not going anywhere.”

Winter tabled the motion on Tuesday before moving it yesterday morning.

Tassie Devils
The Tasmania Devils’ bid for an AFL team could be derailed. (AFL Photos via Getty Images)

He claimed it was driven by Rockliff’s management, bungles around the Spirit of Tasmania vessels, and controversy over potential privatisation.

If the no-confidence motion succeeds, Rockliff intends to meet with Lieutenant Governor Chris Shanahan – who is temporarily filling in for Governor Barbara Baker while she is on leave – to request the dissolution of parliament.

If Labor’s motion receives the support of the crossbench, it is likely to pass.

Curious cases the first sign of epidemic that claimed 40 million lives

Caught up in the issue is Tasmania’s potential admission to the AFL.

The football governing body insists that the inclusion of the Tasmania Devils in the league depends on the construction of a new stadium in Hobart, with costs now approaching $1 billion.

Rockliff has been a staunch supporter of Tasmania’s AFL bid, but the Greens have pointed to the growing stadium costs as a prime example of budget mismanagement.

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