So much for the promise that Tasmanians deserve better from politicians

An historic first was witnessed in Tasmanian parliament this week, the censure of a premier. (ABC News: Ebony ten Broeke) Link copiedShareShare articleThe three Ps are the tried-and-true formula for success. Preparation, persistence and practice prevent pi** poor performance. Instead, Tasmanians have had promises (to do better), political games and performative outrage. The consequence — a peeved public turning to political alternatives to shake up the status quo. OK, I'll lay off the alliteration, I promise. As we approach the first anniversary of the minority Rockliff government, it's timely to review what was pledged nearly a year ago when Jeremy Rockliff won in a state election most voters did not want. "Tasmanians are sick and tired of the political games. They have elected a parliament, they expect all members of parliament to work together," he said in August 2025. Last year's election saw Jeremy Rockliff's Liberal party fall short of the 18 seats needed to govern in majority in Tasmania's 35-seat parliament. (ABC News: Luke Bowden) The sentiment was repeated weeks later: "Tasmanians are sick and tired of the political games. It ends today. And we're [raring] to go, to get on with the job." Let's look at parliament's recent performance in light of those statements. The premier gained an unenviable, historic first this week — the first Tasmanian premier censured in parliament's 125 history. A censure motion against Jeremy Rockliff has passed, making him the first premier to be censured by the Tasmanian parliament. There's no punishment for that, just the shame of it. Mr Rockliff was reprimanded for failing to uphold a code of conduct regarding two now ex-ministers who resigned their portfolios during the past fortnight. The first, Madeleine Ogilvie, for misleading parliament. She repeatedly assured parliament she was not party to legal action, when she'd instigated Supreme Court action now estimated to cost $120,000 taxpayer dollars. Jeremy Rockliff has had an unenviable week in parliament. (ABC News: Ebony ten Broeke) Jane Howlett also resigned her ministries earlier this week, blaming "relentless personal and political attacks". That's her take, but she quit because of another running scandal that she'd been less than clear about. And her mounting legal bills are $405,000 and rising. We know the amounts now because the premier confirmed the sums this week, along with the fact that both are subject to Tasmanian Integrity Commission investigations. There are strict rules preventing the media (or anyone) from reporting about what the Commission investigates, which is why it's been a running story. The seats of former ministers Jane Howlett and Madeleine Ogilvie were noticeably vacant during Wednesday's parliament sitting. (ABC News: Ebony ten Broeke) For the thousands struggling with cost-of-living pressures, amid inflation eroding their wages, the amounts are galling. Even more infuriating is the way politicians are behaving, given the assertions of collaboration. If recent weeks are a guide of how the remainder of the term will roll, voters might duck under the doona until the scheduled state election in three years' time. The opposition parties and independents have kept pressure on the government for weeks over its inability to explain the legal costs, citing transparency and the need for open, accountable government. We know why it's been coy now, because of the Integrity Commission investigations. Jeremy Rockliff's cabinet reshuffle included Roger Jaensch and Jo Palmer taking on new ministerial portfolios. (ABC News: Ebony ten Broeke) Yet the way all sides are behaving under pressure clearly shows the minority parliament is not as cooperative as was asserted 12 months ago. It should be an exemplar, especially given the 2022 'Motion for Respect" report by the anti-discrimination commissioner, which noted the "toxic" and "unsafe" nature of parliament. Ruth Forrest says she is "deeply disappointed" about a lack of government response over a leaked email and is now considering escalating her complaint. It's damning that the report's findings aren't fully implemented. One recommendation is to hire a new independent complaints commissioner and a deputy to oversee standards. Neither has been appointed, and there is no extra resourcing for them. The premier has not identified the person in his office who leaked information to a media outlet in May about an independent MP, who requested people attending a public hearing refrain from wearing strong perfumes and aftershave, as it caused health issues. The leak was clearly designed to embarrass — instead, it's illustrated that the premier (or his office) have no compunction at ridiculing colleagues if they think it will win public support. Mr Rockliff said the politician should report it to the new independent complaints commissioner, an office that doesn't exist yet. Earlier this week, Greens leader Rosalie Woodruff com

So much for the promise that Tasmanians deserve better from politicians

Key takeaways

More in international