Jeremy Rockliff meets with Liberal defectors as early election looms

The possibility of an early election in Tasmania remains real – despite Liberal defectors Lara Alexander and John Tucker offering some support to the premier after their face-to-face meeting. From ultimatums to political threats, Tasmania’s minority Liberal government still hangs in the balance. Premier Jeremy Rockliff is worried parliament will be ungovernable amid political pushback over the cost of Tasmania's AFL stadium and team. Mr Rockliff met the two rebel independents after demanding they guarantee support for the government or face the prospect of an early election. While the trio have been at loggerheads over several issues, it’s the $375 million in Tasmanian taxpayer funding for the stadium in Hobart that remains the flashpoint.