2025 Tasmanian government formation

2025 Tasmanian government formation
Part of the 2025 Tasmanian state election
StatusCompleted – Liberals retain government
Begins19 July 2025
Location(s)Tasmanian Parliament
Previous event2024 formation
PartiesMajor parties
Labor
Liberal
Crossbench
Greens
SFF
Independents:
Craig Garland
Peter George
David O'Byrne
Kristie Johnston
George Razay
Outcome
  • Jeremy Rockliff recommissioned as Premier on 6 August, pending parliament's return so his confidence can be tested.
  • Legislative Council independent Tania Rattray joins Liberal ministry as Leader of the Government in the Legislative Council, and Rockliff gives policy concessions in an effort to win support of the crossbench.
  • Greens rule out supporting Labor, with the ABC predicting Labor's motions will fail.
  • Liberals retain government in a landslide vote.
  • Election defeat triggers 2025 Tasmanian Labor Party leadership election

Following the 2025 Tasmanian state election, no single political party attained a legislative majority in the House of Assembly, resulting in a hung parliament. As such, negotiations took place among Tasmania's political parties and independents in an effort to form government.

On election night speaking at the tally room, incumbent Premier Jeremy Rockliff claimed victory for his party; Dean Winter did not concede defeat for Labor; and Greens leader Rosalie Woodruff expressed a willingness to form a minority government with Labor. Winter's words on election night were seen as a retraction of his prior pledges which completely ruled out forming government with the Greens.[1]

Rockliff was recommissioned as Premier following the election by convention; however his confidence in parliament will be tested on 19 August, when Labor will also seek to form a government.[2]

In the weeks following the election, Labor and the Liberals sought crossbencher support for their respective government bids. The Labor party had announced that if they were successful at forming a government, Ruth Forrest will be appointed as Treasurer. The Liberals have reversed a prior commitment to expand native forestry, announced a ban on greyhound racing starting from 2029, and appointed independent Tania Rattray to lead the government in the upper house.

Despite the Greens original will to form government with Labor, they had later ruled out doing so. Craig Garland announced he would be supporting Liberals, and Carlo Di Falco voted in favour of Rockliff. David O'Byrne has continued his support for the Liberal Party.

The motion failed, with Rockliff remaining as Premier.

Due to Labor losing the election, the party's constitution triggered the 2025 Tasmanian Labor Party leadership election.[3]

Negotiations

This article is part of a series on the
Politics of
Tasmania
Constitution
Monarchy
Executive
  • Cabinet
Legislature
Judiciary
Local government

20 July 2025: On the day following the election, Rockliff confirmed he had reached out to a number of crossbenchers in an attempt to form government. On this day, the Liberals had won 14 seats, and were predicted to finish with 15, requiring 3 crossbenchers to secure 18 seats (a majority). At this time, there were the following crossbenchers elected:

In the previous parliamentary term, Johnston and O'Byrne signed confidence and supply agreements with the Liberal government, however Johnston supported all no-confidence motions brought against the government, including the one that toppled Rockliff's premiership prior to the 2025 state election.[5] O'Byrne, a former Labor leader and stadium advocate, kept his agreement with Rockliff, and stated that in this coming term, he would not go to Rockliff with a list of demands to get his support.[4]

All three former Jacqui Lambie Network members who supported Rockliff's premiership prior to the election have been defeated.[4]

On the day following the election, Winter did not concede. Instead, he said he would let the Liberals attempt to form a government first, and if they were unable to do so, Labor would attempt to. He said "another election is not an option."[6]

21 July 2025: On 21 July, The Mercury reported that Winter was actively talking to crossbenchers in an effort to form a government despite previously stating that he would offer Rockliff the first opportunity to form government. Woodruff also pressured Winter to negotiate with the Greens.[7]

On 2 August, George Razay, an independent, was confirmed as elected in Bass.

Crossbench positions

Peter George, a progressive, first stated he would not sign a confidence-and-supply agreement, however he has since walked this back.[8] He has set stringent conditions on himself before he would vote to support a no-confidence motion in a government.[9] He met with Labor-leader Dean Winter on 22 July for under an hour.[10] In early August, George sent a letter to Rockliff outlining his demands for supporting Rockliff, these are:[11]

  • Banning expansion of salmon farming, and eventual banning of the farms themselves;
  • Abandoning the Macquarie Point Stadium;
  • Phasing out native forestry;
  • Strengthening anti-corruption measures.

Kristie Johnston has ruled out signing a confidence and supply agreement.[9]

Craig Garland has completely ruled out supporting a Liberal government, and has committed to support Labor.[12]

David O'Byrne has expressed an openness to signing a confidence and supply agreement, and will not ask anything of the government in return.[4] On 17 August, he announced his support for the Liberals and declined offers from them for ministerial portfolios.

Carlo Di Falco has said he is open to signing a confidence and supply agreement, saying "I'll work with whoever can provide my constituents with the best outcome."[10] He also has prioritised the following in discussions:[13]

  • Being more pro-development, cutting regulation and increasing incentives for entrepreneurs.
  • He is anti-stadium, but appreciates that the majority of Tasmanians did vote for a party that supports it. He said that if he had his way, the money spent on a stadium would instead go to upgrading Tasmania's hydropower facilities and storage.
  • Loosening gun regulations.[14]
  • He has stated he won't support the Liberals unless the greyhound ban put in place is reversed.[15]

Rosalie Woodruff has said she is 'entirely optimistic about having conversations with Labor' and that the Greens and Labor '"fundamentally share far more in common than we have differences."[10]

On 12 August, Woodruff issued a statement saying she could not support Labor's attempt to form government at this stage, unless they gave concessions to the Greens.[16]

Foundations of Stability – Liberals

On 22 July 2025, the Liberal party presented a draft 'stability agreement' to the members of the crossbench.[17] The draft stability agreement was made available to crossbenchers for 'about an hour or two' before Rockliff publicly released it, leading to backlash from newly-elected Peter George.[17] Craig Garland described it as a 'step in the right direction', and that he was actively considering it. The agreement contained:[13]

  • A multi-party budget panel, involving independents and minor parties in the budget process, and ensuring a 'sensible return' to surplus;
  • Ministerial consultation protocols, with the intent of providing the crossbench with briefings on upcoming policy, drafts of legislation, and discussions to offer amendments outside of parliament;
  • A crossbench liaison office, providing briefings on policy and allowing for independent input;
  • A commitment to keep prior parliamentary arrangements, such as OPC drafting support for private members' bills, access to the premier and departmental briefings and allowances for office management among others.

Framework for Collaboration – Labor

On 22 July 2025, a spokesperson for Labor said that the party was working on a similar agreement to the Liberals, but would not release further information until crossbenchers were consulted.[17]

On 17 August, Labor unveiled their Framework for Collaboration. It included:[18]

  • The establishment of the office of Special Minister of State tasked with inter-party communications
  • Budget repair measures
  • Legislate for 4-year fixed parliamentary terms
  • Establishing a Tasmanian Parliamentary Budget Office and Budget Roundtable
  • Electoral law reform
  • Decentralisation of public service leadership

Government positions

Since the state election, the following government positions have been offered, or given to crossbenchers.

Parliamentarian Party Chamber Position Accepted
Labor
Ruth Forrest Independent Legislative Council Treasurer Yes[19]
Liberals
Tania Rattray Independent Legislative Council Government Leader in Legislative Council Yes[20]
David O'Byrne Independent House of Assembly Minister of Cabinet No[21]

Election results

Party Leader Seats won Change
Liberal Jeremy Rockliff 14 Steady
Labor Dean Winter 10 Steady
Greens Rosalie Woodruff 5 Steady
Independent 5 Increase 2
Shooters Carlo Di Falco 1 Increase 1
Lambie Did not contest 0 Decrease 3

Formation

August 2025 no-confidence vote in Jeremy Rockliff
House of Assembly chamber
Date19 August 2025 (2025-08-19)
Duration~4 hours of debate
VenueParliament House, Tasmania
TypeGovernment formation
CauseLabor's attempt to gain government
ParticipantsLiberals · Labor · Greens · SFF · Kristie Johnston · Craig Garland · Peter George · David O'Byrne · George Razay · Barbara Baker
Outcome
Vote result10 votes in favour, 24 votes against

In the first week of August 2025, a combined motion of no-confidence in the premiership of Jeremy Rockliff and motion of confidence in Dean Winter was moved by Labor on the first sitting day on 19 August 2025.[22]

On 18 August, the Greens officially ruled out supporting Labor. Due to this, the Labor party could not form government via the confidence motion, and the Liberal party retained government.[23]

That same day, Kristie Johnston and David O'Byrne confirmed they too would support the Liberal party on the motions. O'Byrne stated he would issue a letter of intent to the governor guaranteeing confidence and supply, with Johnston not offering a confidence and supply arrangement to the Liberals.[24]

The motion failed, with 10 votes for, and 24 votes against. Rockliff remains as Premier.

Voting blocs
Party Leader/Sole Member Votes Total (progressive)
"No" votes
Liberal Jeremy Rockliff 13[a] 24 (of 18 needed)
Greens Rosalie Woodruff 5
Independent David O'Byrne 1
Independent Kristie Johnston[25] 1
Independent Peter George[26] 1
Independent George Razay[27] 1
SFF Carlo Di Falco 1
Independent Craig Garland[28] 1
"Aye" votes
Labor Dean Winter 10 10 (of 18 needed)

Election of the speaker

On 19 August 2025, at the first sitting of the 52nd Parliament, an election was held for the Speaker of the House of Assembly. The two candidates for speaker were Franklin MP Jacquie Petrusma from the Liberal Party and Lyons MP Jen Butler from the Labor Party. The votes were cast by MPs in a secret ballot, and Petrusma was elected speaker with 25 votes to Butler's 10.[29]

Election of the chair of committees

On 19 August 2025, an election was held for the chair of committees, who serves ex officio as deputy-speaker. This election resulted in Helen Burnet of the Greens being successful against Jen Butler, with a vote of 21 to 12.[29]

See also

References

  1. ^ "Tasmania Election 2025". www.abc.net.au. 19 July 2025. Archived from the original on 19 July 2025. Retrieved 20 July 2025.
  2. ^ "Governor reappoints Liberal leader Jeremy Rockliff as premier of Tasmania". Pulse Tasmania. 6 August 2025. Retrieved 6 August 2025.
  3. ^ "Winter and Willie jostling for Tasmanian Labor leadership". ABC News. 19 August 2025. Retrieved 20 August 2025.
  4. ^ a b c d "Anti-salmon farm campaigner joins Tasmania's progressive crossbench". ABC News. 19 July 2025. Retrieved 20 July 2025.
  5. ^ "Kristie - Every issue on its merits – I support Labor's no-co. After the last election I told my community in Clark I would consider every issue on its merits. That I would consider three critical things in making any decision. • Is there integrity in what the government is doing? • Is there proper process, transparency and accountability? • Is it in the best interests of Tasmania and does it improve the lives of Tasmanians. I've taken that approach to every decision. That's why during this term of Parliament I have supported every no-confidence motion in this government or minister of this government. Because I have serious concerns about the conduct of this government. The Opposition Leader has today tabled a no-confidence motion in the Premier, indicating that he would bring on the motion if he had the support of the crossbench. I have considered the motion. It talks about the long-term damage to Tasmania due to serious mismanagement of the budget, the lack of support for the privatisation of public assets, and the serious inability of this government to deliver major projects. These are concerns of Tasmanians, particularly the people of Clark, who tell me they are sick of this government not listening to them and not listening to the experts. I have been on the public record a number of times raising these concerns myself. The no confidence motion has merit and I will be supporting it. This government needs to be held to account and I will not shy away from my responsibility to do just that". Retrieved 20 July 2025 – via Facebook.
  6. ^ Australian Associated Press (20 July 2025). "Liberal and Labor leaders court crossbench after snap Tasmanian election delivers another hung parliament". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 20 July 2025.
  7. ^ Bailey, Sue (21 July 2025). "Tasmania election: Crossbench MPs key to who leads Tassie as Greens offer shoulder". The Mercury. Archived from the original on 21 July 2025. Retrieved 22 July 2025.
  8. ^ "No salmon, no stadium: Peter George sets terms for Liberal deal". Pulse Tasmania. 1 August 2025. Retrieved 5 August 2025.
  9. ^ a b Bonham, Kevin (11 June 2025). "Dr Kevin Bonham: 2025 Tasmanian Election Guide: Main Page". Dr Kevin Bonham. Archived from the original on 16 July 2025. Retrieved 20 July 2025.
  10. ^ a b c ABC News (Australia) (20 July 2025). Tasmanian Liberal, Labor leaders look to form government after state election. Archived from the original on 21 July 2025. Retrieved 21 July 2025 – via YouTube.
  11. ^ "No salmon, no stadium: Peter George sets terms for Liberal deal". Pulse Tasmania. 1 August 2025. Retrieved 5 August 2025.
  12. ^ "Craig Garland throws support behind Labor, rules out Liberal government". Pulse Tasmania. 1 August 2025. Retrieved 1 August 2025.
  13. ^ a b Times, Tasmanian (22 July 2025). "Liberals Offer 'Stability Agreement' Olive Branch To Crossbench - Tasmanian Times". Retrieved 22 July 2025.
  14. ^ "New Tasmanian MP says gun law reform a priority for crossbench deal". ABC News. 5 August 2025. Retrieved 5 August 2025.
  15. ^ "SFF warns it won't support Liberals unless greyhound ban reversed". Pulse Tasmania. 10 August 2025. Retrieved 11 August 2025.
  16. ^ Langenberg, state political reporter Adam (12 August 2025). "Greens withhold support for Labor's bid for Tasmanian government 'at this stage'". ABC News. Retrieved 12 August 2025.
  17. ^ a b c "'Stability' offered to independents, as Labor picks up another seat". ABC News. 22 July 2025. Retrieved 22 July 2025.
  18. ^ "Labor unveils 'Framework for Collaboration' ahead of parliament's return". Pulse Tasmania. 17 August 2025. Retrieved 17 August 2025.
  19. ^ "Labor names respected MLC as pick for treasurer in its bid for government". ABC News. 10 August 2025. Retrieved 17 August 2025.
  20. ^ "Independent MLC appointed as Leader for the Government in Tasmania's upper house". ABC News. 9 August 2025. Retrieved 17 August 2025.
  21. ^ "'It's not been an easy decision': Key independent David O'Byrne delivers support to Liberals". ABC News. 17 August 2025. Retrieved 17 August 2025.
  22. ^ "Fresh no-confidence motion to be moved in Rockliff government, Labor confirms". ABC News. 6 August 2025. Retrieved 16 August 2025.
  23. ^ "Breaking: Tasmanian Labor fails to secure Greens support for no-confidence motion". ABC News. 18 August 2025. Retrieved 18 August 2025.
  24. ^ "Tasmanian Labor's bid for minority government set to fail". ABC News. 18 August 2025. Retrieved 18 August 2025.
  25. ^ "Live: Tasmanian Labor fails to secure Greens support for no-confidence motion". ABC News. 18 August 2025. Retrieved 18 August 2025.
  26. ^ Gibson, Jano (19 August 2025). "What is going to happen at today's no-confidence motion in Tasmanian parliament?". ABC News. Retrieved 19 August 2025.
  27. ^ Dunlevie, James (19 August 2025). "Razay will support Rockliff Liberals". ABC News. Retrieved 19 August 2025.
  28. ^ "Tasmanian Liberals' path to government harder as Garland rules out support". ABC News. 1 August 2025. Retrieved 16 August 2025.
  29. ^ a b "House of Assembly (@ 4:39:31)". Parliament of Tasmania. 19 August 2025. Retrieved 20 August 2025.

Notes

  1. ^ The Liberal Party has 14 seats in the House of Assembly, however, due to Jacquie Petrusma's election as Speaker, they only have 13 votes except in the case of a tie.
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