Battlelines drawn as Governor approves July 19 Tasmanian election

Battlelines have been drawn after Tasmania’s governor finally approved an early state election. A wounded Jeremy Rockliff said the poll will be about ‘common decency’.

Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff with Health Minister Jacquie Petrusma at the Royal Hobart Hospital. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

You can now listen to The Australian's articles. Give us your feedback.

You can now listen to The Australian's articles.

Tasmanians will go to the polls on July 19 – for the second time in 16 months – after the state’s Governor on Wednesday night ­finally agreed to the early election requested by Premier Jeremy Rockliff.

The election – Tasmania’s fourth in a little over seven years – follows an extended power vacuum after Mr Rockliff last week suffered a no-confidence motion in the House of Assembly.

Governor Barbara Baker, who on Tuesday night deferred a decision on Mr Rockliff’s election request, said she had ­decided there was no real alternative. “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,” Ms Baker said.

“I make this grant because I am satisfied that there is no real possibility that an alternative government can be formed.”

Mr Rockliff welcomed the ­decision. “A state election has been called for July 19 – one that we’re going to fight in the name of common decency,” he said via social media.

“To draw a line in the sand, as Tasmanians, and stand up for what we believe in. Not political games. But building a better Tasmania.

“Your support over these last few days has been nothing short of incredible. I have been truly humbled. Now let’s get on with it.”

Labor leader Dean Winter said Tasmanians now had “a choice”, flagging a campaign ­attack based on Mr Rockliff’s abandoned privatisation agenda.

Labor leader Dean Winter. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“The Liberals want to sell off Tasmania, while Labor will keep Tasmania in Tasmanian hands,” Mr Winter said. “Selling off Tasmania means higher prices for power, public transport, and other essentials.

“Only a vote for Labor will ­ensure Tasmanian profits stay in Tasmania, investing in schools, health, and housing. Our entire labour movement is united and ready to send the Liberals a loud message – Tasmania is not for sale.

“It’s time for a fresh start for Tasmania.”

There had been pressure within the Liberal Party and the business community for Mr Rockliff to resign to allow the party to choose another leader and avoid the snap poll.

However, Mr Rockliff refused to quit and despite several senior ministers being willing to take his place, none were willing to force a spill of the leadership.

The Liberal government, in power since 2014, most recently in a weakened minority administration since March 2024, faces an uphill battle to retain power.

It has taken the state deeply into state debt, recently unveiling a budget doubling net debt to almost $11bn by 2028, while being plagued by allegations of bungled infrastructure projects.

The most notable of these was the failure to build adequate wharf facilities for $1bn new Bass Strait ferries, and alleged mishandling of the contentious $1bn Hobart AFL stadium.

Both major parties are committed to the stadium – a key condition of Tasmania gaining an AFL team.

However, the election casts further doubt over the project’s future, given delays to legislation fast-tracking the project and uncertainty over the make-up of any crossbench, with few ­pundits predicting a majority government.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff and Health Minister Jacquie Petrusma face the media on Wednesday at the Royal Hobart Hospital. Picture: Matthew Denholm

Labor is ahead in the polls for the first time in years, but has a new, untested leader in Mr Winter and a history of poor election campaigns.

The Liberals have 14 seats in the 35-seat Assembly, Labor 10, the Greens five, independents five and the Jacqui Lambie Network (not running candidates at this election) one.

The latest opinion poll, by EMRS in May, showed Labor on 31 per cent, Liberals 29 per cent, independents 17 per cent, the Greens 14 per cent, and JLN 6 per cent.

Earlier, Ms Baker met Mr Winter, who told her he was unwilling to govern with the Greens, leaving her little choice but to agree to Mr Rockliff’s election request.

Mr Rockliff was earlier accused by some within his party of resisting a request by a cabinet minister to call a meeting of the Parliamentary Liberal Party on Wednesday to discuss the crisis sparked by the no-confidence motion.

However, Mr Rockliff on Wednesday night said he had eventually – before visiting the Governor a second time – convened a PLP meeting where he had “once again, received unanimous support to continue to lead the Liberal Party”.

Sources said Mr Rockliff’s was earlier dismissive of the idea of a PLP meeting. Two senior ministers – Eric Abetz and Michael Ferguson – were understood to be willing to assume the leadership, but unwilling to challenge him for it.

Greens leader Rosalie Woodruff blamed both major parties for the early election, saying Mr Rockliff should have resigned and Mr Winter agreed to govern with Greens support.

She flagged a campaign against the stadium and for better public services. “The Greens will be campaigning to stop the stadium, and invest instead in health and housing,” Dr Woodruff said.

“We will make sure environmental protection and climate action are front and centre – as we always have. With a new government and the Greens in the balance of power, we can make real change happen.”