Tasmania on edge over potential snap election call
Tasmania is in political limbo as the state’s governor considers “all available options” before potentially approving a snap election.
Embattled Liberal minority Premier Jeremy Rockliff on Tuesday evening visited Governor Barbara Baker to formally request an early poll.
Rockliff lost a no-confidence motion in parliament on Thursday, but has refused to stand down as convention dictates, instead vowing to take Tasmania back to the ballot box.
In a statement, Baker’s secretary said she would take “the time necessary to give due consideration to all available options”.
“By the end of the week the premier will meet with Her Excellency again. Further statements will be made in due course,” the secretary said.
Rockliff said he respected Ms Baker’s stance and he remained committed to serving the people of Tasmania.
The Liberals, who hold 14 of 35 lower-house seats, have governed in minority since being returned to power at the March 2024 poll.
Rockliff visited the Governor on Tuesday evening to request an early poll. Photo: AAP
Baker could direct the Liberals to find another leader to avoid an election, or ask Labor opposition leader Dean Winter to try to form a workable government.
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However, Winter’s party, which holds just 10 seats, has ruled out an alliance with the Greens to form a minority.
Labor brought forward the no-confidence motion in Rockliff because of his budget “mismanagement” and delays and cost blowouts to new Bass Strait ferries.
The motion was passed with support from the Greens and three crossbench independents.
Battle lines for an election have already been drawn, with the Liberals abandoning potential state asset sales and announcing former federal MP Bridget Archer was prepared to run.
If an election is called, it would be Tasmania’s fourth in the space of seven years.
