• Andrew Wilkie MP, Independent Member for Denson: No Deals
The Independent Member for Denison, Andrew Wilkie, clearly rules out entering into an agreement to support Labor or Liberal to form government after the next federal election.
Mr Wilkie said he had decided to clearly rule out entering into an agreement to support the Labor or Liberal parties after the next federal election.
“If there is another hung parliament I’ll not block supply to whoever wins the majority of seats and forms government,” Mr Wilkie said.
“All other votes, including motions of no-confidence, I’ll approach on their merits.
“This will not diminish my ability to represent and deliver for Denison. In fact I’ve remained a key vote on numerous legislative reforms and been able to extract just as much federal government investment in Denison since I withdrew my support for the government as I achieved beforehand.
“For instance since the government reneged on its deal with me in January 2012 I’ve secured, among other things, the $325m health rescue package, $50m for the remediation of the Hobart railyards, $4m for a new Moonah Arts Centre and $3.375m for new street lighting in Hobart and Glenorchy.”
Karen Brown pic of Anna Reynolds (With Bob Brown)
• Anna Renolds, Greens candidate for Denison: Secret Wilkie deal with Abbott on Denison?
The Greens are calling on the current member for Denison, Andrew Wilkie, to clarify any agreements he has reached with Mr Abbott and the Liberal Party regarding the seat of Denison.
In today’s Sunday Tasmanian, Mr Wilkie speaks about Tony Abbott, saying that: “we do meet regularly and I have no reason to think he would be hostile to Denison if he becomes Prime Minister, so long as I retain the seat”.
The Liberal Party have not announced a candidate for Denison in September’s federal election.
Greens candidate Anna Reynolds called on Mr Wilkie to provide a complete picture of his discussions about Denison and candidate arrangements with Mr Abbott and the Liberal Party.
“What discussions have led Mr Wilkie to believe that Denison will benefit if he retains his seat in an Abbott-led Coalition Government?” Ms Reynolds said.
