Democracy sausages will be back on the barbie in Tasmania following the state Governor’s decision on Wednesday to greenlight Liberal Premier Jeremy Rockliff’s request for an early election.
The date is set for 19 July – just 16 months out from the last state election in March 2024. It will be Tasmania’s fourth election in seven years.
Confirming the snap poll, Tasmanian Governor Barbara Baker issued a statement, saying: “Notwithstanding the recent 2024 election, the public interest in avoiding the cost of another election and the prevailing public mood against holding an election, I have granted Premier Rockliff a dissolution.”
She added: “I make this grant because I am satisfied that there is no real possibility that an alternative government can be formed.”
Labor Opposition Leader Dean Winter met with Baker early Wednesday to discuss forming a minority government. As already publicly stated, Winter told Baker Labor would not form an alliance with the Greens, despite an offer from the party to do so.
“The Greens reached out to Labor and made it clear we were ready to find a way to work together in the best interests of all Tasmanians, but the Opposition Leader didn’t even respond,” Greens leader Rosalie Woodruff said.
The early election is a result of Rockliff narrowly losing a no-confidence vote – 18-17 – last week. The no-confidence motion was moved by Winter and drew support from Labor, the Greens and three crossbenchers.
Reasons cited for the vote include escalating state debt, plans to privatise state-owned companies, and the chaotic rollout of the new Spirit of Tasmania ferries.
Refusing to step down as premier, Rockliff called Winter’s no-confidence motion “a selfish grab for power” and the Opposition Leader “a wrecker”.
In a later statement, Rockliff – premier since 2022 – said he retains “unanimous support to continue to lead the Liberal Party”. Rockliff added that neither he nor the country wanted another election, “But it was forced upon us by the Leader of the Opposition. So let’s get on with it.”
Winter issued a counter statement, saying: “It’s time for a fresh start for Tasmania.”
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