Politics
Political Clashes Mark Parliament’s 2026 Return
State parliament returned on Tuesday, 3 March, and has since been marked by political clashes, fiscal warnings, and competing visions for the Tasmania’s future.
State parliament returned on Tuesday, 3 March 2026, and has since been marked by political clashes, fiscal warnings, and competing visions for the Tasmania’s future.
Media Release – Ella Haddad MP, Leader of Opposition Business in the House of Assembly, 2 March 2025
Rockliff Returns With No Plan, No Ambition – Still Warring With Workers
As Parliament returns for 2026, Tasmanians would be forgiven for thinking nothing has changed with the tired, old, Rockliff Liberal Government.
Premier Rockliff still has no plan, and no ambition. All he does is tinker around the edges, which won’t make a difference.
At the end of last year, the Liberals were at loggerheads with key public sector workers.
Instead of making progress, the Rockliff Government – being led by out-of-touch Treasurer Eric Abetz – has chosen to disrespect and undervalue workers while negotiating in bad faith, and a resolution seems further away than ever.
Over the past few days we’ve seen the release of Treasury’s Fiscal Sustainability Report, which exposed the scale of the cuts Eric Abetz will need to make to address 12 years of Liberal financial mismanagement. 2,800 public sector workers are already on the Treasurer’s chopping block, but it’s unlikely the cuts will stop there.
We’ve seen the release of information showing the Liberals are spending 600 per cent more than they were four years ago on agency and locum nurses, demonstrating their failure to properly plan and develop the healthcare workforce for more than a decade.
This Government’s modus operandi is to ignore problems until it’s far too late, which ultimately makes the consequences for Tasmanians far worse.
Labor will approach this year like we ended the last, holding Liberal Ministers to account.
Then it was Minister Duigan, who got more than a wake-up call when he was censured for his appalling treatment of the North Launceston Football Club.
Under-pressure Ministers Bridget Archer and Jo Palmer have seriously under-performed this term, they would be wise to start demonstrating some capability to solve the massive issues continuing to impact their respective portfolios.
Media Release – Ella Haddad MP, Leader of Opposition Business in the House of Assembly, 2 March 2025
Liberals Confirm They Are Completely Out of Touch
With the state’s finances on the path to oblivion and Tasmania’s health and education systems at crisis point as workforces head towards further industrial action, one might expect their Government to outline what they are doing to address such serious issues.
Not Jeremy Rockliff’s Government.
Instead, as Parliament returns for the year, the Liberals are focussed on making it easier to serve alcohol in the beer garden.
While Labor has no issues with making it easier for businesses to do business, and we support this common sense change to the licensing rules, the Liberals’ choice of focus shows they are still completely out of touch, and don’t have any answers to the problems they have created.
This week is the first time the Parliament will meet this year. You’d think the Government might want to address some of the very serious issues facing Tasmanians right now.
Minister Jane Howlett is notorious for not answering serious questions, and for not being able to provide any detail about serious issues involving her Government.
With escalating industrial action and the state’s catastrophic finances on the agenda, Tasmanians want answers from senior Liberals who can give them.
Instead, it looks like Minster Howlett has been deployed to distract from the ongoing power struggle between the Premier and his Treasurer, as Eric Abetz sharpens his knife to gut Tasmania’s public services.
Media Release – Tabatha Badger MP, Greens spokesperson for the Prevention of Family Violence, 2 March 2026
Liberals Must Act on Family Violence
Reporting of Family and Domestic violence incidents is rising in Tasmania, so the Liberal Government should be doing everything in its power to strengthen and expand vital behaviour change initiatives, not quietly allowing a tax-payer funded program to sit idle.
News that the federally-funded Respectful Men’s Program, which is run by the Tasmanian Prison Service, has not been running since December due to a staff shortages is seriously concerning.
In 2025, 68 people were enrolled in another program, the Justice Department’s Family Violence Intervention Program, yet only 26 completed it. By comparison, the Sober Driver Programme saw 49 people enrol and 48 complete the course. We have sought a briefing to understand why this program is producing underwhelming results but are yet to hear back from the department.
Why, when we most need these programs for rehabilitation and behaviour change to keep Tasmanian women and children safe, is the state failing to deliver outcomes or failing to deliver programs at all?
Ensuring Tasmania has continually running, accessible programs is fundamental, not optional, in reducing harm and overcoming Family and Domestic violence in the state.
Responding to, and preventing, violence against women and families promptly is key to improving community safety, so ensuring Tasmania has a full workforce in early intervention, prevention and harm reduction services is vital.
We are hearing concerns that if the Liberal Government can’t run programs that are funded by the Federal Government – how will they cope with the forecast fiscal disaster of the looming 2026-27 State Budget?
We call on the Liberal Government to put a full stop on any doubt cast over their response to the family and domestic violence epidemic in Tasmania, and to step up their resourcing to the specialist sector and workforce.
Media Release – Josh Willie MP, Labor Leader, 3 March 2025
Premier, Ministers Too Weak to Stand up to Treasurer Abetz
Last week, Treasurer Eric Abetz uttered his now infamous assessment that “police have a more difficult role than public servants”.
It was an extraordinary comment that pitted Tasmanian workers against each other, made even more extraordinary by the fact it was said while his Government continues its bad-faith negotiations with key public sector workforces.
Worryingly for those workers, none of the out-of-touch Treasurer’s Cabinet colleagues stood up to him today.
Premier Rockliff has become too weak to stand up to Treasurer Abetz for Tasmanian workers.
Minister Palmer is too weak to stand up to Eric Abetz for Tasmanian teachers, support staff or staff at Ashley Youth Detention Centre.
Minister Archer is too weak to stand up to Eric Abetz for healthcare workers working in under-resourced, overcrowded hospitals under growing pressure.
It was a stark example of exactly what’s going wrong with Jeremy Rockliff and his tired old Government.
The Premier is focussed on trying to survive. He has no ambition, no agenda, and to make things worse he’s being undermined by his Treasurer every step of the way.
All this equals bad news for Tasmanians, who are bracing for the Treasurer’s cuts in the wake of a truly frightening Fiscal Sustainability Report from Treasury last week.
Media Release – Shane Broad MP, Shadow Minister for Building & Construction, 3 March 2026
Building Approvals Plunge Again Under Rockliff
Building approvals in Tasmania have plummeted again under the Liberal-Greens Government, with the latest ABS data showing just 172 dwellings approved last month – 55 fewer than the month before.
At a time when Tasmania is facing a housing crisis, this is simply unacceptable.
We’ve got record demand for housing, rising rents, growing homelessness, and now approvals going backwards yet again. The pipeline is drying up, confidence is collapsing, and the Liberals are nowhere to be seen.
This government has spent more than a decade promising to fix the planning system and failing to deliver.
Ask any builder, any developer, or any Tasmanian family trying to build their own home and they’ll tell you the same thing. Red tape is strangling supply and holding the state back.
Twelve years ago, the Liberals promised to make planning “fairer, faster, cheaper and simpler” through a single state-wide planning scheme. Instead, builders are telling us it’s slower, more complex, and more expensive than ever.
Media Release – Helen Burnet MP, Independent Member for Clark, 3 March 2026
The Holiday is Over
The Tasmanian Parliament finally sits again this week. On average, over the last 10 years, the Tasmanian Parliament takes a longer summer break than any other Parliament in the country, and this year was no exception. It’s not just the summer break. In 2025, the Tasmanian Parliament sat for just 37 days, again fewer than any other State Parliament, and just 33 the year prior.
At a time when the Treasurer is looking for greater productivity and efficiency in the public service, the same should be expected of the Parliament.
This isn’t just a question of productivity and value for money for the taxpayer, it’s about scrutiny. A parliament cannot scrutinise a government when it isn’t sitting.
We return to work against a backdrop of a stark warning in the latest Fiscal Sustainability Report: that Tasmania’s finances are set to “rapidly deteriorate”. Advice from Treasury is that “immediate action” is required before the state’s debt becomes unmanageable. And this is only one of the many urgent issues facing this state.
It’s no wonder people are fed up with politics as usual.
While Tasmanians face immense challenges accessing affordable housing and healthcare, and a critical Budget to come in May, it’s crucial that our elected representatives – across all parties – step up and meet these challenges head on. I call on the Premier to allow the Parliament to properly scrutinise his Government by increasing the number of parliamentary sitting days. Anything less would do Tasmanians a grave disservice.
Media Release – Jeremy Rockliff, Premier, 3 March 2026
Sharp Focus on Building Tasmania
The Tasmanian Government is sharpening its focus on delivering the infrastructure and services Tasmanians deserve.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff has announced in his annual State of the State address that the Department of State Growth will undergo a total transformation to ensure we are delivering on the Government’s 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future.
“Over a decade ago, the Hodgman Liberal Government established the Department of State Growth to aggressively grow the economy and create jobs,” Premier Rockliff said.
“Since then, more than 50,000 new jobs have been created, and the economy has thrived.
“In that decade, Tasmania has grown strongly and with that growth comes new opportunity.
“Now is not the time to rest. Now is the time to do more.
“Over the coming months, we will create a new department called Building Tasmania.
“Headed by Minister Kerry Vincent, Building Tasmania will ensure our ongoing infrastructure delivery, so the state continues to move forward.
“It will get things built.
“It will get things done.
“It will supercharge delivery of the housing, the roads, the infrastructure our state needs to be fit for the future.
“These changes will ensure the state service is best able to support Tasmania and Tasmanian businesses with an agile, streamlined and client-centred focus.”
The reshaping of the state service will ensure the appropriate right-sizing of the organisation with a reduction in headcount in line with our election commitment.
It will help improve the budget, freeing up more than a quarter of a billion dollars.
Functions within the old DSG will be realigned with our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future, including a new Economic Development entity to keep driving our growth agenda.
A new entity incorporating Tourism, Events and Creative Tasmania will also be established to keep forging our state’s future as a destination economy and a leader in the arts.
These changes will take place over time with absolute consideration to ensure our workforce is involved, supported and respected.
More information can be found here.
Media Release – Ella Haddad MP, Leader of Opposition Business in the House of Assembly, 3 March 2025
Rockliff Government Runs Out of Steam
If Tasmanians needed a reminder that Jeremy Rockliff’s Government had run out of steam, they got it in today’s State of the State response.
In a speech devoid of vision or ambition, the Premier’s centrepiece announcement wasn’t a new initiative to help Tasmanians live their best lives.
It wasn’t a solution to the myriad of issues holding our state back.
It was a departmental restructure, described by his existing departments as a “machinery of government change”.
How the Premier thinks just shuffling functions around the public sector will address the gaping holes in the budget, or the health and housing crises is anyone’s guess.
And while he continues to cut jobs and budget from the public sector things are only going to get worse.
After 12 years of the Liberals, Jeremy Rockliff has no plan and no ambition for Tasmanians, except for cutting the public service to keep Treasurer Abetz happy.
Media Release – Rosalie Woodruff MP, Greens Leader, 3 March 2026
Leadership MIA in Stale State of the State
With the state of Tasmania confronting major economic, social, climate and environmental challenges, we need leadership now more than ever. Unfortunately for all Tasmanians, there was none to be seen in this year’s State of the State address.
As Premier of Tasmania, Jeremy Rockliff should have stepped up to the lectern and outlined a proper agenda for the year ahead – the legislation and reform that will make our state a better place. Instead, it was a speech full of empty sentiments, re-announcements, and shuffling the deck chairs.
Soon to enter his fifth year as Premier, it feels like Jeremy Rockliff has run out of steam. Either that or he’s been so restricted by the deeply conservative members of his Cabinet that he is left with nothing to offer.
The idea of ‘Building Tasmania’ sounds like something straight out of Utopia. It would be laughable if it didn’t come at the cost of 250 Tasmanian jobs.
Tasmanians don’t want yet more hollow words from politicians. They want – and deserve – real and lasting change that will improve their lives and protect what makes the island home we all share so special.
While the Premier’s address was underwhelming and tired, the good news is that in this minority Parliament it’s not only the Liberals who get a say. All MPs have the opportunity to drive the actions that our state needs and deserves – and that’s exactly what the Greens will be doing.
Media Release – Meg Brown MP, Shadow Minister for Housing, 3 March 2026
Liberals Admit Homes Tasmania Failure
The Liberals have finally admitted their Homes Tasmania experiment has been a complete failure, with Jeremy Rockliff moving to bring the body under a new banner.
Labor warned Homes Tasmania would be a failure from the start, and the numbers speak for itself.
Since its establishment, Tasmania’s housing waitlist has grown out of control, now numbering over 5,000 primary applicants.
We’ve seen Homes Tasmania build six homes in seven years under the Liberals’ “fast-track” housing program.
Homes Tasmania has been more focussed on shifting goalposts and counting vacant blocks of land towards housing targets instead of helping get Tasmanians who need it into housing.
Simply moving Homes Tasmania under a new banner won’t fix these issues, and Housing Minister Vincent needs to outline how he will actually get the entity building more homes.
Media Release – Civil Contractors Federation Tasmania (CCF), 4 March 2026
CCF Tasmania Welcomes Building Tasmania Announcement
The Civil Contractors Federation Tasmania is calling on the Government to ensure the new Building Tasmania entity will sharpen the State’s focus on delivering the infrastructure Tasmania needs.
CCF Tasmania CEO Andrew Winch said the announcement sends an important signal about the role construction plays in Tasmania’s economic future.
“Civil construction underpins everything,” Mr Winch said.
“By putting that front and centre with Building Tasmania is a positive step.
“Our members are ready to build, but what we need is stronger coordination across government, faster decision making and better project sequencing.
“If this change delivers more streamlined governance, less duplication and a stronger whole-of-government approach to infrastructure planning, that is good news for the industry and for Tasmanians.”
CCF Tasmania has consistently called for reforms that lift productivity across the construction sector, noting that even modest efficiency gains can have significant impacts on project timelines and costs.
“Infrastructure delivery is becoming more complex and more expensive. That makes it even more important that agencies responsible for oversight and coordination are focused, responsive and outcomes-driven,” Mr Winch said.
Mr Winch said the construction sector employs thousands of Tasmanians and supports regional communities across the State.
“When we put infrastructure at the centre of policy and decision making, we are investing in jobs, skills and long-term economic growth,” he said.
“We look forward to working constructively with the Government to deliver a strong, fit-for-purpose Building Tasmania entity to ensure projects are delivered properly and with maximum value for taxpayers.”
Media Release – Guy Barnett, Minister for Small Business, Trade and Consumer Affairs, 4 March 2026
Legislation to Freeze National Construction Code Tabled
The Rockliff Government is delivering on our commitment to freeze changes to the National Construction Code to prevent national rules adding cost and unnecessary red tape to building in Tasmania.
The Building Amendment Bill 2026 has been tabled in Parliament.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Small Business, Trade and Consumer Affairs, Guy Barnett, said the Bill is critical to provide certainty for the building and construction industry, and cutting red tape of Tasmanians building a home.
“While other jurisdictions move ahead with implementing yet another round of changes to the National Construction Code this year, Tasmania is taking a different path – prioritising certainty and affordability by freezing further changes,” Minister Barnett said.
“Backed by the Housing Industry Association and Master Builders Tasmania, Tasmania has led the charge on this.
“Even the Federal Government has now acknowledged that constant NCC changes add cost and complexity to building.”
The Bill introduced today puts Tasmania in control, allowing the State to stop future red tape or cost imposed by national changes.
“We are delivering for Tasmania, ensuring our construction industry can continue to build the State’s future,” Minister Barnett said.
“This reflects a balanced approach to building regulation – one that supports current construction needs and manages future regulatory requirements appropriately and in the interests of Tasmania.”
Media Release – Ella Haddad MP, Shadow Attorney-General, Shadow Minister for Integrity, 4 March 2026
Howlett Should Resign After Repeatedly Misleading Parliament
Jane Howlett should resign after being caught red-handed repeatedly misleading Parliament.
Reporting from the ABC has revealed that Minister Howlett’s office knew about TasRacing’s communications promoting the Liberal Party’s TasInsure policy before they were issued.
The Minister herself confirmed in Question Time today that her office provided information to TasRacing about the TasInsure policy.
During GBE scrutiny hearings, Minister Howlett told the committee that neither she nor anyone in her office was aware of the communications before they were sent.
She repeated that claim in Parliament when questioned by Labor.
Her dishonesty is astounding. The only question now is whether Jane Howlett will do the right thing and resign from cabinet.
If not, Premier Rockliff must take responsibility for the standards he expects from his ministers.
If the Premier refuses to act, it will once again fall to the Parliament to hold this Government to account.
Media Release – Marcus Vermey, Government Whip, 5 March 2026
Labor Must Outline Their Tax Plan
Labor is scheming about how to tax Tasmanians.
The Shadow Treasurer backed by his mentor Aird said it just days ago.
They need to come clean and tell Tasmanians where they’re going to slug them.
Under this Liberal Government there is a pathway forward.
No new taxes backed in by Building Tasmania.
Labor must outline their tax plan to all Tasmanians.
Media Release – Kerry Vincent, Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, 5 March 2026
Building Tasmania to Supercharge Delivery
Building Tasmania will supercharge the delivery of housing, roads, schools and hospitals for Tasmanians.
Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Kerry Vincent, said Tasmania has a bright future.
“The Department of State Growth has delivered a decade of growth under our stewardship,” Minister Vincent said.
“It has revolutionised the state, and we should acknowledge this fantastic work.
“As we enter a new era of opportunity, now is the time to evolve and to keep this progress going, sharpening our focus on delivery.
“It is vitally important to have housing, infrastructure delivery and everything that builds our great state all under one roof.
“This will make things more efficient, streamlining how we do things and allowing us all to benefit from a focused system.
“It will get things done.
“Importantly, it will mean we’re delivering the best possible outcomes for Tasmanians.
“This change will also save the budget a quarter of a billion dollars.”
More information can be found here.
Media Release – Tabatha Badger MP, Greens Mining Spokesperson, 5 March 2026
Greens Table Bill To Ban Fracking
The Greens have tabled a bill to permanently ban fracking in Tasmania.
The science has been clear for more than a decade. Fracking isn’t compatible with the environment or agriculture, and the fossil fuel industry isn’t compatible with climate action.
The Liberals have extended their fracking moratorium until 2030, but that doesn’t provide Tasmanian communities or primary industries with the certainty they need that this environmentally harmful practise won’t be continued into the future.
Without a legislated ban a government could lift the moratorium with the stroke of a pen, as we have seen take place in Western Australia and the Northern Territory.
The Victorian Government know that in a climate emergency, the fossil fuel industry should be decreasing, not expanding. They’ve banned fracking – what possible reason could the Liberals or Labor have for leaving the Tasmanian farm gate open for future fracking?
There is no place for fossil fuel fracking in Tasmania – not now, not ever.
The Greens have been working toward banning fracking for a decade, and we’re fracking proud to table this bill to protect the Tasmanian environment, farmers and future generations from this damaging practice.
Media Release – Josh Willie MP, Labor Leader & Jen Butler MP, Shadow Minister for Police, Fire & Emergency Services, 5 March 2026
Labor to Work Constructively on Sensible Firearm Reforms
Labor will work constructively with the Parliament to deliver sensible, practical firearm reforms that strengthen community safety while respecting the legitimate needs of responsible firearm owners.
We will support limits on the number of firearms that can be held by any one individual – five for recreational hunters, and ten for primary producers, and sports or competitive shooters.
This approach aligns with reforms being adopted by the majority of Australian states and territories and reflects commitments agreed at National Cabinet. Tasmania should not be an outlier on national firearm reforms because the Liberal Government lacks the courage to lead.
Tasmanians expect strong, decisive leadership when it comes to community safety. Instead, they have seen hesitation, mixed messages from Ministers, and a government more focused on managing its political flank than delivering reform.
This debate should not be about ideology. It should be about community safety.
Labor’s proposal recognises the legitimate needs of farmers, sports shooters, and recreational hunters. That is why the reforms will include a clear exemption process, allowing individuals to apply to the Police Commissioner where a higher number of firearms can be justified.
Tasmania now has more guns than at the time of Port Arthur and the highest number of guns per capita in the nation.
These measures do not stop or prevent lawful activities. They strengthen safeguards while respecting responsible ownership.
This is a test of leadership for the Parliament.
The Premier stood at National Cabinet and endorsed a communique stating that “strong, decisive action was needed” on gun law reform – including limits on the number of firearms any one individual can hold.
But what Tasmanians have seen since then has been anything but strong or decisive.
Under my leadership, Tasmanian Labor will be strong on community safety and practical reform.
Media Release – Guy Barnett, Deputy Premier, 5 March 2026
New Leader, Same Negativity
In Mr Willie’s first State of the State address, he has simply taken a page out of his failed predecessors’ books and delivered a diatribe of relentless negativity.
Labor opposes Building Tasmania’s future.
Opposes building the homes Tasmanians deserve.
Opposes building the hospitals Tasmanians need.
And they opposed the cost-of-living and cost-of-doing-business relief through TasInsure.
It seems the only things Mr Willie and his puppet master Winter support are greyhound racing, which is opposed by 84% of Tasmanians, and taxing Tasmanians.
Media Release – Rosalie Woodruff MP, Greens Leader, 5 March 2026
Greens Announce Push for Ban on Political Donations
On behalf of the Greens, I was proud to announce in my State of the State speech that in this term of Parliament we will be pursuing a total ban on political donations.
Once upon a time this idea might have sounded a bit too radical to some. But things have changed. We have seen the South Australian Labor government leading the nation by introducing this reform. There is no reason that Tasmania cannot follow their lead.
We believe there is a recognition from Tasmanian Labor and from most – if not all – of the crossbench that the influence of money in politics has become toxic, distorting, and unfair. This collective recognition could be the foundation for an amazing change in the way our democracy works.
In this Parliament, we have a rare and exciting opportunity before us.
By working together, we have the opportunity to deliver a huge and important change.
By working together, we can get money out of politics altogether.
By working together, we can start to restore some of the community’s trust in democracy and faith in our system of government.
Let’s remember – Tasmanian political parties and MPs already receive public funding. With public funding, there is no need for political donations.
The Greens not expecting anyone in Parliament to make their mind up on this proposal here and now. All we are asking for is for people to keep an open mind and to look at what is possible if we work together.
It’s time to get money out of politics.
Media Release – Tabatha Badger MP, Greens Police, Fire and Emergency Management Spokesperson, 5 March 2026
Labor’s Firearms Announcement Warmly Welcomed
The Greens congratulate Tasmanian Labor Leader Josh Willie on the announcement he will move to introduce caps on individual ownership of firearms.
Over the past two months, the Greens have strongly and repeatedly advocated for this critical public safety measure. When the Liberals announced their weak firearms measures, we flagged we would pursue amendments to achieve firearms caps. It’s fantastic to see Labor are now on board.
Too often in the past we’ve seen the Labor party criticising the government for their actions, but not proposing or fighting for any solutions. It’s great to see a sign that might be starting to change.
Of course, there’s still a lot that needs to be worked through, but the policy announced by the Opposition Leader today is a big deal. If it becomes law, it will make a real difference to community safety.
We congratulate Mr Willie on bringing some positive vision to his speech – something that’s unfortunately been sorely lacking elsewhere.
Media Release – Ella Haddad MP, Shadow Attorney-General, Shadow Minister for Integrity, 6 March 2026
Embattled Minister’s Cabinet Position Untenable
Labor is reiterating calls for Jane Howlett to resign after another week of serious integrity failings by the embattled Minister.
Being caught out misleading Parliament regarding what her office knew about TasRacing’s inappropriate communications promoting the Liberals’ TasInsure policy was serious enough on its own.
Doubling down and failing to answer questions, and launching a pathetic attempt at a distraction made the situation worse.
The full TasRacing RTI released yesterday evening shows that she continued to mislead Parliament all this week.
Then, even more damning information was released about the Minister, with the Government revealing more than $300,000 of money straight from the pockets of Tasmanians has spent in legal fees defending Jane Howlett. The Minister needs to tell Tasmanians why this money has been spent.
When you add into the mix the longstanding unanswered questions about allegations regarding a serious potential conflict of interest, it’s hard for anyone to argue that the Minister’s position is tenable.
Minister Howlett should resign.
Media Release – Rosalie Woodruff MP, Greens Leader, 6 March 2026
Howlett’s Legal Fees Need Explanation
After months of scrutiny from the Greens, our questions in Parliament have finally revealed the taxpayer money spent on Minister Jane Howlett’s legal fees.
A whopping $303,800.44 has been spent paying for lawyers for Minister Howlett since July 2023, but she hasn’t told the public what for.
It’s a simply astounding figure. How has Minister Howlett managed to wrack up more than $300,000 in legal fees in two and a half years? $2,200 a week on lawyers doesn’t just happen for no reason.
The government’s line that this is about “official business” is just spin. When her Cabinet colleagues decided to approve spending on Minister Howlett’s legal fees, they also made a decision that this legal matter – whatever it is – would be classified official business.
The real question remains, exactly why has this Minister had to spend so much on lawyers?
Minister Howlett hasn’t provided any answers. If she has incurred these legal fees for a legitimate reason, she should be willing to give the public more information about what that was for.
Why the secrecy? Is there something Minister Howlett has to hide?
We know Michael Ferguson had a very similar amount of taxpayer money spent on legal fees for a lengthy court battle. Has Minister Howlett been in court too?
With a number of questions remaining unanswered about this Minister’s conduct, it’s vitally important she starts being honest with Tasmanians.
This is public money. The public deserves to know why they’ve forked out such a large amount of money for Minister Howlett’s legal fees.
Minister Howlett needs to give Tasmanians some answers.
Media Release – Ella Haddad MP, Leader of Opposition Business in the House of Assembly, 16 March 2026
Rockliff Government Facing Scrutiny as Parliament Returns
As Parliament returns this week, Tasmanians will see a government under pressure on multiple fronts after 12 years of Liberal mismanagement.
Instead of providing stability or leadership, the Rockliff Liberal Government continues to lurch from crisis to crisis while Tasmanians pay the price.
Labor will use this sitting week to hold the Government to account and demand answers on a range of serious issues affecting workers and communities across the state.
This week Labor will move to establish a select committee to inquire into the conduct of the Liberal Government following a series of integrity issues that have arisen since the 2025 State Election.
Tasmanians deserve confidence that their government is acting in the public interest, and that serious questions about the conduct of Ministers and Government Business Enterprises are properly examined.
At the same time, the Liberal Government remains locked in ongoing disputes with its workforce, with industrial action continuing across the public sector.
Rather than listening to workers and negotiating in good faith, the Liberals have spent months escalating tensions and disrespecting the people who deliver vital public services.
Tasmanians are also deeply concerned about the Premier’s plan, or lack thereof, to slash 250 jobs as part of his latest departmental restructure.
Where will those jobs come from? What will the impact be on Tasmanians?
TasTAFE has revealed it must find $45 million in cuts over the next four years – raising serious questions about which courses will disappear, who will lose their jobs, and what impact will this have on the state’s future workforce.
Felix Ellis already cut 12 courses and sacked 18 workers before Christmas – he must come clean about which courses and staff he’s going to cut this time.
After more than a decade in office, the Rockliff Government has run out of ideas and is increasingly focused on cuts, restructures, and damage control rather than delivering for Tasmanians.
Labor will continue scrutinising the Government on behalf of Tasmanians and hold Ministers accountable for their actions.
Media Release – Josh Willie MP, Labor Leader, 17 March 2026
250 Tasmanians Remain in the Dark as Liberal Axe Hovers
Premier Jeremy Rockliff has continued to treat the 250 Tasmanians set to have their jobs in State Growth slashed with contempt, while simultaneously revealing his departmental restructure is nothing more than a thought-bubble.
Under questioning today, the Premier revealed he still hasn’t decided which roles would be axed in his 250 job cuts.
He wouldn’t reveal when these Tasmanians and their families would find out if their role was on the chopping block.
He couldn’t say how slashing 250 jobs will do anything to fix the problems his Liberal Government has created in health, housing or education over the past 12 years.
His Infrastructure Minister couldn’t explain how the Government could deliver more infrastructure with a dramatically reduced department, failing to point to any modelling or advice that said it could be done.
The only thing Tasmanians learned from the Premier’s lack of answers was that his plan is nothing more than another rebrand designed to distract from the fact the Liberals have run out of ideas for Tasmania.
The Liberals have already turned not being able to deliver infrastructure on time or on budget into an artform, and Tasmanians look set for more of the same under the Premier’s thought-bubble.
Premier Rockliff has no plan and no ambition for Tasmania’s future – he’s too busy trying to survive.
Media Release – Anita Dow MP, Shadow Minister for Local Government, 18 March 2026
Time for Minister to Get Cracking on Final Local Government Electoral Reform Legislation
Tamanian Labor is calling on Minister Kerry Vincent to release the final drafts of his long promised Local Government electoral reform legislation.
The Government has indicated the new changes would take effect at the next Local Government elections in October. If Minister Vincent is to meet that deadline, and the changes are to be considered properly by the community and the Parliament, he needs to get cracking.
We need to build momentum around the upcoming Local Government elections.
Tasmanians considering putting their hand up to represent their local communities need certainty from the Government on the changes they intend to introduce. There are a raft of changes in the proposed legislation which will take time to implement, and rushing the changes through will serve no one.
Labor believes Tasmanians should have democratically elected Deputy Mayors, and does not support proposed reforms to see them elected around the council table.
Labor also supports the reduction of numbers and subsequent increase in Councillor allowances in principle, but through consultation with Local Government we believe this change should come with the proviso that there is an “opt-in” option for the smaller remote councils to choose whether their numbers were reduced to five councillors or remain at seven. Labor encourages the Minister to work with the sector on a solution that addresses their concerns.
We look forward to the Minister releasing the final drafts of his legislation so we can consider and comment on the details of the changes being proposed since first drafts were released.
If the Minister can’t do that with ample time for the changes to be properly considered and implemented, he should consider deferring them until after this round of elections.
Media Release – Josh Willie MP, Labor Leader, Shadow Minister for Education & Early Years, 18 March 2026
Minister Reveals More Bad Faith Negotiating Tactics
Despite her repeated empty claims to be negotiating in good faith, Minister for Education Jo Palmer has again confirmed she is doing the exact opposite.
Under questioning from Labor today, the Minister revealed that her Government supported strike-breaking staff at schools to keep NAPLAN testing going.
How can Minister Palmer possibly say she is backing teachers when she is directly undermining their industrial action?
This is the latest play from a Minister who has disrespected workers every step of the way throughout this round of industrial negotiations, misrepresenting them in the media, then famously telling Tasmanians it wasn’t her job to be across the details.
Minister Palmer lost the confidence of the education workforce last year, and it’s easy to see why.
Media Release – Meg Brown MP, Shadow Minister for Housing, 18 March 2026
No Advice, No Modelling – Liberals Making It Up As They Go With Building Tasmania
The Minister in charge of Building Tasmania has demonstrated that he has no idea how his new agency will operate to deliver the housing Tasmania so desperately needs.
For a second day running, Minister Vincent has failed to answer simple questions about how Building Tasmania will work or what evidence is underpinning its creation.
He couldn’t shed any light on why Homes Tasmania appointed a new Chair and CEO just two weeks before the agency was effectively wound-up, what would happen to those roles, or whether they were in line for payouts.
The Premier couldn’t either.
In moving the under-performing agency back into government, the Liberals admitted their Homes Tasmania experiment has been a massive failure.
But aside from realising Homes Tasmania was a problem, it’s now apparent the Liberals have announced Building Tasmania without actually knowing what it will do, or how it will do it – which should cause great concern for Tasmanians.
A lack of planning and making it up as you go is rarely a recipe for success – just ask Michael Ferguson about the Spirit of Tasmania replacement program and the billions of dollars that fiasco cost our state.
Media Release – Ella Haddad MP, Shadow Minister for Integrity, 18 March 2026
Liberal Integrity Failings to Come Under Magnifying Glass
The Rockliff Liberals’ swathe of integrity failings in the lead-up, during and immediately after the 2025 State Election are set to come under the microscope, after the Parliament voted to establish an inquiry into the matter.
The inquiry will investigate very serious questions surrounding the Liberals’ handling of the agreement to progress Project Marinus, TasRacing’s promotion of TasInsure, financial assistance provided to TT-Line, the decision for taxpayer funds to be spent advertising a failed budget with Pulse Tasmania and any other related matters.
All these issues have subsequently been raised in the media and the Parliament since 2025, and they have all been met by the trademark Liberal response – “nothing to see here”.
Using a Government Business to promote a Liberal Party policy, and then a Minister misleading parliament about what was known by them or their office is not nothing.
Taxpayer funding being used to promote a budget which was doomed is not nothing.
Approving massive projects or millions of dollars’ worth of financial assistance without consultation during the caretaker period is not nothing.
They are serious breaches and used to come with consequences.
We have tried to get answers to these important questions but the Government has failed to answer. This inquiry will have the power to call for witnesses and documents to get to the bottom of what happened and when.
We look forward to the opportunity to test the Liberals’ very dubious versions of events through hearings without political interference from their Ministers.
Media Release – Craig Garland MP, Independent Member for Braddon, 19 March 2026
Wannabe Premier, Eric Abetz, Unsure if He Supports Liberal Energy Policy
Despite rumours of a leadership challenges in the wind, current Liberal Treasurer and State Minister, Eric Abetz outlined today he was currently “more than happy as Treasurer,” but did anyone seriously believe him?
The public could be forgiven for thinking, the Treasurer, former Liberal Senator, would be across the federal policy on energy matters, but in Parliament question time today, he confirmed that he had not read the Federal Liberal Party ‘Plan for affordable energy and lower emissions’ released last November.
The Treasurer stated that “I trust this doesn’t get broadcast to Canberra; I confess I have not read the federal policy. I am unable to comment on it.”
But a few moments later, he confirmed that “irrespective of its content, it would be better than the current federal Labor policy,” signalling he might be supportive of Liberal policy, but just needs a few days to check whether he is still a Liberal.
The Treasurer is now facing the very real dilemma to back in a Premier who doesn’t support Liberal energy policy as part of a Rockliff-led separatist movement or maintain his allegiance with the real Liberal Party.
As someone with strong principles, Abetz has a choice to make.
Will he let a rogue State Premier undermine the very clear new direction of the Liberal Party on energy policy, or will he act immediately to ensure the Tasmanian Liberals honour their Federal Liberal colleagues.
Will the Treasurer let another opportunity go by to rectify the conflict that exists within a very confused Tasmanian Liberal Party?
Media Release – Eric Abetz, Treasurer, 21 March 2026
Labor Publicly Declare Their Tax Plan
The former Leader of the Opposition Dean Winter has made a stunning admission on the Poll Position podcast, labelling tax increases as “inevitable”.
Mr Winter was clear as day arguing that Tasmanian families must be slugged with higher taxes.
Treasurer Eric Abetz said Mr Winter has finally said the quiet part out loud.
“Under Labor, Tasmanians and their families will always pay more,” the Treasurer said.
“While our Liberal Government is focused on driving public sector efficiencies, Mr Winter is already reaching for the wallets of hardworking families.
“Despite campaigning on a platform of no new taxes, Mr Winter has used the first available opportunity to complete a stunning backflip.
“Make no mistake, it is in Labor’s DNA to come after your hard earned dollars.”
Media Release – Marcus Vermey, Government Whip, 22 March 2026
Willie Out of Touch and Losing Control
Labor rank and file want to see greyhound racing end.
But Josh Willie can’t rein in Dean Winter.
It’s clear there is wide support for the phaseout of the sport within Labor.
But Mr Willie is MIA.
Former Premier Bartlett has called on Labor to show leadership and be on the right side of history.
When a former Labor Premier is ‘ashamed’ it’s time for Mr Willie to pull Mr Winter into line.
Media Release – Marcus Vermey, Government Whip, 23 March 2026
Willie MIA After Stunning Public Rebuke
The silence of the supposed Leader of the Opposition has become deafening as the shame of Labor’s inability to change has been publicly laid bare.
Former Premier Bartlett is “ashamed” of his own political party, and called out “its inability to change”.
They changed leader in title after the last election but it’s still the same old Labor.
It’s been three days since the former Premier called out his own party, and Mr Willie hasn’t been seen or heard.
It’s clear that Mr Willie cannot deal with his internal conflicts as he struggles to bring Dean Winter into line.
Media Release – Eric Abetz, Treasurer 23 March 2026
Taxing Time for Labor
As Parliament returns this week it is high time for Labor to tell Tasmanians who will be slugged under their high taxing agenda.
Dean Winter announced his desire to see higher taxes in Tasmania on Friday as part of his renewed self-promotion campaign.
As Tasmanians deal with cost of living pressures, they can’t afford Labor’s new tax plan.
Under Labor, Tasmanians will pay. It’s in their DNA.
Media Release – Eric Abetz, Treasurer, 25 March 2026
Labor, the Party of Higher Taxes
Dean Winter’s cold tax plan couldn’t be more out of touch.
As fuel prices and the cost of living continues to rise, now is not the time for more taxes.
Mr Winter has made it clear, instead of helping Tasmanians, his focus is picking from their back pocket.
Under Labor Tasmanians and their families always pay more.
It’s in their DNA.
Dean Winter MP, Shadow Treasurer, 25 March 2026
Labor wins transparency on Abetz budget cuts hurting Tasmanians
Labor has forced the Liberal Government to come clean on their budget cuts, with Parliament today backing our motion to expose what Eric Abetz is planning to slash in May.
For months, Eric Abetz and Premier Rockliff have refused to be up front with Tasmanians about their cuts to schools, hospitals, and essential services.
According to Treasury, the Liberals need to deliver $3.3 billion in budget repair over the next four years.
Labor’s order will force Eric Abetz to reveal which jobs he’s going to cut, which election promises he’s going to cancel, and which Tasmanians are going to pay the price for the Liberals’ waste.
After 12 years of Liberal waste and mismanagement, Tasmanians shouldn’t be the ones asked to pay the price.
Labor will continue to use every tool available to hold this Government to account and stand up for Tasmanians facing Eric Abetz’s cuts.
Media Release – Eric Abetz, Treasurer, 27 March 2026
Parliament Demands a Fair Go on GST
The House of Assembly has unanimously endorsed a Government motion calling on the Federal Government to return to a GST system that ensures all Australians, regardless of where they live, can access a similar standard of public services.
Treasurer Eric Abetz welcomed the united approach from across the chamber.
“GST revenue accounts for more than 40 per cent of Tasmania’s General Government Sector revenue and underpins the delivery of essential services,” the Treasurer said.
“Australia’s GST distribution system was built on the powerful principle of horizontal fiscal equalisation so that every Australian can access a comparable standard of services, regardless of geography.
“Changes made in 2018 undermined that principle, abandoning horizontal fiscal equalisation and creating a two-tier federation.”
Treasurer Abetz warned that with the Commonwealth’s no‑worse‑off guarantee scheduled to end in 2029–30, the full effects of this decision will be laid bare.
“When that happens, every state except Western Australia will face a sharp deterioration in its fiscal position,” the Treasurer said.
“Foregone funding on this scale is equivalent to thousands of hospital admissions each year. It means fewer services for Tasmanians and delayed infrastructure.
“Our Government strongly supports a return to full horizontal fiscal equalisation and a GST system grounded in the egalitarian principles on which Australia’s federation was built.
“Restoring full HFE will give certainty to our community that the delivery of essential services to Tasmanians, from hospitals and schools to police and infrastructure, will be there when they need it.
“Anything that leaves Tasmanians worse off is unacceptable.”
Media Release – Marcus Vermey, Government Whip, 27 March 2026
Labor Will Make Tasmanians Pay
Under the Tasmanian Liberal Government, when Hydro makes money, Tasmanians save money.
Hydro was built by Tasmanians, for Tasmanians, and we will continue to ensure the community benefits.
The Winter-Willie opposition labelled the renewable energy dividend a “rip off” and tried to axe it.
Now, Labor is coming after the family budget by teaming up with the Greens to make Tasmanians pay more tax.
Labor is also refusing to back lower fuel prices.
While the Government remains focused on cost-of-living support, Labor wants to make Tasmanians pay.
Media Release – Marcus Vermey, Government Whip, 1 April 2026
Winter Wagging Willie’s Tail
The Winter-Willie Opposition is totally isolated on greyhounds.
Yet another Labor luminary has condemned Labor’s stance on greyhounds.
Former Labor Treasurer Michael Aird has issued a blistering attack, saying Labor is ‘on the wrong side of the debate’.
David Bartlett has already said he is ‘ashamed’ of the party.
It’s time Mr Willie reined in Mr Winter, put animal welfare first and declared their support for the phasing out of greyhound racing in Tasmania.
Media Release – Cassy O’Connor MLC, Democracy and Integrity Spokesperson, 2 April 2026
Integrity Commission Loophole Needs Closing
The Liberals’ suggested amendments to the Integrity Commission Act are a positive step, but the loophole which means MPs and candidates can’t be investigated during election periods must be closed – and if the Rockliff Government doesn’t act, we will.
We have long pushed for the government’s proposed amendments to the Integrity Commission Act which incorporate recommendations from the Cox and Weiss Reviews. These improvements are long overdue and should be introduced by the government without any more delay.
Proposed changes to strengthen our integrity framework don’t, however, go far enough. They still don’t resolve the bizarre situation which means the Integrity Commission cannot investigate the conduct of MPs or incumbent candidates during election campaigns.
Tasmanians will remember without fondness the Liberal Party’s support of disgraced former MP, Adam Brooks, as a candidate in the 2021 State Election; despite his previous resignation for seriously misleading parliament, criminal charges against him and allegations he used fake identities to mislead women on dating sites.
Despite all this, the Integrity Commission didn’t have the power to investigate the then Premier Peter Gutwein’s backing of Brooks hoped return to Parliament. It simply doesn’t have the authority under its governing legislation.
The situation was a frustrating reminder of the limitations of the current Act. Tasmanians should have confidence that their watchdog is be able to investigate MPs, regardless of whether they’re in an election or not.
It’s time to give the Integrity Commission the teeth Tasmanians deserve it to have, and to bear from time to time in the interests of good governance.
This ridiculous loophole needs to be closed. If the Liberals don’t take up the recommendation in our submission to them, to ensure MPs and incumbent candidates can be investigated during elections in their bill, we’ll take the action needed and seek to amend it ourselves.
Media Release – Jeremy Rockliff, Premier, 10 April 2026
Building Tasmania’s Future
The Tasmanian Government is supercharging delivery across the State by establishing Building Tasmania.
As part of these changes, the Government will bring together tourism, events and the creative industry.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff said this transformative approach will set Tasmania up for the future.
“Building Tasmania is ambitious, it will build the next generation of infrastructure and housing Tasmanians deserve,” the Premier said.
“We have spent the past decade transforming Tasmania, and now we are taking delivery to the next level and ensuring greater efficiency.”
Following weeks of stakeholder engagement, key details of Building Tasmania have been finalised.
“In order to establish Building Tasmania, we are laying a strong foundation to deliver results,” the Premier said.
“We will bring together tourism, events and creative industries, incorporating organisations like Brand Tasmania, Screen Tasmania and the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery under one roof.
“The Department of Premier and Cabinet will lead economic development, trade and major investment, community and business services, Workforce Tasmania and the public service transformation.
“This is a streamlining of the public services to allow us to prepare for Building Tasmania and help supercharge the delivery of housing, roads, schools and hospitals for Tasmanians.
“Tasmania’s economy is strong, and we have the strongest business confidence and conditions in the nation.
“We are taking action to build Tasmania’s future and drive efficiency across Government.”
Media Release – Ella Haddad MP, Shadow Attorney General, Shadow Minister for Justice and Integrity, 10 April 2026
More Liberal Cuts Laid Bare
The Liberals are now in their 13th year of office, and Tasmanians are paying for the waste amassed over that time through cuts to essential services.
Right to Information documents obtained by Labor show that the Department of Justice has been subject to Budget Efficiency Dividends, also known as cuts, totalling $9.3 million per annum from 2026-27, up from $2.9 million three years earlier.
The cuts include worrying reductions to Safe at Home family violence services and Legal Aid – which the department notes will “impact on the services provided to the Tasmanian community”.
The documents show that the department’s Finance Director appeared blindsided by the cuts, noting the figures were provided with the “Department having no time (to) consider what these actually mean for us”, and that the allocations appeared “arbitrary”.
The RTI also details how the Liberals’ controversial vacancy control measure is being used to cover unachieved savings, with nearly 40 prison officer roles left unfilled while Eric Abetz continues to cut the department’s budget.
A briefing note within the RTI states that “The Department delivers a number of services to the Tasmanian public across all of its outputs which will make ensuring there is no negative impact on the outcomes of frontline services very challenging,”
This is despite Treasury’s principles stating the Budget Efficiency Dividends “must not negatively impact on the outcomes of frontline services.”
After 13 years of the Liberals, Premier Jeremy Rockliff has put Eric Abetz in charge of cutting jobs and frontline services to pay for their waste, and Tasmanians are paying the price.
Media Release – Meg Brown MP, Shadow Minister for Housing, 10 April 2026
Rockliff-Abetz All Spin, No Detail on Building Tasmania
More than a month after the Rockliff-Abetz Government announced they were cutting 250 jobs and creating Building Tasmania – there’s still zero detail about how it will deliver the housing Tasmanians desperately need.
That’s because after 13 years of Liberal waste, their only plan is to slash jobs and services to pay for it.
If this was a serious plan, Premier Rockliff and Eric Abetz would be able to explain how it will work and have modelling to prove it. But they can’t.
Eric Abetz has made it crystal clear he’s on the hunt for cuts in the budget, and public sector workers will be rightly worried about what it means for their jobs.
Tasmanians need homes, and the Liberal Government still can’t explain how cutting 250 jobs will deliver them.
Media Release – CCF Tasmania, 10 April 2026
CCF Tasmania Backs Building Tasmania as Civil Construction Stands Ready to Deliver
CCF Tasmania has welcomed the Tasmanian Government’s announcement of Building Tasmania, a restructure designed to streamline delivery of housing, roads, schools and hospitals across the state.
CCF Tasmania CEO Andrew Winch said civil contractors are ready to be first on the ground.
“Building Tasmania is a positive step and we back the Government’s ambition to take delivery to the next level,” Mr Winch said.
“Our industry is the first cab off the rank on just about every project planned for Tasmania and we are ready to get to work.
“We welcome the efficiency and productivity gains this restructure is designed to deliver, and we look forward to further discussions with the Government to ensure Tasmania has the skilled civil construction workforce to match its infrastructure ambitions.
“We want to be at the table as Building Tasmania takes shape and we are committed to working with the Government to make sure the supporting infrastructure keeps pace with the ambition.”
Media Release – Helen Burnet MP, Independent Member for Clark, 11 April 2026
Building Tasmania: Where Next for Transport and Climate Change?
The Government yesterday outlined some of the functions of Building Tasmania. But the announcement was silent on critical issues for the community and the environment in this dual cost of living and climate crisis.
Alarmingly, the Premier’s media release makes no mention of Transport Tasmania or the climate change office within Renewables, Climate and Future Industries Tasmania (ReCFIT).
The Government must outline a clear position on the future of public transport. This is an opportunity to measure and understand the economic, social and environmental benefits of reducing our dependency on private vehicles.
I recently met with a number of transport interest groups and individuals. There is widespread support for the Government’s free public transport policy. The question now is how to maintain the uptake in passenger numbers beyond the current fuel crisis, and for more data sharing around how Tasmanians use public transport. It’s not just raw numbers – we need to understand the experience of the many people who are using public transport for the first time, and to ensure the mode shift is not temporary.
There is no way of knowing how long the current conflict in the Persian Gulf will affect the way we live, but there is an urgent need to expand PT services to meet community needs. The current GBE / State Growth model has failed Tasmanians.
It is also a critical time with the recently released review of the Climate Change (State Action) Act to improve Tasmania’s response to adapt and mitigate for climate change and make our communities more resilient. We must have a plan to address climate change, and Tasmania can be a world leader if we take the chance.
The Tasmanian Government is doing such a positive thing with free buses until July 1 and they should be commended. But we must not squander the opportunity to reduce congestion, save money, cut carbon emissions and create a transport network that works for all Tasmanians.
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