Tasmania is preparing for a new era of minority government, as key crossbench independents outline their top priorities ahead of coalition talks with major parties following the recent election. The decisions of these hold-the-balance MPs will shape policy direction on everything from salmon farming to budget reform.
Who Holds the Power?
- The Liberal Party, led by Premier Jeremy Rockliff, secured 14 seats, while Labor under Dean Winter claimed 9, leaving both short of the 18-seat majority required in the 35-member Assembly.
- Four independents—Peter George, Craig Garland, Kristie Johnston, and David O’Byrne—plus the Greens (5 seats) now hold the balance, with potential to support either major party.
Crossbench Priorities: What They’re Pressing On
Peter George
- Longtime anti-salmon-farming advocate and opponent of the proposed Macquarie Point stadium
- Wants a strengthened Integrity Commission with public hearings, an end to native forestry permits, regulation of short-stay rentals, action on housing shortages, and sanity measures on Tasmania’s rising debt
- Says the public wants hard policy, not political rhetoric.
Craig Garland
- Rebelled over salmon farming and Marinus Link power interconnector
- Urges inclusion in budget repair talks and focus on health, housing, and community services
- Warns that infrastructure megaprojects like the stadium can’t overshadow basic public needs.
Other Independents and Greens
- Kristie Johnston proposes sweeping parliamentary reforms, including new question time formats and stronger scrutiny over public resources.
- David O’Byrne promises pragmatic support for useful legislation.
- The Greens emphasize environmental protection, transparency, and accountability in governance.
Talks Begin Amid High Stakes for Stability
- Rockliff leads the Liberals’ efforts to negotiate crossbench support, citing coalition conversations that include Kristie Johnston, Craig Garland, Peter George, and others.
- Winter says Labor is open to confidence-and-supply arrangements with crossbenchers—but rules out formal governing deals with the Greens.
- Voters have expressed broad support for power-sharing arrangements, according to polling by The Australia Institute.
Major Issues on the Table
- Macquarie Point stadium: Both major parties have backed it, but most crossbenchers oppose bypassing planning laws or fast-tracking construction without due scrutiny.
- Budget repair: Crossbenchers are urgent for solutions to rising state debt, overspending, and growing community service demand.
- Salmon farming and logging reforms: Environmental interests are pushing for reforms to native-forest policies and aquaculture expansion.
What’s Next?
Negotiations are likely to stretch into August, with crucial crossbench alignment needed to avoid early elections. The incoming government must balance pressure from independents and Greens while meeting expectations for bipartisan governance.
