As the deals Jeremy Rockliff signed with independents collapsed this week, senior Tasmanian Liberals and the business community have lost confidence in his leadership.

Influential Tasmanian Liberal Senator Jonathon Duniam said yesterday it was "nuts" for Jeremy Rockliff to refuse to resign and called on his colleagues to take "whatever steps necessary" to prevent him calling an election.

Veteran Liberal strategist Brad Stansfield said he was “gutted” that Jeremy Rockliff didn’t do the “right” and “honourable” thing and resign as Liberal Leader after the no confidence motion was passed.

And Tasmanian Minerals, Manufacturing and Energy Council CEO Ray Mostogl told The Australian that “Government continuity is first and foremost, as opposed to who is the Premier.”

Reports in the ABC and the Australian in recent days highlighted that several senior members of his Cabinet were doing the numbers against him. It was even reported one MP told him directly that he needed to go.

Jeremy Rockliff has lost the support of key independents over his budget mismanagement, Spirits fiasco and plan to privatise Tasmania's assets - now he's losing the support of his own side.

It seems even the Liberals know Tasmania needs change.

Josh Willie MP
Shadow Treasurer