The Liberal Party is on track to win a historic third term in Tasmania, with ongoing vote counting indicating the government is likely to be returned. With more than half of the votes counted, the Liberals are expected to win at least 12 seats, one short of a majority in the state’s 25-member lower house.
Labor leader Rebecca White said she called Peter Gutwein and officially conceded defeat.
“All around the country, we have seen incumbent governments rewarded for their management of COVID-19, and there is no doubt that Peter Gutwein and our public health officials kept our community safe, and tonight’s result reflects that.”
She said Labor would continue to advocate for policies to improve infrastructure and health services.
“Tasmanians will not continue to tolerate the endless infrastructure policies never fulfilled. Just because we fell short, it doesn’t mean we will stop fighting to make Tasmania a better and fairer place.”
Premier Peter Gutwein has vowed to quit if he cannot secure a majority meaning another Liberal could lead Tasmania if the government fails to secure the 13th seat.
Election analyst Antony Green predicted victory for the Liberals.
“After this election, there will be a Liberal government. Whether it’s Peter Gutwein leading it and whether it’s the Liberal government in majority or minority,” he told ABC TV on Saturday.
“But there’s no other government in that chamber.”
The Hobart electorate of Clark shapes the crucial race, with independents Kristie Johnston and Sue Hickey polling strongly.
Victory in one of the two in-doubt Clark seats could deliver the Liberals a majority, while independent success could rise to a kingmaker.
Mr. Gutwein called the election after Ms. Hickey quit the Liberals, plunging the government into a minority.
The ABC calls six seats for Labor and two for the Greens, with five remaining doubtful.
The Greens picked up a healthy swing to ensure leader Cassy O’Connor and colleague Rosalie Woodruff will be re-elected.
There are 392,000 registered voters in Tasmania, and more than 105,000 pre-poll or postal votes were cast.
Tasmania’s electoral commissioner Andrew Hawkey told AAP it was unclear if an explosion in pre-poll votes would allow a result to be determined on Saturday night.
Independent upper house MP Meg Webb said the major parties’ refusal to entertain a minority government was a slap in the face to the Tasmanian people.
“It’s worse than turning their back; it’s childish,” she told Sky News.
“It’s a tantrum approach to democracy.”
