Following an unsuccessful early election, Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff is tasked with forming a stable government amidst a challenging political landscape, highlighting the changing dynamics within Tasmania’s political arena.
Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff is contending with the challenge of assembling a stable government following an unsuccessful early election. Opting to call the election ahead of its scheduled time with the aim of securing a fourth straight majority win for the Liberal party, the move did not generate the anticipated response from the electorate. As a result, the Liberal party did not achieve the necessary 18 seats for a majority, leaving Rockliff to negotiate with a varied crossbench that includes members of the Greens, the Jacqui Lambie Network, and progressives who are independents.
The composition of the crossbench, notably featuring members from the Jacqui Lambie Network, driven by Lambie’s popularity, introduces a new and complex element to Tasmania’s political environment. Rockliff faces the challenge of engaging in careful discussions to garner the support required for governing.
The situation poses several potential outcomes for the Liberal party in maintaining control, including the possibility of forming a coalition with crossbenchers or forging case-by-case agreements. However, the effectiveness of these strategies is uncertain due to past obstacles and the dynamics within the party. This development signals a shift towards the likelihood of future minority governments in Tasmania, necessitating innovative approaches from its political leaders to navigate the changing landscape.
