Tammy Tyrrell (Tasmania, Independent) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

When I was first elected to the Senate, I spoke about how I wanted to do politics differently. I know that has challenged many of you, but I want to do things differently because I want to learn. Part of learning is being willing to change your mind. I'll put up my hand and say I change my mind about things all the time. I'm okay with that part of me, but that means I also have to be okay with others changing their minds too. And I am, but what I'm not always okay with is the reasons for changing your mind.

The Labor state opposition in Tasmania changed its mind yesterday. Labor MPs were set to move a motion of no confidence in Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff, which was supported by the Greens and some Independents. In the end, the Greens moved the motion, and, when it came time for the vote, the motion was defeated because Labor changed its mind. So it makes me think Labor was just after the headline—what a waste of a day. But, while Mr Rockliff survives to govern another day, he doesn't get off either.

The reason for the no-confidence motion was the government's poor handling of poker machine reform and its backtracking on plans for a mandatory pre-commitment card. Tasmanian Liberals made a commitment during the election campaign that they would reform pokies. During state estimates, the government was asked if it would back away from that commitment. They said they wouldn't, yet—guess what?—they have.

I don't see this as changing their mind. I see this as going back on a promise without giving a good reason. If you say you're going to do something, then do it. Don't stand behind a 'complex process' or a report that nobody has seen. Good government is transparent, and this, I believe, is as transparent as mud.