Tasmania Calls On Other States To Form 'Coalition Of The Willing' Amid Fears Victoria Holds Weapons Of Mass Corruption

ERROL PARKER | Editor-at-large | Contact

The Tasmanian Premier has escalated rhetoric against Victoria, addressing what aides described as a “Tasmanian Provisional Militia” and calling for a national coalition to “liberate the Victorian people from entrenched corruption”.

Speaking before a crowd of supporters in camouflage windbreakers and Blundstones, Premier Jeremy Rockliff warned that Victoria had fallen under the long-term influence of "a triumvirate of union heavies, state Labor powerbrokers and outlaw motorcycle gangs".

"For decades, these forces have exercised a grip over major projects, procurement pipelines and, in some cases, the humble smoko van. We sat idly by and watched them suffer through lockdowns, we did nothing. We must right past wrongs," Rockliff said.

The Premier claimed recent allegations involving the construction sector were evidence of what he termed "Weapons of Mass Corruption" embedded within Victoria’s infrastructure program that go all the way up to the Premier's Office.

"Our intelligence suggests systemic cost inflation, intimidation and the quiet normalisation of conduct that would chill the blood of even the Launceston macaques," he said.

Rockliff said Tasmania was prepared to spearhead a "coordinated air, sea and land operation", beginning with maritime staging in Bass Strait, aerial surveillance of major project sites and boots on the ground across metropolitan Melbourne.

"The objective is clear," he said.

"To restore transparency, free enterprise, common sense government and uphold the radical notion that outlaw motorcycle gangs face justice."

Victoria dismissed the comments as inflammatory, stating that integrity bodies and police were addressing relevant matters.

Rockliff rejected suggestions the address was theatrical.

"When corruption becomes entrenched and cultural, intervention becomes liberation," he said.

No other states have yet committed troops, although our Premier David Crisafuli has not ruled it out entirely.

More to come.