Tasmania’s Liberal leader Jeremy Rockliff has been reappointed as the state’s Premier, weeks after an early election.
Neither the Liberals or Labor received a majority, leading to a hung parliament.
After weeks of uncertainty, Rockliff will now try to form a government in Parliament, with the approval of the state Governor.
There are 14 Liberal members in Tasmania’s House of Assembly (lower house). To form a majority, Rockliff will need the support of at least four other MPs.
Early election
Jeremy Rockliff has been governing in a minority over the past few years.
In June, Labor successfully moved a motion of “no confidence” against Rockliff.
The Liberal Premier called the state’s third election in four years, which turned out similar results to the 2024 poll.
The Liberal Party won 14 seats compared to Labor’s 10. The Greens secured five seats, while six went to minor parties and independents.
Reappointment
Last night, the Governor received the final election ‘writs’ – the last step in formalising the results.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff visited Governor Barbara Baker this morning, asking to be reappointed as Premier.
Governor Baker approved Rockliff’s request.
This process is typically a straightforward formality. However, since Rockliff doesn’t have a majority or a formal deal with crossbenchers, the Governor’s decision was more consequential.
In a statement, Baker said the Premier needed to “test” his support on the floor of Parliament.
Rockliff will need what’s known as “confidence and supply” from at least four more crossbenchers.
Confidence is a formal expression of support in a government, while ‘supply’ means an agreement to pass spending legislation.
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Parliament is scheduled to resume on 19 August.
What now?
Talks to form a government will dominate the next two weeks.
Out of Tasmania’s six crossbenchers, Independent MP Craig Garland has ruled out supporting Rockliff in the next Parliament.
Garland has accused Rockliff’s team of displaying “arrogance, [a] lack of transparency, incompetence and dishonesty”.
Former state Labor leader David O’Byrne and independent MP Kristie Johnston provided confidence and supply in the last term of Rockliff’s government.
New MPs
The remaining three crossbenchers are newly elected MPs and haven’t formally indicated if they will support Rockliff’s government.
Among them is Tasmania’s first Shooters, Fishers, and Farmers MP, Carlo Di Falco.
He wants an overhaul of the state’s strict gun laws, which came into effect after 35 people were shot dead in the 1996 Tasmanian Port Arthur massacre.
Labor
If Rockliff is unable to secure enough support, Labor will have a chance to form government.
The party could form a minority government with the support of the Greens and at least three other MPs.
Labor leader Dean Winter has ruled out brokering a deal with the Greens but said he was talking with independents.
Winter has acknowledged that the Liberal Party has “the first crack” at forming government since it won more seats than Labor.
