MP boost for Libs

A POLITICAL expert says to expect a more aggressive, agenda-setting Liberal Government following a power shift set off by new independent MP Madeleine Ogilvie.

MADELEINE Ogilvie’s vow to bring stability to Parliament was a clear indication of her willingness to help the Hodgman Government, a political expert says.

And when she took her seat as an independent on the Government side of the House of Assembly on Thursday, Ms Ogilvie was “opening the door to the Liberals to come and talk to me”, public policy expert Kate Crowley said.

Dr Crowley, of the University of Tasmania, said the situation was a “gift” for the Liberal Party.

“It was a blatant opening door to the Hodgman Government and a blatant closing door in being interested in helping Labor,’’ she said.

“My first reaction was that this is going to turn the Government agenda on its head in a positive way for the Government. Instead of playing defensive politics, they can play aggressive politics.”

Ms Ogilvie — elected on Tuesday after a recount triggered by the resignation of Labor MP Scott Bacon — chose to run as an independent and now has a powerful position in the Parliament.

With the Government now able to secure a floor majority if they gain Ms Ogilvie’s vote, Dr Crowley said maverick Speaker Sue Hickey’s dominance has been usurped.

“We will see in time how she votes and what impact that has,” Dr Crowley said.

Ms Ogilvie’s position on certain issues now means Ms Hickey potentially won’t even get a chance to use her casting vote.

Political analyst Kevin Bonham said the situation of an independent being elected on a recount was unique and in this case created a headache for Opposition Leader Rebecca White.

“You don’t want to be dropping a seat in this manner,’’ he said.

Dr Bonham believed speculation about Ms Ogilvie’s position on potential amendments to transgender reforms may turn out to be inconsequential.

“It would hit a brick wall in the Legislative Council,” he said.

Last week, Ms Ogilvie did not rule out one day rejoining Labor, but Dr Crowley said Ms Ogilvie was not embraced by Labor and could not see her being endorsed by the party at the next election.

Ms Ogilvie is the first independent to sit in the House of Assembly since former Liberal MP, the late Bruce Goodluck, who retired from politics in 1998.