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AAP
AAP
Politics
Ethan James

Minority Liberals sign new deal after Lambie sackings

Jeremy Rockliff has penned a supply agreement with two former Jacqui Lambie Network members. (Ethan James/AAP PHOTOS)

Tasmania's minority Liberal premier has inked a fresh deal with two former Jacqui Lambie Network politicians who were sensationally punted from the minor party. 

Now-independents Miriam Beswick and Rebekah Pentland were kicked out of the network by Senator Lambie on Saturday for being too "cosy" with the state government. 

The pair were among three network MPs elected at the March poll who have propped up the Liberals under a deal to provide supply and confidence.

Terms of a revised deal with Premier Jeremy Rockliff for supply and confidence were signed on Tuesday. 

Rebekah Pentland
Rebekah Pentland has agreed to support the minority Liberal government in Tasmania. (Rob Blakers/AAP PHOTOS)

Ms Beswick and Ms Pentland will support all money bills and back the government on no confidence motions unless corruption, malfeasance or serious misbehaviour is involved. 

They have the right to consider legislation on merit, but aim to tell the Liberals if they plan to vote against them. 

The agreement is void if Mr Rockliff is not premier. 

Reviews examining Tasmania's integrity commission, right-to-information and political donation laws must be undertaken as per an earlier agreement. 

Mr Rockliff said the support for money bills was crucial with the 2024/25 budget to be delivered on September 12. 

"I thank Ms Beswick and Ms Pentland for their productive and collaborative approach over the past months," he said. 

Ms Beswick said the agreement was about continuing to provide stable government and offering "security to Tasmanians and Tasmanian businesses". 

Senator Jacqui Lambie
Senator Jacqui Lambie sacked two Tasmanian MPs for not following party values. (Mick Tsikas/AAP PHOTOS)

Remaining Jacqui Lambie Network MP Andrew Jenner has reiterated his support for the sacking of Ms Beswick and Ms Pentland. 

"There's no party whether it be Liberal ... Greens (or) Labor, (that) would allow a member to go against their leader so much," he said.

"There is a line you can't cross. I think maybe they crossed that and Jacqui took the appropriate measures."

Mr Jenner denied Senator Lambie, who is from Tasmania's northwest, was difficult to work with. 

"Jacqui is Jacqui. She's got a big heart and a big voice. And she's out there," he said. 

"Her and I have locked horns as well. (But) I find it easy working with her … we're both strong willed." 

It's not the first time the network has parted ways with an elected politician - Senator Tammy Tyrrell quit the party in March saying Senator Lambie wasn't happy with her. 

Miriam Beswick
Miriam Beswick will sit as an independent MP in Tasmania's parliament. (Rob Blakers/AAP PHOTOS)

Senator Lambie said Ms Beswick and Ms Pentland hadn't backed her call for state Infrastructure Minister Michael Ferguson to be sacked over cost blowouts and delays to two new Bass Strait ferries. 

Mr Ferguson, who on Monday relinquished the portfolio, has been in the hot seat as treasurer after an independent report pointed to ballooning debt and deficit. 

Ms Beswick and Ms Pentland have denied being too close to the Liberals and said Senator Lambie weighed in on state issues without consultation. 

The Liberals were re-elected with just 14 of 35 lower-house seats and require the support of four of the six-person cross bench to pass legislation. 

Mr Jenner is also seeking a revised confidence and supply agreement with more voting freedom. 

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