Premier in name only as political capital runs dry 17 July 2023

Tas Labor

The Premier abandoning his signature local government reform yesterday was the clearest message yet that his political capital has run dry.

When Jeremy Rockliff first sat in Peter Gutwein’s premier’s chair last year, he promised an ambitious reform agenda.

While this was broadly welcomed, questions were asked whether he was up to the job.

A year later, the answer has been revealed – and it’s a resounding no.

Since he took the reins, the hallmarks of Premier Rockliff’s government have been in-fighting, ineptitude and inaction.

His government is achieving so little, that it has only introduced 14 bills to parliament this year, with just eight being passed.

Now, it looks like the Liberal Right has taken control and completely sidelined his reform agenda, which begs the question – what’s Michael Ferguson going to make Rockliff scrap next?

After 10 years in office the Liberals’ fuel gauge is on empty and Jeremy Rockliff is premier in name only.

Will he have enough in the tank to limp to the next election, or will Ferguson wrestle the wheel off him for the last leg of the Liberals’ journey?

Josh Willie MLC

Member for Elwick

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