• Premier Hodgman determined to sidestep important questions on minority government
• Liberal Party conference not even on the books
• Cabinet colleagues jockeying for leadership change
The Liberals have refused to confirm a date for their annual state conference in Tasmania as internal battle lines are drawn over Premier Hodgman’s much-repeated vow that he will not govern in minority.
Shadow Treasurer Scott Bacon said tensions were running high within the Hodgman Cabinet and the Liberals had taken their eye off governing.
“Right now the Liberals are acting more like an opposition because they are trying to deflect attention from their own internal turmoil,” Mr Bacon said.
“Unlike Labor, the Liberals have refused to even confirm if they will hold a party conference in 2018 because that is the only way to avoid facing serious questions about minority government and about leadership.
“Premier Hodgman has repeatedly said he will not govern in minority and with his government on a knife’s edge, the Liberals need to answer serious questions.
“They need to be honest with Tasmanians about growing speculation that a leadership change is the only way the Liberals can maintain government and keep Mr Hodgman’s word on minority government.
“If they are to hold a state conference at all this year, when will it be held and will the Liberals put Premier Hodgman’s vow not to govern in minority at the top of the agenda?
“Will any state conference this year have a necessary focus on Premier Hodgman’s leadership with Treasurer Peter Gutwein and Health Minister Michael Ferguson waiting in the wings?”
Scott Bacon MP Shadow Treasurer 6 June 2018
