Labor’s sweep up of Tasmania presents new challenge for state govt to deal with

Labor celebrates having two more Tasmanian voices inside their party room — but things are more subdued for our Liberal state government who will face the fallout of the federal vote. Analysis from our Political Editor David Killick >>

Labor candidate for Braddon Anne Urquhart celebrates her resounding win in the 2025 Federal election, with supporters at her Ulverstone post election gathering. Picture Simon Sturzaker

A second-term Albanese government promises to deliver interesting times for Tasmania, with two more local voices inside the Labor Party room but presenting fresh challenges for the state government.

As the count continued on Saturday night, it became apparent early on that the sentiment of voters was against Liberals, and their leader Peter Dutton.

Although the party conducted a vigorous on-ground campaign in Tasmania, its message on cost-of-living relief fell flat and big spending promises did not appeal to the electorate.

Labor’s emphasis on Medicare and health and the party’s focus on Mr Dutton as a bogeyman appears to have resonated more.

Bass and Braddon flipped once more, delivering to Labor four of the state’s five lower house seats.

Labor pledged significantly less for Tasmania during the election than the Coalition and has walked away from a longstanding federal role as dominant funding partner in joint infrastructure projects.

Labor’ major promises for Tasmania include a $95m towards the Tasmanian Freight Equalisation Scheme, $10m towards a new health hub in Smithton, $8m towards another in Burnie.

There was also $24m for energy transition at the Boyer paper mill and $10m for South Brighton Development Project.

But that largesse is overshadowed by the returning government’s disavowal of the old 80/20 split between the federal and state governments for infrastructure funding at a time the state budget is already under pressure.

Mr Albanese has stated outright he expects state and territory governments to “step up and do their bit”.

The state Liberals are hopping mad about the walkback, it means potentially coming up with hundreds of millions of dollars more over the forward estimates.

No such 80/20 split is in place for the Macquarie Point redevelopment. The federal government’s contribution is capped at $240m.

In the seat of Clark, Labor has promised $8m for upgrades to the Domain Tennis Centre, $1.7m for environmental works on Humphrey’s Rivulet in Glenorchy, $1.4m for upgrades at the Claremont Tennis Club.

Former state opposition leader Rebecca White was tipped as a potential cabinet member when her candidacy was announced by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

If nothing else, she will be a familiar face for Mr Rockliff to deal with as the state pleads its case for more.

Saturday night’s result also raises questions about the direction of the state Labor Party. It shows that federally at least, Tasmanias are willing to vote for Labor candidates in large numbers.

Originally published as Labor’s sweep up of Tasmania presents new challenge for state govt to deal with