Tasmania’s Premier Jeremy Rockliff has appointed independent politician Tania Rattray as the new Leader for the Government in the Legislative Council, aiming to foster greater collaboration across the chamber. Ms Rattray, representing the McIntyre electorate in the north-east, accepted the role following a phone call with the Premier on Thursday, citing her frustration with how the house has been functioning.
In her new position, Ms Rattray will be responsible for managing government business and guiding legislation through the upper house, while remaining an independent. Her appointment comes amid ongoing negotiations following July’s election resulted in another hung parliament, increasing calls for more cooperative governance.
Ms Rattray emphasized she would support government legislation “unless there is something that I strongly disagree with that the people of McIntyre have asked me not to support.” Given the current political climate, including a motion of no-confidence expected when parliament resumes on August 19, her position may be temporary.
Meanwhile, on Wednesday, Mr Rockliff was formally reappointed as Tasmania’s Premier by Governor Barbara Baker, despite his party holding only 14 of the 18 seats in the lower house, meaning he will lead a minority government. This government will need to work closely with a growing crossbench of independents and Greens to pass legislation and maintain stability in the chamber.
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