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Key Points
- Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff looks set to lose a no-confidence vote.
- The state’s leader has been under fire over the state’s budget, ferry delays and a new stadium.
- The Labor opposition says it has enough votes to pass the vote.
A minority state Liberal premier appears to be a dead man walking, with his political opposition garnering enough support to pass a no-confidence motion.
Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff has been under increasing pressure over his handling of the state’s budget, Bass Strait ferry delays, a plan to sell assets and a new stadium.
The Labor opposition moved a no-confidence motion in the premier on Wednesday, after a day earlier threatening to if it could find the numbers.
The motion will be debated later today.
Independents Craig Garland and Kristie Johnston, along with Jacqui Lambie Network MP Andrew Jenner, have expressed their intention to back the motion.
The Greens, who have five MPs, voiced their support for the no-confidence motion on Wednesday morning, meaning it has the numbers to pass.
“The deals the premier struck for minority government after the last election have collapsed,” Labor leader Dean Winter told parliament.
“Three independent members of the crossbench have lost confidence in the premier.
“(This is) due to his financial mismanagement, his appalling handling of the Spirit of Tasmania project, and his plan to privatise Tasmania’s most precious assets.”
Should the no-confidence motion against Rockliff prevail, tradition requires that he step down from his position.
In a social media post, Rockliff said a successful no-confidence motion would force Tasmania back to the polls.
“An election just over 12 months since the last one,” he said.
“That’s the last thing Tasmania needs. That’s the last thing Tasmanians want.”
The Liberals, who have been in power since 2014, are governing in minority with just 14 of 35 seats in the lower house.
Last week’s 2025/26 budget predicted debt would more than double to $10.8 billion in four years’ time, with deficits each year.
Greens leader Rosalie Woodruff said the premier had brought the no-confidence motion on himself.
“Poll after poll have made it abundantly clear that Tasmanians do not, will not, support a new stadium at Macquarie Point in Hobart,” she said.
The stadium, which is supported by Labor, is a condition of the Tasmania Devils entering the AFL competition in 2028.
