Media release – Jacqui Lambie Network, 14 May 2024

JLN supports Michelle O’Byrne as Speaker of the House: “A new era of transparency and integrity”

JLN MPs, Miriam Beswick, Andrew Jenner and Rebekah Pentland, have thrown their support behind Speaker nominee, Michelle O’Byrne, in her nomination for Speaker of the House of Assembly.

A Speaker must preside over proceedings with impartiality and provide guidance in matters of procedure.

Michelle O’Byrne is highly qualified for this role, and the JLN Members believe that she will deliver rigour and discipline to the proceedings of the House – which is especially important with the increased numbers of MPs in our Parliament.

The JLN Members thank Mark Shelton for his service to the Crown as Speaker of the House since 2021 (and previously in 2017-2018).

The JLN Members have informed the Rockliff Government of their intentions to support Michelle O’Byrne and look forward to a new era of transparency and integrity in the Tasmanian Parliament.

Tasmanians deserve transparency and the JLN will continue to work with the Rockliff government and Members of Parliament collaboratively for the benefit of all Tasmanians.

Jeremy Rockliff, Premier, 14 May 2024

Statement from the Premier

It is the Tasmanian Government’s intention for this Parliament to be as collaborative and constructive as possible, avoiding unnecessary division and dissent.

We need to be firmly focused on working together to achieve outcomes on the issues that matter for Tasmanians while delivering certainty and stability.

Accordingly, we have listened to the will of the Members and the Parliamentary Liberal Party has decided not to contest the Speakership on the floor of the House.

I take this opportunity to acknowledge the leadership and wise counsel Mark Shelton has provided to the House in his years of service, and I wish the new Speaker all the very best.

Media release – Dean Winter MP, Labor Leader, 14 May 2024

Statement from Dean Winter

On behalf of Tasmanian Labor I congratulate Michelle O’Byrne for being chosen by the parliament to become Speaker.

Michelle’s knowledge of parliamentary processes is unrivalled among Tasmanian MPs. Michelle was the best person for the job – that’s why we nominated her.

We know Michelle will be fearlessly fair as Speaker. That is a good thing.

Throughout her career she has demonstrated a commitment to upholding the highest standards of accountability and transparency and I am certain she will make a terrific Speaker.

Ms O’Byrne’s shadow portfolios will be distributed accordingly:

Sarah Lovell will become Shadow Minister for Children and Youth.

Ella Haddad will become Shadow Minister for Community Services.

Jen Butler will become Shadow Minister for Women.

Meg Brown will become Shadow Minister for Heritage & Arts.

The Economic Development shadow portfolio will be brought under Anita Dow as Shadow Minister for Industry and Regional Development.