Since the election on 19 July, the Greens have done everything possible to work across the parliament to realise the change we told Tasmanians we’d fight for.
Over the last two weeks, we met with Labor multiple times and had many phone conversations about possible policy compromises and outcomes. We made it clear from the outset, and repeatedly after, that the Greens expected some movement on the issues we campaigned on.
We know business as usual is failing this state, yet Labor refused to move. Dean Winter has shown no capacity or intention to negotiate in serious good faith with the Greens, or to make policy compromises.
Over the last five days, there have been several formal and informal conversations and letter exchanges between the Greens and other crossbench MPs, with Dean Winter and other members of the Labor caucus.
Labor’s final position on their policies was communicated by letter last night. They confirmed in writing their refusal to consider policy compromise on the key issues the Greens were elected to fight for – to stop the stadium and prioritise spending on health and housing, and to protect the marine environment and our forests.
In contrast, over the last week the Liberals have announced some significant policy shifts – on greyhound racing, salmon farming and on native forests. Jeremy Rockliff appears to understand the minority parliament dynamic he finds himself in – and the need for compromise. Dean Winter has not.
That said, announcements won’t be enough. The Liberals need to act on all three policy announcements they’ve made as soon as possible if they want to maintain a stable parliament. The Greens will hold them to their commitments from day one.
We want to make the Greens’ position clear to all Tasmanians ahead of Parliament tomorrow. We do not have confidence in the Liberals, but neither can we have confidence in Dean Winter’s Labor.
The Greens cannot support the motion Dean Winter has foreshadowed – a motion of no confidence in Jeremy Rockliff, and of confidence in himself to lead a Labor government.
The Greens will continue to work collaboratively from the crossbench to maintain a stable and functional minority parliament. We won’t stop holding the government to account. We will keep putting forward real legislative changes, seeking to find opportunities to work across the parliament – and fighting for this island and its people.
