Dutton to make rare show as leader in Apple Isle

Mr Dutton will attend the event - the first time he has done so since becoming federal Liberal leader in 2022. 

Premier Jeremy Rockliff rebuffed Peter Dutton over his Port Arthur comments. (Rob Blakers/AAP PHOTOS)

Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff has not always seen eye-to-eye with Mr Dutton and in April criticised his comments comparing the Port Arthur massacre with a pro-Palestine protest.

Mr Dutton said Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's response to a protest was "weak" compared to John Howard's "strong" response to the 1996 shooting. 

"It is never appropriate to compare the Port Arthur tragedy with anything in any circumstance," Mr Rockliff said at the time. 

Tasmania's Liberals, who have been in power since 2014, have been governing in minority for the best part of a year and a half. 

They were plunged into minority in May 2023 when two MPs quit the party to sit as independents.

Mr Rockliff called an early election for March - the Liberals were returned to government in minority with 14 of 35 lower-house seats. 

They re-signed confidence and supply agreements on Tuesday with two crossbench MPs who were sensationally sacked from the Jacqui Lambie Network. 

Treasurer Michael Ferguson recently dropped the infrastructure portfolio after copping criticism over delays and cost overruns for two new Bass Strait ferries.

Mr Rockliff, who will address the state meeting, has backed Mr Ferguson to continue as treasurer and deputy premier. 

Motions from local branches, including one to phase out public funding of greyhound racing, will be debated. 

"It's a great opportunity for our Liberal members to express their views, to put forward policy for consideration," Mr Rockliff said on Thursday. 

"Robust debate is expected ... and that is a good thing. We need, in challenging times, a contest of ideas."