HOBART, Tasmania – Jeremy Rockliff has been reappointed as premier of Tasmania, following a meeting with Governor Barbara Baker at Government House.
Rockliff’s Liberal government will continue to lead the state despite not securing a majority in the recent snap election.
Parliamentary Uncertainty Ahead The premier’s reappointment comes with Labor signaling its intention to table a motion of no confidence on the first day of the new parliament.
Labor leader Dean Winter stated that the motion would not lead to another election, but rather, would result in either a Liberal or Labor government.
Rockliff expressed confidence in his government’s ability to govern for a full four-year term, citing the need for “sensible communication, everyone working together, pragmatism, working together on policies” to achieve stability.
He acknowledged “learnings” from the previous parliament, which was cut short by a vote of no confidence.
Governor Baker explained her decision to reappoint Rockliff, citing the convention of incumbency in a hung parliament.
She believes it is better for confidence to be determined within the parliament rather than outside it.
The detailed reasons for the governor’s decision will be published on her website.
Rockliff and his cabinet are set to be sworn in next week, with state parliament scheduled to return on August 19.
A key challenge for the government will be negotiating with crossbenchers, particularly on the contentious issue of a new $1 billion stadium in Hobart, which the Greens and some independents oppose.
An official appeal has been made to the public, urging cooperation and stable governance.