Andrew Wilkie, the new independent member for Denison, has announced that he will give his support to the ALP in the hung parliament.
Wilkie has signed an agreement with Prime Minister Gillard.
Wilkie announced his decision at 3.30pm today, whilst government negotiations with the other independent members continue.
- Listen to Andrew Wilkie’s media conference (28m)
- Download a copy of Wilkie’s agreement with Gillard (PDF)
In his written agreement with Gillard, Wilkie undertakes to vote with the Government to ensure supply. He maintains his right to vote independently on all other legislation, “but undertakes to involve himself in negotiations with the Government before exercising that right.
Wilkie also agrees to oppose any motion of no confidence in the Government unless he has moved or seconded the motion.
The agreement includes a commitment by the government to work on a range of accountability proposals such as the online registration of lobbyists, improvements to Question Time and the creation of a Parliamentary Budget Office. Gillard and Wilkie have agreed to meet with each other once every sitting week and fortnightly at other times.
The government has agreed to contribute $100 million upfront for the construction of the Women and Children’s Hospital in Hobart. It will contribute to the $565 million redevelopment of the Royal Hobart Hospital.
The government has committed to implement a number of poker machine reforms, including a “best practice pre-commitment schme” for all poker machines across all States and Territories by 2014.
