Lambie Network MPs formally back minority Liberals

Balance-of-power Jacqui Lambie Network MPs have agreed to support Tasmania’s minority Liberal government in return for measures including an assessment of financial modelling behind a divisive stadium.

The Liberals, who have been in power since 2014, have been courting crossbench support after winning 14 of 35 lower-house seats at the March 23 poll – four short of a majority.

Jacqui Lambie Network first-term MPs Miriam Beswick, Andrew Jenner and Rebekah Pentland on Wednesday inked a deal for “stability” with Premier Jeremy Rockliff.

The Liberals have been courting crossbench support after winning 14 of 35 lower-house seats. (Ethan James/AAP PHOTOS)

The Liberals remain in talks with three independents to sure-up the one additional vote of support required to form government.

Mr Rockliff has indicated he is confident of reaching an agreement with independent former Labor leader David O’Byrne.

The network MPs have agreed to support the Liberals on confidence and censure votes, appropriation and revenue bills and on parliamentary motions that bind the government.

They can bring forward legislation and motions and vote against the Liberals on legislation and legislative amendments if they abide by a “stability protocol”.

Under the protocol, they must give 24 hours notice of their vote and first undertake “good faith” negotiations to try to reconcile their position.

“All parties have entered into this agreement with goodwill and trust,” Mr Rockliff said.

“I am confident that this agreement will provide the long-term certainty and stability the Tasmanian people expect.”

Greens leader Rosalie Woodruff said the deal with the Jacqui Lambie Network lacked substance. (Rob Blakers/AAP PHOTOS)

Greens leader Rosalie Woodruff described the agreement as “shockingly onerous” and lacking substance.

“(The network members) have not received any concrete or specific commitment to reform,” she said.

“A nod, a wink, or a review is not the same as getting an (Independent Commission Against Corruption) or any other real, meaningful change.”

Independent Kristie Johnston, who has ruled out doing a deal with the Liberals, said the agreement would restrict the network MPs from freely voting.

“Effectively what they have done by signing this agreement is give the government a blank cheque to do as they will,” she told reporters.

Independent Kristie Johnston said the agreement would restrict the network MPs from freely voting. (Ethan James/AAP PHOTOS)

The signed agreement, which has been made public, will be reviewed after 12 months.

It contains a condition for an independent review of Tasmania’s budget within six months, including financial modelling behind Hobart’s Macquarie Point project and stadium.

The $715 million waterfront stadium, which requires parliamentary approval, is a condition of Tasmania’s entry into the AFL in 2028.

Senator Jacqui Lambie has been a vocal critic of the stadium spend as the state grapples with a health, housing and cost-of-living crisis.

There is also a condition for the closure of the troubled Ashley Youth Detention Centre within the term of government, something the Liberals have already pledged to do.

The network MPs will also get a confidential briefing before the budget and can put forward “budget bids” for consideration.

There will also be a review of the state Integrity Commission with an eye to giving the body greater capability, plus a review of right-to-information and political donation laws.

Jacqui Lambie has questioned state money being spent on a proposed new AFL stadium in Hobart. (Mick Tsikas/AAP PHOTOS)

Mr Rockliff said the government wouldn’t be bound to adopt recommendations from the reviews.

In a joint statement, the network MPs said they were “fully committed” to ensuring greater integrity in politics.

Former Senator Eric Abetz, who was elected for the Liberals in Franklin, has been appointed Minister for Business, Industry and Resources, Transport and leader of the house.