The future of Tasmania’s minority Liberal government appears increasingly uncertain after key backer, independent MP Kristie Johnston, declared she had lost confidence in the current administration, and demanded an urgent meeting with Premier Jeremy Rockliff.
Ms Johnston, who last year signed a conditional agreement with Mr Rockliff guaranteeing confidence and supply on the floor of parliament, said the government’s recent decision to abandon a promised independent review of the Integrity Commission was arrogant and proved it was “allergic to scrutiny”.
A day after Jacqui Lambie Network MP Andrew Jenner announced he no longer trusted the government over its Integrity Commission backflip, and Braddon independent Craig Garland said he was willing to vote down budget future bills, Ms Johnston’s revelation heaped further pressure on the government ahead of Tuesday’s return to parliament.
Ms Johnston told the Sunday Tasmanian that key principles of her agreement relating to transparency, integrity, and prioritising the interests of Tasmania had been “breached” by the government on multiple occasions, and said the abandoned Integrity Commission review was the final straw.
“The government’s cavalier response to the Eslake Report was a serious failing, likewise its dismissal of the Gruen Report on the stadium,” the member for Clark said.
“The Rockliff government’s brazen cave-in to gambling interests on the introduction of the pokies player card, its science-defying backing of the salmon industry, and its anti-democratic support for large developers over local communities on planning decisions are other examples where the interests of Tasmanians are given the back seat by this government.
“This government does not have my confidence and I will be seeking an urgent meeting with the Premier to discuss my concerns and to hear whether he intends to change the way he is governing.”