Tasmania's Premier has ruled out calling an election this weekend, but there's still uncertainty about whether Tasmanians will go to the polls early. It follows a less than definitive meeting with the two independent MPs the government relies on for survival.
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00:00 There was optimism before the meeting.
00:05 I hope that for everyone's benefit that this whole crisis is going to be resolved.
00:11 And that feeling continued afterward.
00:14 It's been a productive meeting and I would like to hope that the discussions were conducted in good faith.
00:21 The much anticipated get-together between Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockleff
00:26 and the Balance of Power independence has ended with a plan to continue discussions.
00:33 Lara Alexander and John Tucker still resisting the Premier's demand
00:38 they never vote for opposition motions and amendments.
00:42 But they're open to giving some ground.
00:44 I'm willing to negotiate.
00:47 I'm not going to be that pick-headed that there's no room to move.
00:52 As for his threat of a no-confidence motion...
00:55 That has now been withdrawn.
00:57 Mr Tucker conceded his earlier concerns have been resolved.
01:02 This morning the Premier had a less conciliatory tone.
01:06 John and Lara were elected as Liberals.
01:10 As Liberals in 2021.
01:12 Very clearly.
01:14 And they went to the election advocating for Liberal policies.
01:19 With the Premier insisting on a more stringent agreement
01:23 and the independents reluctant to give up their rights
01:26 it's unclear how the impasse will resolve.
01:30 But the Premier says he won't rush to an election.
01:33 I won't be going to the Governor this weekend to be clear
01:36 so I want to take the time to consider over the course of the next week
01:40 what John and Lara put on the table.
01:43 When Jeremy Rockleff issued his ultimatum a week ago
01:46 he said he wanted to give Tasmanians more stability.
01:50 But today's meeting doesn't seem to have made the state's political future
01:54 any more certain.
01:56 Or lessen to the chances of an early election.
01:58 [BLANK_AUDIO]