BREAKING: Tasmania Premier Threatens Election Call Over Opposition Motion
Tasmania Premier Jeremy Rockcliffe threatened Thursday to call a snap election if an opposition motion passes, escalating a political crisis that could force Tasmanians to the polls.
Rockcliffe said he would advise the Lieutenant Governor to dissolve parliament and call an election if a motion by opposition leader Winter succeeds in the state legislature.
"If Mr Winter's divisive and destructive motion is passed, I will be going to the Lieutenant Governor and seeking an election," Rockcliffe told reporters in Hobart.
The Premier framed the potential election as unnecessary and costly for the state, placing blame squarely on the opposition for the political standoff.
"This will be an election that Tasmanians don't want and Tasmania cannot afford," Rockcliffe said. "Be that on Mr Winter's head."
The Premier characterized the opposition's actions as a power grab, suggesting voters would punish the move at the ballot box.
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"This has been a selfish grab for power, of which Tasmanians will look upon very poorly indeed," he said.
Rockcliffe outlined an alternative scenario where Winter could form government with the Greens, though he provided few details about how such an arrangement might work.
The Premier defended his government's record during the confrontational press conference, citing investments in health, education and community safety. He pointed to Tasmania's economic performance as justification for remaining in office.
"We have created an economy that is leading the nation with record low unemployment," Rockcliffe said.
The Premier emphasized his determination to fight the political challenge, rejecting suggestions he might step aside.
"I have a lot more fight in me," he said. "We have built a better Tasmania."
Rockcliffe made his strongest statement about his political future in direct response to Winter's challenge.
"The only job Mr Winter is interested in is mine, and I am not going anywhere," the Premier said.
The political crisis threatens to interrupt the government's legislative agenda and could trigger Tasmania's first unscheduled election in years. The timing of any potential election would depend on the Lieutenant Governor's response to Rockcliffe's advice.
The nature of Winter's motion was not detailed in the Premier's remarks, though the threat of an election call suggests it poses a significant challenge to the government's ability to maintain confidence in parliament.
Rockcliffe outlined his government's achievements over the past decade, including what he described as investments in keeping children safe and improvements to schools. The Premier suggested these accomplishments could be at risk if the opposition succeeds.
"I cannot let Mr Winter's selfish grab for power destroy what we have built over the course of the last decade," he said.
The political standoff comes as Tasmania faces various policy challenges, though the Premier's focus remained on defending his government's record and attacking the opposition's motives.
The Lieutenant Governor's response to any formal advice from the Premier will determine whether Tasmanians face an early election or whether the current parliament continues.
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