Last-Standing Liberal Government Ponders Early Election

Australia’s only centre-right Liberal premier is “actively considering” an early election after two renegade MPs rejected an ultimatum to ensure the minority government’s stability. Premier Jeremy Rockliff threatened Liberal-turned-independent MPs John Tucker and Lara Alexander with an early election unless the pair agreed not to vote against the government on any motions, bills and amendments. The two former Liberals have been ensuring confidence and supply after defecting in May 2023 around transparency concerns over a proposed AFL stadium and the Marinus underwater power cable. The move left the last Liberal state government in Australia with only 11 of 25 lower house seats, leaving it vulnerable to a no-confidence vote without the support of the independents....