Sky News and the Mercury will host the state election People’s Forum on April 26 in Hobart

Premier Peter Gutwein and Opposition Leader Rebecca White will be quizzed on all the hot topics at a live debate just days out from next month’s election. FIND OUT HOW YOU CAN WATCH >>

UNDECIDED Tasmanian voters will get the chance to ask crucial questions of Premier Peter Gutwein and Opposition Leader Rebecca White just days out from next month’s polling day.

Sky News and the Mercury will host the People’s Forum on Monday April 26 in Hobart ahead of the May 1 election.

Join Sky News Chief News Anchor Kieran Gilbert for the one-hour forum at 4pm AEST as the leaders are questioned on their policies and priorities in the state’s surprise snap election campaign.

“Premier Peter Gutwein caught many by surprise when he called Tasmania’s election a year early, and this forum will be our best insight into whether voters are set to reward or reject his high-stakes roll of the dice,” Gilbert said.

Premier Peter Gutwein called the election nearly a year early. Picture: Zak Simmonds

Sky News Australia Chief Executive Officer Paul Whittaker said the People’s Forum would shape the final week of the Tasmanian election campaign as both Mr Gutwein and Ms White make their final pitches directly to the people ahead of polling day.

“People’s Forums are always a campaign highlight – bringing both leaders together in a face-to-face setting where they are held directly accountable by voters,” he said.

Mercury editor Jenna Cairney said: “In terms of controversies, to date this campaign has been one of the most drama-filled elections in Tasmania’s history. But enough with the smears and the tears, Tasmanians need to hear precisely what these leaders have to offer our state.”

At 2pm AEST on April 26, join political reporter Tom Connell for pre-forum analysis as he anchors Afternoon Agenda, crossing to Kieran Gilbert live from the forum venue.

Mr Gutwein and Ms White will then face the group of selected voters live for questioning from 4pm.

Labor leader Rebecca White. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Then, on Saturday May 1 as Tasmanians head to the polls, Sky News will deliver comprehensive coverage and analysis of the Tasmanian Election 2021.

From 5.30pm on Saturday, join Kieran Gilbert, Political Editor Andrew Clennell, Liberal Senator for Tasmania Eric Abetz, and independent Senator for Tasmania Jacqui Lambie for all the results and reaction.

Sky News reporters Andrea Crothers and Danica De Giorgio will be live on the ground in Tasmania while presenters Tom Connell and Graham Richardson will offer their insights from the Sky News numbers room.

Mercury editor Jenna Cairney and Political Editor David Killick will also provide analysis on the ground.

TASMANIAN ELECTION 2021 PROGRAMMING SCHEDULE

Monday April 26

4pm: Sky News/The Mercury’s People’s Forum live anchored by Kieran Gilbert

Saturday May 1

5.30pm: Tasmanian Election 2021 anchored by Kieran Gilbert

The Sky News/The Mercury People’s Forum will also be streamed live on skynews.com.au, Sky News Radio on iHeartRadio and to Mercury subscribers at themercury.com.au.

Watch LIVE on Sky News, Foxtel channels 103 & 600.

The Sky News broadcast of the People’s Forum and Tasmanian Election 2021 will also be available live to Sky News on WIN regional viewers in Tasmania on channel 83.

Originally published as Sky News and the Mercury will host the state election People’s Forum on April 26 in Hobart