Tasmanians head to the polls on Saturday in an election that was called more than a year early. After a largely uninspiring campaign, here’s your guide to state election.
Academic rigor, journalistic flair
Articles on Rebecca White
Displaying all articles
Polls aren’t favouring state Labor parties. Based on the latest figures, Labor would struggle to form government in Tasmania, while support for the party in Queensland has dipped.
Under Peter Gutwein, the Liberals have won a record third term, but without the huge swings to incumbent governments that have been seen in other states.
Both Liberal and Labor have had shaky campaigns, but the premier’s gamble that an early poll to capitalise on COVID management is the ticket to another term may well pay off.
Pokies, housing, hospitals and gun laws might have been the specific issues that dominated the campaign, but the decisive factor was Tasmanians’ enduring apprehension about minority government.
The Liberals went from a losing position in Tasmanian polls months ago to a comfortable victory on election day.
Both major parties have declared they will not form minority government in Tasmania – talk that should be taken seriously, but not literally.
The polls are leaning towards the Liberals holding power in Tasmania, but the unpopularity of the federal Coalition government could help Labor get over the line.
Top contributors
-
Election Analyst (Psephologist) at The Conversation; and Honorary Associate, School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne
-
Casual Academic, University of Tasmania
-
Professor of Political Science; Director, Tasmanian Policy Exchange, University of Tasmania
-
Associate Professor in Politics, Murdoch University
-
Research Fellow, Tasmanian Policy Exchange, University of Tasmania
