UPDATE: Tasmania is plunged into political uncertainty following a snap election that resulted in a hung parliament, with the Liberals leading but lacking a majority. On Saturday night, Liberal Premier Jeremy Rockliff declared victory as his party secured 14 seats compared to Labor’s 9 seats, both short of the 18 seats needed for a majority.
The election, held on October 14, 2023, witnessed a swing of approximately 3% toward the Liberals. Rockliff stated he would seek to have his government recommissioned by the governor. However, Labor leader Dean Winter did not concede defeat, emphasizing the precarious nature of the results. “The result of this election is that the Liberals will have the most seats, but it is uncertain as to how they will achieve a majority,” Winter remarked, leaving the door open for potential governance discussions.
This marks a historic low for Labor, with only 26% of the primary vote. The Greens retained at least five seats, and three independents were elected, making the future of governance complex. The counting of four undecided seats could extend for weeks, complicating the landscape further.
Importantly, independents Kristie Johnston and Craig Garland have returned to parliament. Johnston has called for a more collaborative approach, insisting she would not enter into a formal deal with either major party. “They need to negotiate and respect the views of parliament,” she told AAP.
Anti-salmon activist and independent Peter George has also been elected after a vigorous campaign. In a twist, Greens leader Rosalie Woodruff urged Winter to consider an alliance, but Winter has consistently ruled out collaboration with the Greens. “I won’t be trading away any of Labor’s policies or our values,” he reiterated.
As political talks loom, the drawn-out scenario will likely delay crucial decisions, including the parliamentary approval process for a new $945 million stadium in Hobart—a key condition for Tasmania’s AFL license. The stadium project is supported by both the Liberals and Labor but faces opposition from the Greens, Garland, Johnston, and George.
The new parliament will closely resemble the previous one, comprising 14 Liberals, 10 Labor, 5 Greens, 5 independents, and 1 Jacqui Lambie Network member. As negotiations unfold, the immediate future of Tasmania’s governance hangs in the balance, impacting key policies and projects across the state.
Stay tuned for further updates as this developing situation progresses.
