The JLN has today split on a routine motion to amend a committee, breaking the Liberal-Lambie Coalition agreement and placing the government on even shakier footing than they were.

When presented with the motion, Andrew Jenner voted with the Government, while Rebekah Pentland and Miriam Beswick sided with the Greens and crossbench.

As per the Liberal-Lambie Coalition agreement, on Procedural matters:

“JLN Members will work with the Government to ensure the Parliament remains efficient and effective, including any alterations to Standing and Sessional Orders, Committee establishment and memberships, and the sitting times of the House.

“In any instance whereby a procedural motion is moved to allow for debate on any matter covered in the Agreement, JLN Members will support the Government.”

The agreement with the JLN is essential to the Liberals’ hold on government. Today, it looks like it has been broken.

If the agreement has indeed been breached, what are the consequences for the coalition?

If Jeremy Rockliff does nothing about the breach, he’s making it clear he won’t stand up to the JLN, and that the agreement his government is built upon isn’t worth the paper it’s written on.

What will he compromise on next?

Ella Haddad MP
Acting Leader of Opposition Business in the House of Assembly