Jeremy Rockliff has unveiled a draft “stability agreement” to crossbench MPs as he works to form a minority government following Saturday’s state election.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, the Liberal leader said he has already held discussions with independents Kristie Johnston, Craig Garland, Peter George and David O’Byrne. He has also spoken with Carlo Di Falco.
“Today we, for discussion with the independents, present a stability agreement where we can move forward and establish some co-led, if you like, or co-developed protocols on how parliament will work and should work when it comes to everyone working together,” he said.
“This is a draft stability agreement that I would like the independents to have key consideration in terms of their input … so we can work together.”
Independents Craig Garland, Kristie Johnston, Peter George and David O’Byrne have been asked for input. Image / Pulse
The proposed agreement includes the creation of a multi-partisan budget panel, giving the crossbench a seat at the table before budget planning begins.
The agreement also proposes establishing a Crossbench Liaison Office to coordinate regular briefings and provide independents with access to departmental information on upcoming legislation.
Rockliff has ruled out negotiating with the Greens. Image / Jack Robert-Tissot
Other key elements include ministerial consultation protocols requiring cabinet to brief crossbench members on major policy directions and provide early drafts of significant legislation.
Rockliff ruled out negotiating with or seeking input from the Greens, saying voters had given him no mandate to do so.
“I cannot do a deal with the Greens because I don’t have a mandate to do so and nor does Dean Winter and the Labor Party,” he said.
Currently, the Liberals hold 14 seats in the 35-seat lower house, with 40% of the vote, compared to Labor’s 25%. Neither major party reached the 18 seats required for majority government.
The stability agreement aims to prevent political turmoil. Image / Pulse
Labor leader Dean Winter has acknowledged the Liberals will have the first shot at forming government.
The stability agreement is an attempt to avoid the political instability that triggered the early election six weeks ago, following a no-confidence motion.
“The time is up for political games, the time is now for a mature discussion,” Rockliff said.
“Not any one individual member of parliament … can have 100% of what they want 100% of the time.”
Peter George and Craig Garland have previously called for restrictions on salmon farming. Image / Pulse
Crossbench MPs have previously voiced concerns about the major parties’ willingness to compromise on key policy issues.
Independents Peter George and Craig Garland have specifically called for restrictions on salmon farming, an issue Rockliff said remained open for discussion within existing industry frameworks.
“If individual members of parliament … want to put forward ideas of how we can continuously improve and build on a social licence of our salmon industry then of course I’ll be open to those ideas,” he said.
Rockliff described his early talks with independents as “constructive” and “high level”, with more meetings planned in the coming days.