Scott Morrison says state’s good economic times will drive votes

Prime Minister Scott Morrison is remaining coy about the Liberal’s chances of regaining the three seats lost by Tasmania’s “Three Amigos” last election — but the State’s Health Minister is more openly confident.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison is remaining coy about the Liberal’s chances of regaining the three seats lost by Tasmania’s “Three Amigos” last election — but the state’s Health Minister is more openly confident.

Michael Ferguson today said he believed the Liberals would win seats in Tasmania including Braddon, Bass and Lyons.

Liberal MPs Brett Whiteley, Andrew Nikolic and Eric Hutchinson all lost their seats in the 2016 poll, replaced by Labor’s Justine Keay, Brian Mitchell and Ross Hart.

But early polling in Bass shows Mr Hart could lose his seat to Liberal candidate and former George Town Mayor Bridget Archer.

Ms Keay is also fighting off Liberal challenger Gavin Pearce with a very small margin.

Mr Morrison was in Braddon for the second day of his first visit during the formal election campaign, which he called on April 11.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison pressing the flesh at Parramatta Creek in Tasmania’s Braddon electorate. PICTURE CHRIS KIDD

Mr Morrison was at a driver reviver stop at Paramatta Creek talking road safety funding — including $8 million for Australia’s 175 driver reviver stations — and adding another $25 million to the Tasmanian health system budget.

The new funding will go to a major upgrade of the North West Regional Hospital, peri-natal infant and mental health services for mothers in Burnie and Launceston and Queenstown’s allied health and aged facility.

The $25.6 million health promise mirrors Labor’s pledge to give $25 million to help Tasmania get its own AFL team.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison meets SES Regional Officer North West Region Anthony Dick in Braddon at Parramatta Creek, Tasmania. PICTURE CHRIS KIDD

It comes on top of the $92 million in health funding announced last week which targeted improving elective surgery wait times, boosting mental health and maternity services and more cancer diagnosis scans.

Asked if agreed with recent polling which showed the Liberal Party was on track to claim the seat of Bass, Mr Morrison dodged the specific question saying local voters would go to the polls knowing Tasmania’s economy had “skyrocketed up Australia’s leaderboard” under a Liberal federal and state government.

Liberal candidate for Braddon Gavin Pearce, Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Nationals leader Michael McCormack and Tasmanian Health Minister Michael Ferguson in Braddon at Parramatta Creek, Tasmania. PICTURE CHRIS KIDD

“There is a real positive energy in northern Tasmania,” Mr Morrison said.

“You can feel it talking to people and a Coalition Government will keep the state moving ahead.

“People are now staying in northern Tasmania or moving back from other places.”

Health Minister Michael Ferguson said there was a lot of hype and spin during an election campaign but he believed the Liberals could and would win seats in Tasmania — including in the three northern electorates.

“We have five ripper candidates across Tasmania. In Bass I think Bridget Archer could be a reality. She is a proven mother, mayor and businesswoman.”

Ms Keay claimed the new funding was a smokescreen for cuts to the overall health budget.

“As Treasurer, Scott Morrison cut $11 million from Tasmania’s hospitals — cutting hospital beds, cutting healthcare workers, and blowing out hospital waiting lists,” she said.” T

“This included a $1.95 million cut from the Launceston General Hospital, a $730,000 cut from the North West Regional Hospital and a $3 million cut from the Royal Hobart Hospital.

“Further, Scott Morrison plans to cut another $35 million from our state’s public hospitals if he wins the next election.”