Original source (on modern site)
Two key Tasmanian independents have given formal guarantees of confidence and supply to the Liberal minority government, but have retained their right to vote as they wish in parliament. Premier Jeremy Rockliff today released letters between himself and Franklin independent David O'Byrne — a former Labor leader — and Clark independent Kristie Johnston, which detail the agreements. The deals follow an agreement reached earlier with three Jacqui Lambie Network (JLN) MPs. With the new independents on board, it guarantees Mr Rockliff has 19 of the 35 votes on the floor when parliament returns. Mr O'Byrne and Ms Johnston will retain the right to support future no confidence motions on matters such as corruption and gross portfolio mismanagement, and will inform Mr Rockliff ahead of time if they intend to support these motions. They can also vote on legislation on merit — as can JLN members — however, JLN MPs will have more restrictions placed on them. Jeremy Rockliff was able to form government after the March 23 election with the support of the crossbench. Mr Rockliff has agreed to give all independent MPs greater access to departmental staff and the Office of Parliamentary Counsel (OPC) — which helps MPs to draft legislation. The independents will also get more resources for their day-to-day duties. The premier will also remove so-called 'Dorothy dixer' questions — those asked by government backbenchers to ministers in question time — and replace them with constituent questions. Mr O'Byrne has previously expressed his lack of confidence in successive Liberal governments, but in his letter guaranteeing confidence and supply, said he was pleased with Mr Rockliff's approach to post-election discussions. "I will continue to be guided by the ideals and values of the labour movement which are central to my policy outlook and priorities," he wrote. "I have noted and acknowledge your post-election public comments that you have listened to the message delivered by the Tasmanian people, and I have appreciated the forthrightness and good faith you have shown in our recent discussions on the make-up of the new parliament." Ms Johnston initially gave Mr Rockliff a list of requests. These included more staffing, a designated meeting room, unfettered access to the OPC, a new or improved electorate office, an extra Parliament House car park, and to meet with Mr Rockliff once per week. Mr Rockliff replied that this was a "substantial list of requests", and that all of the matters would be considered once parliament begins to function. Ms Johnston ultimately outlined her priorities for the new parliament — transparency and accountability, integrity and decisions that improve the lives of Tasmanians. "Where these principles are met then I can provide confidence," she wrote. "Where on merit they are not met, for example where there is corruption, wrongdoing, or gross mismanagement of a portfolio, then I cannot provide confidence. "As part of my assessment of the merits of matters in relation to confidence where possible I would seek to discuss them with you as a matter of urgency and priority." Jacqui Lambie Network MPs Andrew Jenner, Miriam Beswick and Rebekah Pentland.(ABC News: Luke Bowden) The agreements with Ms Johnston and Mr O'Byrne contain some differences to the confidence and supply agreement made with the JLN, which was signed with Mr Rockliff two weeks ago. The three JLN MPs — Andrew Jenner in Lyons, Miriam Beswick in Braddon and Rebekah Pentland in Bass — must support the government on all binding parliamentary motions. JLN members must provide the government with 24 hours' notice and then negotiate should they wish to vote against the government. If they wish to vote against the government "on the fly" — on votes that spontaneously arise during debate — they must support the government to adjourn debate and then negotiate instead. But if adjournment is not practicable, they must vote with the government even if it is contrary to their views. They must also support the government on procedural motions to allow for debate on any matters in the agreement. In return, the JLN received additional staffing, an office each and a party room in Parliament House, a meeting with the premier or delegate once a week, and an independent review of the state's finances. Mr Rockliff also agreed to review the Integrity Commission and Right to Information process — both "with an eye" to improving processes and transparency. Constitutional law specialist Anne Twomey described the limits on JLN members as "pretty extreme", and said the party had given up its strong negotiating position. She said these types of deals were not legally binding, and only had political ramifications if they failed. Parliament will return on May 14. Mr Rockliff said he was confident that the parliament could function productively. "I thank both members for their goodwill and constructive input which have been in the interests of ensuring the stability and certainty Tasmanians desire and deserve," he said. "I also again acknowledge and welcome the positive engagement undertaken by the JLN members in ensuring this parliament works with efficiency, accountability, and transparency in the best interests of their constituents and the entire state." LoadingLoading... Posted 24 Apr 202424 Apr 2024Wed 24 Apr 2024 at 2:24am, updated 24 Apr 202424 Apr 2024Wed 24 Apr 2024 at 2:32amHow does it compare to the Lambie deal?
What happens next?