Confirmed: Labor to table a vote of no confidence in Treasurer Michael Ferguson

The Labor Opposition has confirmed they will table a vote of no confidence in Treasurer Michael Ferguson in Parliament on Tuesday over the “worst infrastructure disaster in Tasmania’s history”.

Labor leader Dean Winter said Prime Minister Jeremy Rockliff has “refused” to hold the treasurer and former infrastructure minister responsible for the delayed Spirit of Tasmania ferry and infrastructure project.

“This is an issue that affects every Tasmanian. It is an issue that will cost Tasmanians $1 billion in lost revenue and $500 million on top of our budget,” Winter said.

“The best outcome today would have been if Jeremy Rockliff had shown the leadership needed to reshuffle his Cabinet and go to Parliament tomorrow and deal with the things that matter to Tasmanians.”

“But instead he has decided to play this game where he wants Parliament to do its job for him.”

Winter said the vote of no confidence is supported by the crossbench and will be supported by the Greens.

“I think it’s important that we have ministerial responsibility and if there is ever going to be ministerial responsibility it will be on this issue where there is such a clear rift and such a clear example of incompetence in this,” he said.

“We’ve had a number of conversations and we’ll have more conversations with (David) O’Byrne and (Craig) Garland later today. I’ve had conversations with (Kristie) Johnston.”

“I haven’t spoken to (Andrew) Jenner yet, but there have been conversations on the crossbench, in addition to the two former JLN members, about holding this government to account.”

The motion will be tabled during the next session of Parliament on Tuesday morning.