If all goes to plan, Peter George, a prominent campaigner against salmon farms, will be taking his seat on Tasmania’s progressive crossbench, which is already majority progressive. This progress comes at an opportune time. Political analysts are particularly focused on the balance of power—who or what party controls the state’s 35-seat lower house. As George begins this new role, he has several important issues he intends to address with urgency. In particular, he plans to emphasize budget repair, social repair, island repair, and integrity repair.
This would create a crossbench of nine progressives and one conservative. If all of these prospective members follow through on their intent, the crossbench will swell to ten members. This would feature as many as five of the Greens and prominent progressive independents like Kristie Johnston in Clark and Craig Garland in Braddon. David O’Byrne, the former Labor leader, has spent 11 years as a member of Tasmania’s parliament. Furthering the impact he can have, he’s supposed to join this powerful body.
A Shift in Political Landscape
Peter George is right that the Liberal and Labor parties would do well to consider how they approach the idea of state politics. He added that if the big parties can’t engage with crossbench, it is a reflection of their own failure. This unshackled reality brings into focus the power of the independent members.
“If neither of the parties can speak to the crossbench, that is their problem, it is not the problem of the crossbench, nor will it be the problem of the Greens,” – Peter George
This perspective indicates a shift towards a more collaborative political environment where crossbench members could play a pivotal role in governance. As 18 seats make a stable majority, how these parties work with or against one another will likely shape key legislative choices in the years ahead.
The Role of David O’Byrne
The addition of David O’Byrne to the crossbench throws even more depth into this developing political coalition to keep the status quo at bay. Through his appointments, he’s signalled an openness to working across the aisle, but he has specifically said he is ready to work with a government that is not Liberal. His no-nonsense approach is best summarized in his quoted reaction to no-confidence motions.
“I won’t make the perfect the enemy of the good, I will allow a government to form, and I won’t be supporting frivolous no-confidence motions regardless of who forms government.” – David O’Byrne
If the field is politically splintered, though, O’Byrne’s extensive experience and inclination to work with all sides might bring much-needed stability.
Implications for Future Governance
And the stakes are large for both major parties. If the Liberals won the high 15s or low 16s, then Labor could hold as few as 10 seats. The arrival of a strong crossbench would change the traditional calculus of power within the Tasmanian parliament.
As the crossbench’s power and influence continues to increase, the need to balance budgetary restraint with social integrity should be key points of debate within this government’s legislation. Their involvement may facilitate broader and better discussions between executive and legislative branches, resulting in better governance.
