Tasmanians are voting today in an election one year ahead of schedule

An early election was called in April when speaker Sue Hickey quit the Liberals to sit as an independent, plunging the government into minority.

Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein casts his vote in Launceston, Saturday, May 1, 2021

Incumbent Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein casts his vote in Launceston, Saturday, May 1, 2021 Source: AAP

Tasmanians are voting today in an early election where leaders of the two major parties have pledged not to govern in minority.

The Liberal government is seeking a historic third term on Saturday after calling the election a year ahead of schedule.

But there is an increasing feeling the level of support for the Labor opposition, and high-profile independents in the Hobart electorate of Clark, could result in a hung parliament.

Premier Peter Gutwein, who has said the Liberals won't try to govern in minority, voted alongside wife Amanda in Launceston.

"Voters have a choice between certainty, stability and a majority Liberal government or a minority government that will take us backwards," he told reporters.
The Liberals retained power in 2018, winning 13 seats, a narrow one-seat majority, in the 25-seat lower house.

An early election was called in April after speaker Sue Hickey quit the Liberals to sit as an independent, plunging the government into minority.

Labor opposition leader Rebecca White cast her vote in Sorell, which is located north east of Hobart and sits in the electorate of Lyons.

She said on Friday she wouldn't lead a minority government, and no one from her party would either.

"We're campaigning to win. I've said throughout this entire campaign that is the only thing that I'm working on," she said.
Labor opposition leader Rebecca White on Saturday
Labor opposition leader Rebecca White on Saturday Source: SBS News/Sarah Maunder
Mr Gutwein and the Liberals experienced a surge in popularity due to their coronavirus management but a recent voter survey indicated their backing could be on the slide.

Polling by uComms for the Australia Institute had the Liberals on 41 per cent, Labor 32, the Greens 12, and independents 11 per cent.

Ms Hickey and Glenorchy mayor and fellow independent Kristie Johnston could pull sizeable votes in Clark.

"I'm feeling more confident because so many people have been supportive and it has been a wonderful campaign," Ms Hickey said on Saturday after casting her vote in Hobart's northern suburbs.
"People have been so disillusioned with a majority government. They are looking for change and I'm hoping that I can be that change."

Mr Gutwein, who is facing voters for the first time as premier after taking over as leader in early 2020, has pointed to the state's strong economic rebound out of COVID-19.
Labor, which has nine seats, says Tasmania's stretched health system means it is time for change after seven years of Liberal government.

Mr Gutwein is continuing to stand by embattled Braddon candidate Adam Brooks, who is accused of creating an online profile using a fake name and dating a woman using the alias.

"Mr Brooks ... has emphatically denied these allegations," Mr Gutwein said.

More than 45,000 of Tasmania's 392,000 registered voters have already cast their ballots through pre-polling and postal votes, a figure estimated to reach 60,000. 


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3 min read
Published 1 May 2021 7:15am
Updated 1 May 2021 1:40pm
Source: AAP, SBS



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