Labor to Move Fresh No-Confidence Motion Against Rockliff Government

Tasmanian Labor leader Dean Winter has confirmed a new motion of no-confidence will be brought against the Liberal government when state parliament resumes on August 19.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff was officially reappointed on Wednesday morning after meeting with Governor Barbara Baker AC, who recommissioned his minority government. The decision follows the July 19 state election, which resulted in a hung parliament with no party securing a clear majority.

Both the Liberal and Labor parties fell short of the 18 seats required to govern outright. The Liberals retained 14 seats, Labor held onto 10, while the Greens and independents each secured five seats. One seat was claimed by the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party.

In her statement, Governor Baker said it was preferable for confidence in the government to be tested within the parliament rather than externally. She has confirmed that parliament will reconvene on August 19 - exactly one month after the election.

Speaking on Wednesday afternoon, Mr Winter said a no-confidence motion would be tabled on the first sitting day.

“Whether it's moved by Labor or an independent, there will be a motion put to parliament expressing no confidence in the Liberal government and confidence in a Labor alternative,” he said.

Crossbench Talks Underway

Mr Winter also announced plans to meet with all independent and crossbench MPs on Thursday to present Labor's vision for how the new parliament should function.

"I will speak to every member of the Tasmanian Parliament - Liberal, Greens, independents, and the SFF - to discuss how we can move forward," he said.

This approach comes despite previous statements from Mr Winter ruling out any formal agreements with the Greens. He noted that Premier Rockliff had also stated he would not accept supply or confidence from the Greens.

"The Greens will ultimately make their own decisions about how they approach the next parliament," Mr Winter added.

Premier Rockliff and his cabinet are scheduled to be sworn in at Government House early next week.

No Election Trigger, Labor Assures

Mr Winter stressed that any no-confidence motion moved by Labor would not result in another election.

"Tasmanians can be assured that any motion we bring forward will not trigger another election," he said. "It will simply determine whether the state is governed by the Liberals or by Labor."

The recent election was Tasmania's fourth in just seven years and marked the second consecutive early poll that delivered a minority government.