Premier Jeremy Rockliff has released a draft ‘stability agreement’ today in an attempt to cobble together enough crossbench support to form a government.
His statement and the stability document are reproduced below.
Media release – Jeremy Rockliff, Premier, 22 July 2025
Enhancing collaboration with Foundations of Stability
The Tasmanian Liberal Party is continuing to pave the way for an enhanced era of collaborative governing. After the election forced upon Tasmania by Dean Winter, the Liberals are looking forward to working in good faith with the Parliament that the people have voted for.
The Foundations of Stability are intended to be a starting point that can be explored in more depth and co-developed.
“Today I have circulated a draft framework to help ensure the new Parliament works effectively,” Premier Jeremy Rockliff said.
“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.
“The draft Foundations of Stability framework has four initial elements: A Stability Agreement, Multi-Partisan Budget Matters Panel, Ministerial Consultation Protocols and Crossbench Liaison Office.
“These enhanced working protocols will enable a collaborative approach that is in the best interest of all Tasmanians. This will include regular working meetings with leaders and representatives of all parties and independents.
“It will also provide an opportunity for earlier engagement on important legislation and policies. We’ve made significant inroads when it comes to improving standing orders in Parliament.
“This builds on that important work. Tasmanians have delivered a minority Parliament.
“It is now incumbent on each of us to find a new way of governing in the best interests of Tasmanians. The draft Foundations of Stability paves a new way forward.
“And every member of Parliament must take responsibility for ensuring stability for our state.”
Foundations of Stability
The start of a collaborative framework to help ensure Parliament works together 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.
This will be supported by regular working meetings with leaders and representatives of all parties and independents to ensure the continued effective functioning of Parliament.
Initial proposals include:
Stability Agreement with Code of Engagement
A jointly signed “Stability Agreement” between the Government and all interested independents and single-member parties, covering:
» Recognition of the diversity of views as a strength, not a weakness
» Principles of respectful conduct
» Shared consultation timelines on new legislation and policies
» Commitment to avoid procedural traps.
Multi-Partisan Budget Matters Panel
A multi-partisan approach to engage in the budget development process, including seeking input from Parliamentarians and external organisations, as we seek to address structural issues in the Tasmanian Budget and sensibly return to surplus.
Ministerial Consultation Protocols
Cabinet to adopt a protocol of regular informal consultation with the crossbench on major policy directions, including:
» Regular briefings
» Early drafts of significant legislation or policies
» Space and resources to offer amendments or alternatives.
Crossbench Liaison Office
Establish a dedicated Crossbench Liaison Office, tasked with:
» Coordinating regular briefings for MPs » Providing access to departmental information on upcoming legislation
» Supporting independent analysis of major policy/bills.
These additional measures are designed to serve as a starting point, building on the following matters that were implemented during the previous Parliament.
We are committed to continuing and furthering the following items:
» Office of Parliamentary Council access for private members’ bills and amendments
» Regular access to departmental briefings
» Regular Premier and Ministerial meetings
» Continue to monitor staff resources to allow members to effectively represent their community, noting increases provided at the start of the previous term
» Continuation of autonomy with direct department resources for own office management
» Continued development of a Parliamentary Budget Office
» Every piece of legislation is discussed on its merits
» Every policy is discussed on its merits
» Every policy-related motion is discussed on its merits
» Further reform to standing orders if desired, noting the significant improvements made last year.
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