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Independent MPs on Minority Government Negotiations
David O’Byrne press conference in downtown Hobart
As we await the final outcome of the election, Premier Jeremy Rockliff continues in his view that his party will again form government. On Tuesday this week he said “Today I have circulated a draft framework to help ensure the new Parliament works effectively.”
“We will seek to co-develop an enhanced working protocol that enables the Government, independents, and single-member parties to work together in the best interests of all Tasmanians,” he said, further adding, “It is now incumbent on each of us to find a new way of governing in the best interests of Tasmanians.”
A joint statement issued today from independent MHAs Craig Garland and Kristie Johnston, and independent candidate Peter George is published below, along with a statement from independent MHA David O’Byrne.
Media release – Joint Statement from independent MPs Craig Garland and Kristie Johnston, and independent candidate Peter George, 24 July 2025
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In light of the significant public interest and ongoing media speculation about the formation of a minority government following Saturday’s election—and following the Premier’s public statement on Monday—we are issuing this formal joint statement. In making this joint statement, we want to be clear that we are not indicating a formal or informal alliance together.
Any suggestion that only one major party has a mandate to form government is simply incorrect, and for that reason, like other crossbench members, we will be speaking to both major parties about confidence and supply.
While informal discussions have begun, we will not begin formal negotiations with either major party until the results of the House of Assembly election are confirmed. This is not expected to occur for at least another week.
We will continue to request briefings through the Premier’s office from relevant Government Departments, including follow-up requests to access the Whole-of-State Business Case for the Marinus project.
We will also use this time to meet with other members of both Houses and seek advice from independent experts across key policy areas, including the economy and governance.
We will not be conducting negotiations through the media. Good faith, mutual respect and trust are essential foundations for any successful negotiation and for the stability of any power-sharing arrangement.
Now is the time to set the tone for the next Parliament.
So, while we appreciate the public and media interest in this process, and the need for transparency, in order to demonstrate trust, good faith and respect during these discussions, we will only be providing updates with the prior agreement of all involved.
We expect the same approach from the major parties if they are also committed to negotiating with us in good faith.
We anticipate that this process will take a number of weeks and will not be pressured or railroaded by either major party.
We remain committed to a respectful and constructive process focused on achieving a stable and accountable government for Tasmania.
Statement from independent MP David O’Byrne, taken from his Facebook post, 24 July 2025
Everyone is keen to discuss this complex set of circumstances we find ourselves in after the election delivered another minority parliament. While the last couple of seats are yet to be finalised, it’s clear the Liberals will win the most seats.
However unlike last election, Labor have announced they intend to try and form government from 10 or 11 seats.
This will require Labor to secure support from the Greens as well as some on the crossbench. I am speaking with the leaders of both parties to understand how they intend to form government and to manage parliament to ensure we are not back at another early election.
I’m not going to either party with a list of demands or trade-offs they will need to meet secure my vote. That wasn’t my approach last time, and that hasn’t changed this time around.
Each independent is just one of 35. Most Tasmanians voted for one of the three parties and we need to respect that.
In turn, if parties are making policy concessions to independents to win their support, that’s something I will want to know about to help with my own decision making.
I demonstrated during my last term I was able to achieve some good outcomes, including getting a Bill passed and having some policy wins, without holding the government to ransom over every issue. I also held the government to account and voted against the government on many occasions.
Having had the privilege of being re-elected, that’s the approach I will continue in the next parliament.
Featured image above: David O’Byrne press conference, via Facebook.
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