Jeremy Rockliff, with Eric Abetz (right), who made the transition from federal to Tasmanian state politics. (ABC News: Luke Bowden)
It probably wasn't the start to the political year that the Tasmanian government had hoped for.
Days out from state parliament's return, it had to make a number of revelations that riled up the crossbench.
A rather unfortunate position to be in given the Liberals hold just 14 seats out of 35.
Abandoning its promised review of the state's much-maligned Integrity Commission was never going to be an easy pill to swallow, even if "legal issues" were the cause.
'Legal issue' stops independent review into Integrity Commission
Photo shows A politician speaking at a pulpit
Ironically, it was the two independents — former Jacqui Lambie Network MPs Rebekah Pentland and Miriam Beswick — who were the most understanding.Â
The review came about as part of their confidence and supply agreement with the government.
"It is disappointing, but obviously there is the opportunity there for the [parliamentary] committee to do that work," Ms Beswick said on Friday.
Less lenient were the Greens, independents Kristie Johnston and Craig Garland, and Jacqui Lambie Network MP Andrew Jenner.
"I entered into a post-election agreement with the premier in good faith, but it is now clear that it was not worth the paper it was written on," Mr Jenner said on Friday.
For Ms Johnston, who remains frustrated by the government's decision to pause work on its mandatory cashless pokies card, it was the final straw as she declared she had "no confidence" in the government.
Mr Garland, meanwhile, wrote to the treasurer that day expressing his "grave concerns" about the state of Tasmania's finances, warning he may not support the 2025-26 budget.
The proposed stadium at Macquarie Point is not fully supported across the community. (Supplied: MPDC)
Independent review finds new Hobart stadium costs to 'exceed $1 billion'
Photo shows A concept image of the proposed Hobart stadium at Macquarie Poi nt.
Days later Deputy Premier Guy Barnett delivered some more bad news, announcing a hiring freeze for "non-essential" public sector workers in an attempt to deal with the growing budget deficit.Â
Not that it's been able to define non-essential.
Another less-than-winning move in the eyes of some crossbenchers.
"It would be a great shame, and entirely the wrong approach, if the government's desperate attempt to look like it is finally taking action, means stalling on these crucial reforms and making the lives of many Tasmanians worse, not better," said Ms Johnston.
That same day it had to admit it had failed in its attempt to lease out Spirit of Tasmania IV.
The bigger and better ship will make its way to Tasmania in the middle of the year.
Where it'll dock or if it'll be able to be used in any capacity is still unclear.Â
But the government's no doubt desperate to avoid Labor's oft-referenced floating billboard of failure situation.
Dean Winter. (ABC News: Ebony ten Broeke)
Critics lash double-page ads explaining ferry debacle
Photo shows Spirit of Tasmania IV ship in port.
This decision wasn't met with much criticism beyond those who claimed it was made months too late, but it gave Labor a chance to gloat.
"The Liberals have given in. They are bringing our new Spirit of Tasmania home," Labor Leader Dean Winter wrote on Facebook.
Already bruised and battered from a rough 2024, the minority Liberal government's year ahead isn't looking any easier.
But despite all the hot air and threats of no confidence, the government looks like it'll limp on through another year.
For it has found an unlikely ally, or rather safety net, in the opposition.
Miriam Beswick and Rebekah Pentland have said they'll continue to back the government, in spite of the Integrity Commission review being abandoned. (ABC News: Georgia Hogge)
Arguably the main reason Tasmanians aren't heading to the polls soon is because Labor has no plans to back or move a no-confidence motion.
"I don't think Tasmanians want an election within a year of the last election. I don't think that's the approach Tasmanians want me to take," Mr Winter told reporters on Monday.
But this shouldn't be mistaken for some kind of altruistic or kind act. It is purely self-interest.
The reality is there are enough fed-up crossbenchers that if the opposition were to move a legitimate no-confidence motion, it has a good chance of succeeding. Which means a very, very early election.
As much as Mr Winter wants to claim the mantle of being the one to finally bring down the Liberal government, he's not going to … at least not yet.
Tasmanian Greens Leader Rosalie Woodruff. (ABC News: Kate Nickels)
Poll reveals support levels for proposed Hobart stadium across Tasmania
Photo shows Concept art showing interior of sports stadium with cricket match underway.
For one thing, Labor isn't ready to govern.Â
It's still finding its feet after last year's devastating defeat, and polling indicates it's yet to convince Tasmanians that it is a viable alternative government.
And winning back the extra eight seats it needs to govern in majority requires a huge swing to the opposition.
So, while the year ahead is likely to be a difficult one for the minority Liberal government, it would take something pretty major for it to be ousted.
The delays to the arrival of the Spirit of Tasmania ferries has been a headache for the government. (Supplied: Andy Marriott)
It's also worth noting that amongst all the headlines, drama and stuff-ups, a lot has been achieved.
Stamp duty has been abolished for first-home buyers, public transport fares cut in half and a team of GPs has been set up to fill in when clinics get stuck. Just to name a few.
There's a lot on the agenda for this year too.Â
The government still needs to come good on its promise to make owning a pet a right for renters, and it's working on unlocking 40,000 hectares of previously reserved forest — also known as future potential production forest — for logging.
Landlords will be barking mad over pet law change, real estate figure predicts
Photo shows Woman playing with a black dog.
Planning seems to be the Liberals' word of the year.Â
The government has already announced that it wants to ban third-party appeals, change legislation so renewable energy projects qualify as major projects and it'll give the development assessment panels — which allow large developments to bypass councils — another go.
Like everything that appears before Tasmania's hung parliament, the government's long legislative wish list will take some negotiation. Whether it's getting enough members of the crossbench on board or the opposition.
Even when it makes it through the lower house, the upper house, where independents rule, proves a further challenge.
At the moment, the biggest advantage the government has in limping through is Premier Jeremy Rockliff.
He's broadly liked in state parliament, and the Liberal Party would have a much harder time extracting confidence and supply deals from former Labor leader turned Independent David O'Byrne, plus Ms Beswick and Ms Pentland, if a more right-leaning or controversial colleague was at the helm.
But Mr Rockliff has been in parliament for more than two decades, and rumours continue to swirl that he could call time at some point during this term, or that an aspiring premier, like Guy Barnett or Eric Abetz, could try to seize the top job.
Perhaps then that might be the catalyst for Labor triggering an earlier-than-expected election.