Canberra Times (ACT : 1926 - 1995), Friday 19 December 1947, page 4


DEVELOPMENTS IN TASMANIAN POLITICS

Dr. Turnbull Withdraws

Support

HOBART, Thursday.

There were further dramatic

developments in the Tas-

manian political situation to-

day, when Dr. Turnbull indi- cated that he could not sup- port the new Premier (Mr. Brooker), and, as a result, the Labour Party is likely to be without a majority.

Early to-day, the Premier (Mr. Cosgrove) handed his resignation to the Governor, who called on Mr. Brooker, the Minister for Lands and Works, and Deputy Premier, to form

a Government. Mr. Cosgrove later received a tele- gram from Dr. Turnbull stating

that "as no assurance is forthcoming

from you or Mr. Brooker, regarding health matters and party funds, I regret that I cannot support Mr.Brooker, and the Governor should be

informed that Mr. Brooker no longer has a majority."

Mr. Cosgrove told Dr. Turnbull that it would be for the House of Assembly to say whether or not Mr.

Brooker's Government had the confi-

dence of the House.

The Labour Party has a majority of only one on the floor of the House and, therefore, depends on Dr. Turnbull's support. Dr. Turnbull said that in the event

of an election next year, he would not seek endorsement as a Labour

candidate as he considered he would

not be acceptable.

Mr. Cosgrove said this afternoon

that he had decided to resign in what he believed to be the best in- terests of the Premiership and the Labour Party.

There was nothing more to say except to remind people that he had not yet been heard in his defence.

"I am certain that my innocence will be fully established, Mr. Cos-grove added.