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AAP
AAP
Politics
Caitlin Powell

Minister's resignation adds to Liberal Party woes

Tasmanian MP Nic Street has quit cabinet after facing mental health struggles, he has announced. (Ethan James/AAP PHOTOS)

A second Tasmanian minister has quit the cabinet after facing mental health struggles, adding to the Liberal minority government's woes as a reshuffle looms. 

Nic Street on Friday announced that although he planned to continue as a minister and reassess his role at the end of the year, he had reflected that "now is the right time to step down".

"This is probably the most selfish decision I've made in eight years but if I am to improve my wellbeing back to 100 per cent it's a decision I need to make," he said.

Mr Street will remain an MP for Franklin and praised Premier Jeremy Rockliff, saying he "couldn't ask for a better leader".

Mr Rockliff responded to the minister's announcement, describing Mr Street as a "steady hand" in government who has "has always expressed deep kindness, compassion and sincerity for those around him".

Tasmania's Labor Leader Dean Winter also praised Mr Street's "selfless" decision to be open about his mental health.

"In doing so, he has continued to destigmatise mental health issues and sends a message to everyone that it's ok to put your hand up and say you are not OK," he said.

While the resignation received supportive comments from all sides, it adds another item to the minority government's growing list of issues.

The Liberals were dealt a significant blow on Monday when Michael Ferguson walked away from his roles as deputy leader and treasurer in the face of a looming no-confidence vote in parliament.

He had been under increasing political pressure for his oversight of delays and cost blowouts to the delivery of new $900 million Spirit of Tasmania ferries.

Labor, the Greens and several members of the crossbench planned to support a no-confidence motion - the Liberals didn't have the numbers to defeat it.

Former senator Guy Barnett, 62, who has served at state level for a decade, was appointed deputy premier on Tuesday and Mr Rockliff is expected to announce a reshuffle on Friday.

It has been a tumultuous week in a rocky few years for the Liberals, who were plunged into minority in May 2023 when two MPs quit the party to sit as independents. 

They called an early election but couldn't get the numbers for majority and ended up with a bigger crossbench.

The Liberals had to redraw deals with two crossbench MPs in August after they were punted from the Jacqui Lambie Network and became independents. 

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