Tasmania's snap election has resulted in another hung parliament, with the Liberal Party securing 14 seats and Labor nine as counting continues. Both parties remain short of the 18 seats needed for a majority, prompting Premier Jeremy Rockliff and Opposition Leader Dean Winter to reach out to independent MPs in hopes of forming government.
Premier Rockliff declared victory on election night, citing a 3% swing from Labor to the Liberals. He stated on Sunday that he had contacted potential crossbench collaborators, emphasising that the party with the most seats should form cabinet. Rockliff noted that Tasmanians voted for an end to political games and expect a parliament that works together and lasts a full term.
Labor suffered its worst vote in Tasmania in over a century, securing 26% of the vote with three-quarters of ballots counted. Despite this, Winter has not ruled out forming government if the Liberals fail to secure crossbench support. He has spoken to several crossbench members, offering to work differently and collaboratively, but reiterated he would not do a deal with the Greens, who hold five seats.
Independent MP Kristie Johnston, re-elected, stated she would not enter a formal confidence and supply deal with either major party, providing support on merit. The final outcome in three undecided seats could take weeks, delaying a formal minority agreement. Rockliff would need to work with independents, including two who voted for the no-confidence motion against him in June, which triggered the election.
The election outcome also affects the proposed $945 million stadium, a condition of Tasmania's AFL licence, supported by Liberals and Labor but opposed by the Greens and some independents. Rockliff noted that two-thirds of Tasmanians voted for pro-stadium candidates. The new parliament will closely resemble the previous one, with 14 Liberals, 10 Labor MPs, five Greens, five independents, and one Jacqui Lambie Network member.
