Key Points
- Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff looks set to lose a no-confidence vote.
- The state's leader has been under fire over the state's budget, ferry delays and a new stadium.
- The Labor opposition says it has enough votes to pass the vote.
A minority state Liberal premier appears to be a dead man walking, with his political opposition garnering enough support to pass a no-confidence motion.
Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff has been under increasing pressure over his handling of the state's budget, Bass Strait ferry delays, a plan to sell assets and a new stadium.
The motion, put forward by Labor opposition leader Dean Winter, appears all but certain to pass, with the Greens and three crossbench MPs voicing their support.
After more than nine hours of debate on Wednesday night, a majority of MPs voted to continue debating the motion on Thursday.
"The deals the premier struck for minority government after the last election have collapsed," Labor leader Dean Winter told parliament.
"Three independent members of the crossbench have lost confidence in the premier.
"(This is) due to his financial mismanagement, his appalling handling of the Spirit of Tasmania project, and his plan to privatise Tasmania's most precious assets."
If a no-confidence motion against Rockliff is successful, convention dictates he resign.
Rockliff has conceded the numbers are against him but has vowed to "fight to his last breath" and not resign.
"If Mr Winter's divisive and destructive motion is passed, I will be going to the lieutenant-governor and seeking an election," he said ahead of Thursday's debate.
"This will be advice I will provide to the governor that an election is needed, unless Mr Winter forms government with the Greens."
Rockliff said Tasmania did not want and could not afford an election.
The Liberals, who have been in power since 2014, are governing in minority with just 14 of 35 seats in the lower house.
Last week's 2025/26 budget predicted debt would more than double to $10.8 billion in four years' time, with deficits each year.
Greens leader Rosalie Woodruff said the premier had brought the no-confidence motion on himself.
"Poll after poll have made it abundantly clear that Tasmanians do not, will not, support a new stadium at Macquarie Point in Hobart," she said.
The stadium, which is supported by Labor, is a condition of the Tasmania Devils entering the AFL competition in 2028.
