An abusive partner: MP takes extraordinary swipe at former party

Mrs Alexander on Tuesday accused the Liberals of having internal cultural issues with women before cabinet over the morning to discuss the prospect of an early election.

Three of the government's members in both houses of parliament are women of the 13 elected members and two of these are members of cabinet.

The two government ministers Madeleine Ogilvie and Jo Palmer have each said the party is both representative and supportive of women.

In a statement before the meeting, Mrs Alexander said the party would be better served by examining its culture problems, instead of behaving like an abusive partner in a failed relationship.

"I left the Liberal Party eight months ago," she said.

"Nobody moves to the crossbench to enhance their re-election chances. I didn't leave the Liberal Party because I found the crossbench more attractive, I left because the Liberal Party was an abusive partner.

"Now, just like that abusive partner, the Liberal Party still believes that if it insists enough, and gets enough of its mates to join in, I'll give in and meekly sit in the corner like the submissive female, waiting for permission to speak."

Mr Rockliff called a meeting with Mrs Alexander and fellow defector John Tucker less than a fortnight ago to renegotiate a deal with the pair over confidence and supply for the government.

As part of the deal, the pair would not be able to support bills, bill amendments or motions from Labor, the Greens and other independents, but would be able to move their own in parliament.

Mrs Alexander rejected this proposition swiftly, arguing it contradicted her position as an independent.

She said it was telling four women had resigned from the Liberal government over two years.

"I was elected after Sarah Courtney resigned," Mrs Alexander said.

"Since then, I have moved to the crossbench and Jacquie Petrusma and Elise Archer have joined Sarah in leaving the parliament.

"I'm a first-term MP, but Sarah, Jacquie and Elise were experienced MPs with vast ministerial experience. Their departure is an indictment on the culture within the Liberal Party, however you cut it."

Government minister Jo Palmer last year dismissed assertions from Ms Archer last year that the Liberals failed to support ambitious women in the party.

"I have to say my experience has been the complete and utter opposite of that," she said at the time.

"I felt very supported as a woman, just as a human being. .. our colleagues are phenomenal and we all treat each other with respect and kindness.

"I've never felt that I've been treated any differently, whether I'm a man or a woman."

Madeleine Ogilvie on Tuesday said:

"I'm a big fan of women and I am one.

"I'm here to say to the women of Tasmania, we got you."