Sole standing Liberal premier notes 'responsibility'

Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff says he understands the 'responsibility' his government holds. (Ethan James/AAP PHOTOS)

Tasmania's premier, the leader of the only Liberal government in Australia, says he feels an extraordinary responsibility as the standard-bearer for his party nationwide.

Jeremy Rockliff used an address to the party faithful in Hobart on Saturday to speak about Liberal values, energy bill relief for Tasmanians and to reiterate he would not call an early state election.

The speech was delivered in the absence of federal Liberal leader Peter Dutton.

Mr Rockliff, considered a moderate Liberal, earlier denied Mr Dutton's non-attendance was due to the pair's differing stance on the referendum on an Indigenous voice to parliament.

Mr Rockliff supports the 'yes' vote but the federal leader is on the 'no' side.

The Liberals have governed in minority in Tasmania since mid-May when two MPs quit and moved to the crossbench citing transparency concerns about the state's deal for a proposed new stadium in Hobart.

Mr Rockliff again said he intended to see out the remaining 18 months of his term and told the party's state council he would not call an early election.

He said he understood the "extraordinary responsibility" he and his government held as the "standard-bearers of Liberals in this nation"

"(And) to demonstrate, in practice, how Liberal governments are always the best choice," he said.

"And to do so while upholding our Liberal values. Aspiration, and reward for effort. Individual freedom, freedom of speech, and choice. Personal responsibility. Lower taxes." 

Mr Rockliff conceded the government's plan for a contentious $715 million stadium at Macquarie Point was not everyone's cup of tea.

Construction of the stadium at the waterfront site is a condition for the AFL granting Tasmania the licence for a team.

Mr Rockliff said legislation to progress the assessment process required for the project would be debated in parliament next week.

He also said that under a state energy scheme, 50 per cent of any profit over $100 million generated by provider Hydro Tasmania would be spent on bill relief with the remainder going towards essential services. 

"Tasmanians could expect a saving of around $100 off their power bill for that year if Hydro delivered a dividend of around $160 million," he said.

The state government on Friday revealed the long-awaited Marinus Link project was in financial limbo after a cost blowout.

The Bass Strait undersea electricity interconnector was meant to cost up to $3.8 billion but has been subject to a "material and significant cost increase".

Prominent Catholic executive Michael McKenna was elected as state Liberal president.

License this article

What is AAPNews?

For the first time, Australian Associated Press is delivering news straight to the consumer.

No ads. No spin. News straight-up.

Not only do you get to enjoy high-quality news delivered straight to your desktop or device, you do so in the knowledge you are supporting media diversity in Australia.

AAP Is Australia’s only independent newswire service, free from political and commercial influence, producing fact-based public interest journalism across a range of topics including politics, courts, sport, finance and entertainment.

What is AAPNews?
The Morning Wire

Wake up to AAPNews’ morning news bulletin delivered straight to your inbox or mobile device, bringing you up to speed with all that has happened overnight at home and abroad, as well as setting you up what the day has in store.

AAPNews Morning Wire
AAPNews Breaking News
Breaking News

Be the first to know when major breaking news happens.


Notifications will be sent to your device whenever a big story breaks, ensuring you are never in the dark when the talking points happen.

Focused Content

Enjoy the best of AAP’s specialised Topics in Focus. AAP has reporters dedicated to bringing you hard news and feature content across a range of specialised topics including Environment, Agriculture, Future Economies, Arts and Refugee Issues.

AAPNews Focussed Content
Subscription Plans

Choose the plan that best fits your needs. AAPNews offers two basic subscriptions, all billed monthly.

Once you sign up, you will have seven days to test out the service before being billed.

AAPNews Full Access Plan
Full Access
AU$10
  • Enjoy all that AAPNews has to offer
  • Access to breaking news notifications and bulletins
  • Includes access to all AAPNews’ specialised topics
Join Now
AAPNews Student Access Plan
Student Access
AU$5
  • Gain access via a verified student email account
  • Enjoy all the benefits of the ‘Full Access’ plan at a reduced rate
  • Subscription renews each month
Join Now
AAPNews Annual Access Plan
Annual Access
AU$99
  • All the benefits of the 'Full Access' subscription at a discounted rate
  • Subscription automatically renews after 12 months
Join Now

AAPNews also offers enterprise deals for businesses so you can provide an AAPNews account for your team, organisation or customers. Click here to contact AAP to sign-up your business today.

SEVEN DAYS FREE
Download the app
Download AAPNews on the App StoreDownload AAPNews on the Google Play Store