Will Hodgman

Reports that David O'Byrne has the numbers to topple Lara Giddings at a time of his choosing means that she is now a Lame Duck Premier. 

Rather than a Premier and a Government working in the best interests of all Tasmanians, we've now got the ludicrous situation of a Premier constantly looking over her shoulder, and a senior Minister just waiting for the "right" time to make his move. 

In addition, the cabinet is clearly irrevocably split, with "senior cabinet ministers" now leaking and backgrounding to the media against Ms Giddings and the direction she is taking the government.* 

How can Ms Giddings and Mr O'Byrne possibly work together in this situation? How can the Government possibly function with this dysfunction at its heart? 

A Government consumed by internal conflict is a Government not focused on important issues like the economy and jobs, vital services such as health, and the cost of living. 

In the interests of all Tasmanians Labor must resolve this ongoing instability when caucus meets on Monday next week. 

*Sue Neales, The Australian, 15/12/11