Right now, all the political focus is on who will form government following the election – which major party will secure support through confidence and supply deals in the House of Assembly. There’s little acknowledgment that relationships across both houses of parliament are critical to passing a budget and implementing a legislative agenda.

Whoever governs must be prepared to genuinely engage with major party leaders and independents across both houses if they are to secure supply and advance laws that benefit Tasmanians.

It’s not an easy task. Managing relationships – within parliament, outside it, and even inside party rooms – takes considerable will, time and effort. But fundamentally, effective relationships are everything. Recent events have shown us you simply cannot govern, let alone achieve outcomes, without them.

This does not mean we all have to like each other, agree on everything, or share the same values. But any effective relationship, political or otherwise, relies on four essential traits: a willingness to engage from a position of mutual respect and trust; listening to hear and understand rather than to respond; being willing to negotiate and compromise; and sticking to your word.

As mayor of Glenorchy’s new council in 2022, I made clear from day one that we didn’t have to like each other or agree on everything, but we must remember the people elected us with the expectation we will work together, to serve their best interests.

We each outlined our needs and expectations before signing up to a “statement of intent” reflecting this. We also shared what motivated us and what we each hoped to achieve across our term. It was about starting as a collective journey of equals. No matter our diverse backgrounds or experience, each of us had just one vote – none more important than another.

Imagine if our next premier did something similar at the start of the 52nd parliament. What if, on day one, they brought all members together to talk frankly about how we’d work together for the people who elected us?

What if the 52nd parliament developed clear directions for good governance – agreed by all members – to guide its work over a full term?

This is what would probably be required if the parliament was held to the same governance standards expected of local councils. A dysfunctional council that mismanages its budget and major projects is placed into administration. That’s exactly what happened at Glenorchy City Council in 2017 and while costly, it was necessary for a reset. It led not only to fresh elections but also ministerial directions setting out more than 50 actions to restore good governance.

In local government, workshops are critical to sharing intellect and bringing people on the decision-making journey. The collective intelligence across parliament is exemplified through committee work. What if committees were empowered to play a greater role? Could a budget committee see members from across the political spectrum set broad budget parameters? Could committee recommendations be binding on government?

My hope for Tasmania’s 52nd parliament is a renewed focus on relationships, inside and outside the parliament.

I hope our next premier makes relationships their sole “portfolio” – personally engaging with party leaders and independents, rather
than filtering through advisers. I hope members across both houses remember we are elected to work together for Tasmanians, and commit to engaging with respect, listening to hear, compromising, and keeping their word.

Relationships work both ways and all 50 members must be prepared to give a bit, because relationships are the foundation of good governance. Without them, we simply can’t deliver for the Tasmanians who entrust us with the privilege of serving in their parliament.

Bec Thomas MLC is the independent member for Elwick