Tasmania's Crossbench Holds Sway in Hung Parliament Power Struggle

Tasmania's newly re-elected Liberal government faces a crucial no-confidence vote on August 19, with crossbench MPs set to decide its fate in the state's finely balanced hung parliament.

The March election delivered 14 seats to the Liberals, 10 to Labor, five to the Greens, five independents, and one to the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party (SFF). Premier Jeremy Rockliff needs four extra votes to survive the confidence motion, while Labor leader Dean Winter would require eight to form government.

Over the weekend, the Liberals moved to court progressive crossbenchers by announcing two key policy shifts: phasing out funding for greyhound racing and abandoning plans for a forestry "wood bank."
"This is about working in a consultative and collaborative way with this parliament," Mr Rockliff said.

Labor, meanwhile, pledged to appoint independent MLC Ruth Forrest as treasurer if it seizes power, signalling a focus on budget repair and Tasmania's $13 billion debt.
"This builds on Labor's commitment to cooperation for the good of the state," Mr Winter said.

Crossbench Calls and Conditions

Franklin independent Peter George said the policy moves reflected the new political reality. He welcomed both the Liberals' animal welfare and forestry commitments and Labor's plan for an independent treasurer, but urged further concessions - including a pause on salmon farming expansion and genuine engagement with the Greens.
Mr George said he would withhold his decision until the day of the vote.

Clark independent Kristie Johnston, a long-time critic of greyhound racing, praised the Liberals' new stance but declined to guarantee ongoing support. She urged Labor to adopt the same position and sought assurances that Ms Forrest's fiscal concerns, including about the proposed Macquarie Point stadium, would be heeded.

Greens leader Rosalie Woodruff said Labor had yet to do enough to secure her party's five votes, noting that Mr Winter had not formally met with her. She warned the Liberals' recent moves increased pressure on Labor to respond on issues such as the stadium, native forest logging, salmon farming, and greyhound racing.

SFF Opposition and Political Stakes

SFF MP Carlo Di Falco condemned the Liberals' greyhound racing plan as a "backroom deal" and vowed to block Mr Rockliff's government unless the policy is reversed. Labor, for its part, said any decisions on the industry should be made through proper process rather than political bargaining.

The new state cabinet will be sworn in at Government House on Monday, ahead of what promises to be a tense return to parliament.