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AAP
AAP
Politics
Ethan James

Stadium pressure forces minority Tas govt into shuffle

Jeremy Rockliff's government faces pressure after losing its majority when two party MPs walked. (Richard Jupe/AAP PHOTOS) (AAP)

Tasmania's premier is dropping the key health portfolio and says ministerial roles in his minority government will change in coming days.

Jeremy Rockliff conceded the Liberal state government has been "knocked off course" by the departure of two MPs to the cross bench over contentious stadium plans.

The government plunged into minority on May 12 when Lara Alexander and John Tucker quit the party to become independents.

They flagged concerns around transparency over a proposed $715 million Hobart waterfront stadium, a condition of the AFL granting Tasmania a licence for a team.

During a speech in Hobart on Thursday, Mr Rockliff said he would hand over the health portfolio in coming days and announce "small changes" to the roles of cabinet MPs.

He said the decision to drop the health portfolio wasn't made lightly.

"This handover will enable me to take an even greater interest in driving Tasmania's economic growth and creating more jobs," he said.

Mr Rockliff reiterated that he would not call an early election and said getting the government back on track would take a lot of work.

"But that is exactly what I am determined to do," he said.

"My government will not be defined by one issue, and two individuals."

Mr Rockliff said he had "no personal beef" with Ms Alexander and Mr Tucker, who have guaranteed the government their votes of supply and confidence in parliament.

He said the government was committed to its core values, including tackling the cost of living and ensuring people get the health care they deserve.

He said the proposed Macquarie Point stadium was an important part of the government's long-term plan.

The AFL has said the state cannot have a team without the stadium, which still faces two votes of both houses of parliament and a planning commission assessment.

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