Independents Tucker & Alexander: ‘We’re Focussed on Transparency, Not Destabilisation’

Media release – Independent Member for Lyons, John Tucker MP; independent Member for Bass, Lara Alexander MP, 28 June 2023

Independents John Tucker MP and Lara Alexander MP reaffirm their position is about transparency, accountability, and due diligence

In response to recent speculation and misinformation circulating in the public domain, independent Member for Lyons, John Tucker MP, and independent Member for Bass, Lara Alexander, MP, reiterate their primary focus is on transparency, accountability, and due diligence; not on destabilising the Rockliff Government.

The assertions made by certain public relations companies aligned with the Rockliff Liberal Government, and sections of the media are nothing more than political mischief or intentional dissemination of misinformation.

Since their initial announcement on May 12, 2023, both independent MPs have fulfilled their pledge to ensure the continued funding of government operations for a 12-months period, through to the 2024/2025 State Budget.

Quoting from their previous media statement issued on May 12, 2023, the independent MPs explicitly stated: “While we are moving to the crossbenches, we have assured the Premier that we will guarantee supply for the upcoming [since passed] State Budget, to fund government operations for the next 12 months.”

Mr Tucker emphasised: “Our commitment to guaranteeing supply to the Rockliff Government is still current. We are committed to fulfilling our responsibilities, ensuring the smooth functioning of the state’s governance, and facilitating the effective implementation of policies. However, our commitment is based on the Government demonstrating far more transparency and working in an open, collaborative manner.”

“Whilst last week I voted against the Government on issues relating to lack of transparency, I did not support the censure motion against the Minister,” Mr Tucker said.

Lara Alexander, MP, reiterated the message, stating: “Any suggestion or insinuation that our position is about creating disruption and bringing the Government down is baseless and misleading.”

“It is very obvious the well-funded propaganda machine is running full steam ahead to create as much confusion as possible and muddy the waters for Mr Tucker and me,” Mrs Alexander said.

“Guaranteeing supply does not mean, nor has it ever meant, voting to support the government on every issue brought to parliament. Those who promulgate this position are either politically ignorant or purposely attempting to mislead voters,” Mrs Alexander added.

Both independent Members urge the public and media outlets to refer to their media statement of May 12, 2023, which explicitly clarifies their position on guaranteeing supply. They caution against the propagation of false narratives and the dissemination of misinformation that may create unnecessary confusion for voters and uncertainty in the business sector.

For reference (below), please see the relevant sections of the media statement circulated by Mr Tucker and Mrs Alexander on May 12, 2023.

While we are moving to the crossbenches, we have assured the Premier that we will guarantee supply for the upcoming State Budget, to fund government operations for the next 12 months.

The biggest issue facing Tasmanians today is the spiralling cost of living. For 120,000 Tasmanians struggling to survive on incomes, which are at or below the poverty line; particularly those who are homeless. It is, and has been for some time, a real crisis. Many Tasmanians are battling to meet the rising cost of food, mortgages, rent, as well as many other costs of living expenses that we face every day. The Premier is fiddling with luxuries, while Tasmania yearns for action on needs.

The debt situation is hugely important – not just because of the size of the debt itself but because of the opportunity cost that debt servicing will soak up for years, if not generations to come. The potential risk to taxpayers from this undertaking is so significant that everything must be on the table and the Parliament, as representatives of the people, must be front and centre.

Our move to the cross benches as independents will certainly enhance the power of the Parliament and it will allow thorough scrutiny of the stadium project. The first requirement is total transparency together with a rigorous assessment process, with a thorough assessment of the risks and opportunity cost.

That means full disclosure to all Members of both Houses of all relevant information from the start of this process, including minutes, correspondence, agreements, and contracts signed or exchanged with the AFL, the Australian Government, or other parties.

We also expect the Government to agree to full transparency and Parliamentary oversight of the Marinus Link and Battery of the Nation project, and associated works, through forensic assessment by the Parliament of these initiatives as Projects of State Significance. It appears the Australian Government has decided that the states will carry the liabilities for energy developments, which means Tasmanians, either directly through government or through energy businesses, could be on the hook for billions of dollars for the proposed Marinus Link and development projects associated with the renewable energy transition. As it stands now, we are witnessing the proposed accumulation of billions of dollars of debt, which the state cannot afford, and future generations will have to pay back.

Our plan means Parliament, rather than the minority government, will remain sovereign and it will have the final say on the stadium, Marinus Link, and the Battery of the Nation. It is important to note the forensic scrutiny we expect is designed to ensure rigorous assessment. It is not designed to kill any of these projects.