On Monday, Tasmanian Parliament resumed after its brief session to test confidence in Jeremy Rockliff’s government. There is a sense of hope (and Aramaic prayer) in the air, with all MPs promising to work collaboratively, at least to some extent. The Parliament has agreed to renew the previous term’s experimental standing orders that banished Dorothy Dixers and a multi-partisan budget panel has been created (albeit the Opposition has already withdrawn). Perhaps this is an ill-fated honeymoon, but it signals a difference from the election.

Although seemingly distant from ANU concerns, we can draw many lessons from Tasmania, specifically from Labor’s result, which was its worst since 1906. The story of that shocking defeat is a story of not wanting to compromise. For those who are not avid Tasmania-watchers, here is a very brief summary. The Liberal government has been in power for eleven years and in June the government presented a widely-condemned budget. 

This triggered a no confidence motion from Labor’s Dean Winter, which was successful. The numbers in parliament were such that Winter potentially had enough support from the crossbench to become Premier, but he refused it, saying he would not make deals with the crossbench. With no change from the Liberals, the Governor was forced to call yet another early election. The Tasmanian people delivered a very hung Parliament, with more seats for the Liberals, but an overall progressive majority.

Here is the lesson – from the start Winter said no deals, that Labor would accept crossbench support, but would not compromise on its policies. Meanwhile, Rockliff performed some unexpected policy backflips in an attempt to woo the crossbench. The crossbench rewarded Rockliff’s gymnastics, with every non-Labor member voting to continue the Rockliff government. All crossbenchers lamented their decision, but emphasised that they could not deal with someone that would not compromise. Winter was swiftly knifed the following day and deposed as Labor leader.

Dean Winter’s story bears resemblance to two events at this University.

First, the implementation of Renew ANU. The Change “Management” process has been tin-eared with no regard to student or staff opinions, caring more about numbers on a spreadsheet than humans. ANU has claimed they will listen but so far have shown no real compromise or remorse. My advice to Professor Bell is simple – the knives of ANU Council members are being sharpened, if you continue down this path, you will end up like Winter.

My other warning is to those involved in student politics. Unwillingness to compromise and act in good faith has led to too many reforms failing. If ANUSA is to remain a legitimate representative of students, we must move past factionalism and tackle the reasons why so many students don’t engage with their union. Although you might get re-elected, if we do not improve student engagement, ANU will undoubtedly stick a knife in our SSAF funding.

To those in the Chancelry and the candidates aspiring to fill those coveted ANUSA positions is simple – pay attention to the lessons of Tasmania’s election, or those lessons will start to pay attention to you.

If this article upsets you, please send your grievances to 204 Nowhere Else Rd, Paradise, 7306, Tasmania.

This article is a student submission to Woroni. Any student can submit to Woroni here.

Editor’s Note: Kuba Meikle is an ANUSA General Representative and ran with ‘Serve! For ANUSA’ in the 2024 ANUSA elections.