Labor’s big shift in new EMRS poll

The latest public opinion polling shows undecided voters are making their minds up about Dean Winter.

Hobart Airport CEO Norris Carter, Premier Jeremy Rockliff and Tourism Industry Council of Tasmania CEO Amy Hills speak to the media at Hobart International Airport on Monday, 18 November 2024

Labor leader Dean Winter has had a big jump in support in the latest public opinion polling.

The EMRS Tasmanian state voting intentions survey shows Mr Winters’ backing as preferred premier jumped from 30 per cent of respondents in the August poll to 37 per cent in November.

The majority of the increased support for Mr Winter came mainly from previously undecided voters — whose numbers fell from 25 per cent of those surveyed to 19 per cent.

At the same time, preference for Premier Jeremy Rockliff has fallen from 45 per cent to 43 per cent.

Labor has also narrowed the gap on party support with 31 per cent of voters backing the opposition – up from 27 per cent last poll, while the government dropped to 35 per cent from a previous result of 36 per cent.

Mr Winter’s increase in support came as he skewered the government on its handling of the TT-Line fiasco.

The poll features a new measure, tracking leaders’ favourability.

Mr Rockliff enjoyed a rating of +15 per cent, with Mr Winter just behind on +14 per cent.

Mr Winter said he felt a change in public sentiment in recent times.

“I’ve spent a lot of time talking to Tasmanians over the last six months and the message I’ve been giving them is that Labor has changed, that I’m all about the economy, that I’m focused on jobs and making their life easier,” he said.

“I think Tasmanians are ready to look at a change, and that’s what we’re offering.

“The questions I get is, if the government can’t deliver a berth ready for our new ships, then what else are they not going to be able to deliver?

“We’ve seen project after project that simply hasn’t been delivered: the underground bus mall in Hobart, a four lane Midland Highway, the fifth lane on the Southern Outlet, Tamar Bridge, Northern Prison Project, Marinus — this is a government that talks about doing things, but nothing ever gets done.”

Speaking prior to the results being released public on Monday morning, Mr Rockliff acknowledged the Spirit of Tasmania issue had hurt the government — but said he was determined to win back public trust,” he said.

“I accept that the situation is not good enough, I’ve said that many times. I’ve taken responsibility for it, I’ve intervened, and now, as I said the other day, we’re getting the show back on the road.

“I’m very disappointed, like all Tasmanians, appalled frankly, but we’ve got to dig in get the job done.”

The poll of 1,000 Tasmanian voters was conducted between 5th and 14th of November.