The recent election delivered a power sharing parliament. No single party has the numbers to govern outright. That means the balance of power sits with the crossbench, and every decision we make has real consequences for the future of Tasmania.
Tomorrow I will be asked to vote on a motion expressing no confidence in Jeremy Rockliff as Premier, and at the same time, express confidence in Dean Winter as Premier.
What has become abundantly clear is that Tasmanians have little trust or confidence in either of the major parties and their leaders. I feel the same. Trust and confidence in both have been eroded significantly over the last few years and it will take a long time to earn it back.
Immediately following the election, I asked both leaders to take time to reflect on the outcome of the election, their conduct during the last term of parliament, and on what the Tasmanian people wanted to see from a power-sharing parliament. I have listened carefully and observed their actions since then. I’ve also talked extensively with my community about their expectations.
The Labor Party, who require the most support to form government, has doubled down on their behaviours and policies that led to their worst election result in over a century. Their expressions of willingness to be more collaborative rings hollow when, in the moments that matter most, they consistently say they are not prepared to compromise on their values. They have not demonstrated a preparedness to govern in a power-sharing parliament.
Based on this, I cannot, in good conscience, actively express my confidence in the Labor Party.
This does not mean that I express confidence or trust in the Liberal Government either.
I, like many Tasmanians, have been let down and disappointed by their actions previously. However, since the election there has been a notable change in behaviour and a willingness to listen and make compromises from the Liberal Party.
My vote tomorrow should not be taken as an endorsement or an expression of confidence in the Liberal Government – they are on notice, not just with me, but with the Tasmanian community.
Both a Liberal Government and a Labor Opposition should use the opportunity presented by this parliament to build trust and confidence with the community – this is the change Tasmanians want.
My independence is not, and will never be, for sale. I will continue to vote for every issue on its merits, guided by my community and my conscience.
Yours sincerely,
Kristie Johnston MP