David O’Byrne: I Will Vote Freely

Media release – David O’Byrne, Independent for Franklin, 24 April 2024

Statement from David O’Byrne

Today I am announcing that I have finalised arrangements with the Premier to ensure we are able to have a Parliament that that can function and work in the best interests of Tasmania.

This understanding has been reached in the absence of any other party or coalition putting their hand up and attempting form a government. Tasmanians want – and need – this new Parliament to be stable and workable. They do not want to see their Parliament revert to the chaotic game-playing and manoeuvring that occurred before the election, or go back to the polls prematurely.

Under this arrangement, I will support the passage of money bills necessary to provide supply to the Government and have committed to not supporting any no confidence motion, except in instances of gross incompetence, corruption, reprehensible failures of policy and governance, or serious misbehaviour by the Premier or any minister. I will also not support frivolous or loaded motions or moves designed to create parliamentary instability.

To be clear, this understanding does not compromise or change my position on any policy matter. I will still freely vote on all matters based on my values, and in line with the commitments I made to the people of Franklin.

I have always been a staunch critic of successive Liberal governments in Tasmania, governments that have failed to improve government services and failed to improve the lives of Tasmanians. However, dragging Tasmanians back to the polls prematurely is not the solution that our state needs right now.

Going forward, my focus will be fighting for the better outcomes Tasmanians deserve, standing up for what matters, and delivering practical, positive changes for the community.

That is the commitment I gave Tasmanians at the election, and that is the commitment I will uphold.

In return for my commitment to the Premier, I have negotiated greater access to departmental briefings and greater access to the Office of Parliamentary Counsel for assistance with drafting more of my own private member’s bills.

I have also sought for the way in which budget estimates and scrutiny committees are conducted to be reviewed, to provide greater transparency and accountability, and for ‘Dorothy Dix’ questions in Parliament to be abolished.

My commitment has been made to Premier Jeremy Rockliff only and ceases to be in effect if he is no longer in that role.

In the interests of transparency, the full details of this arrangement, including all related correspondence between myself and the Premier, will be made public.

TASMANIAN TIMES: Premier Releases O’Byrne, Johnston Agreement Letters.

TASMANIAN TIMES: Kristie Johnston Agrees Confidence & Supply Deal with Rockliff.