Following a huge week in Tasmanian politics the Liberal and Labor parties are now trying to blame each other for the state potentially heading to an early election. But the Greens have a clear message – an election is not needed, and politicians of all sides should be doing what they can to avoid it.
Since the election the Greens have worked constructively with members across the Parliament to achieve positive outcomes for Tasmania, and to pass good legislation including our own. But you can’t work constructively with someone who is lying, breaking fundamental promises, and taking a bulldozer approach to major issues of community concern – whether that’s the stadium or public service cuts or many other issues. We didn’t take the decision to vote for No Confidence in the Premier lightly – but with Jeremy Rockliff’s record, we had to draw a line in the sand.
This No Confidence motion was entirely avoidable if at any point Jeremy Rockliff had listened and sought to do the right thing by Tasmania. But just because the Premier was held accountable and the motion passed, that does not mean an election is inevitable or needed.
A day is a long time in politics, and politicians from all sides now have four full days to sort this out. The Liberals could work to find a new leader and offer some compromises to secure the confidence of independents – for instance by dropping their appalling stadium. Or Labor could actually have a go at forming government, like Tasmanians expect them to do.
There are certainly some major differences between Labor and the Greens, especially on the environment and the stadium. But both our parties strongly oppose public service cuts and selling off public assets. We both want to see a better health system, better public education, and affordable housing. We both want to improve the rights, pay, and conditions for workers. We both want a fair and more inclusive Tasmania. This is significant common ground.
The Greens have made it clear to Dean Winter all week that we are ready and willing to work with Labor to change the government without there being an election. So far he hasn’t even wanted to have the conversation. That’s really disappointing, but we will keep trying.
Tasmanians don’t want an election, and fair enough too. The good news is, that outcome is not necessary and can still be avoided.
It’s now up to Liberal and Labor politicians to do what they can to avoid it.
