It is the latest headache for the Liberals who were plunged into minority in May 2023 and called an early March election only to be returned in minority with a more diverse crossbench.
Deputy Premier and Treasurer Michael Ferguson has copped increasing heat over the bungled roll-out of two new Bass Strait ferries, prompting him to drop the infrastructure portfolio in August.
The yet-to-be-delivered $900 million Spirit of Tasmania ships are over budget, behind schedule and new wharfs for the vessels won't be ready for their arrival.
Mr Ferguson has been accused of misleading parliament, something he denies, over when he knew about rising costs and project troubles.
Michael Ferguson has been accused of misleading parliament over the Spirit of Tasmania ferries. (HANDOUT/RAUMA MARINE CONSTRUCTIONS)
Tasmania's Liberals hold 14 of 35 lower-house seats and govern with the support of a crossbench which includes five independents and one Jacqui Lambie Network (JLN) MP.
The state's Labor opposition has flagged moving a no-confidence motion in Mr Ferguson when parliament resumes from Tuesday.
Independents David O'Byrne and Kristie Johnston and JLN's Andrew Jenner have said they'd back a no-confidence motion.
With Labor's 10 votes and five from the Greens, it means the motion would succeed.
Under parliamentary convention, Mr Ferguson would have to resign from cabinet or Premier Jeremy Rockliff would have to send him to the backbench.
Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff says he has full confidence in his deputy Michael Ferguson. (Rob Blakers/AAP PHOTOS)
Mr Rockliff told reporters he had full confidence in Mr Ferguson, but he would respect the will of parliament.
"He has already accepted responsibility for the Spirit of Tasmania situation when he relinquished his responsibility as infrastructure minister," he said on Monday.
"(But) should there be a no-confidence passed ... then Mr Ferguson will be resigning and then going to the backbench."
Mr Ferguson has been deputy premier and treasurer since 2022 and also holds the small business and consumer affairs portfolio.
The former teacher served as federal member for Bass from 2004-07 before being elected at state level in the same electorate in 2010.
Mr Rockliff said Mr Ferguson had been the subject of a consistent smear campaign.
"I feel for his wellbeing ... our entire team wants to get on with the job," Mr Rockliff said.
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