Tasmanians don’t want an election, and neither do the Greens. Jeremy Rockliff continues to refuse to resign his position, and that means the state will head to the polls unless Dean Winter steps up.
In the year this Parliament has run so far, MPs from across the chamber have put aside their differences, found common ground, and passed good legislation – often without the support of the Liberal Government. We have seen reform to laws on political donations, family violence, the rights of renters, industrial manslaughter and more from the Greens, Opposition, and independents. With three years left in this term, there is a huge opportunity to continue this good work.
Of course, there are significant policy differences between Labor and the Greens. Labor has no interest in environmental protection and is backing the Liberals’ billion-dollar stadium. But we also have a lot in common – like our shared commitment to keeping public assets in public hands, opposing public service cuts, fighting to improve wages and conditions for workers, and working for a fair and inclusive Tasmania.
Dean Winter has made it clear he has a problem with the Greens. But in times like this, and with an election potentially days away, he needs to put those personal feelings to the side and work in the best interests of all Tasmanians. Just because we don’t see eye to eye on everything doesn’t mean we can’t work constructively for our state.
Let’s be clear – Jeremy Rockliff could make sure there is no election by resigning. But with the Premier refusing to do so, it is incumbent on Dean Winter as Opposition Leader to engage with the Greens and the wider crossbench to prevent the state heading to the polls. If he refuses to do so, he will share significant responsibility for causing an early election that could have easily been avoided.
The letter to the Opposition Leader is available to read here.
