Latest EMRS polling shows voters back Liberals’ actions on Covid

The latest polling shows voters’ intentions are virtually unchanged since the May state election, but the reopening of the state’s borders may change that result. DETAILS >>

TASMANIANS continue to strongly endorse the state government’s handling of the Covid-19 pandemic, new polling shows.

But a political analyst says the imminent reopening of the state’s borders and the potential effects on the state will provide a new test of public opinion.

The latest EMRS poll of 1000 adult Tasmanian residents has revealed support for the Liberals remained at 49 per cent, identical to the August poll and the May state election result.

Backing for Labor is down two percentage points to 26 per cent and has been picked up by “other”, which could indicate support for the House of Assembly’s only independent MP, Kristie Johnston.

Support for the Greens is steady at 13 per cent.

Premier Peter Gutwein looks on as Public Health director Mark Veitch addresses the media during a Covid update. Picture: Zak Simmonds

Polling indicates Peter Gutwein (59 per cent) is still overwhelmingly the state’s preferred premier, the same as August this year but down from 70 per cent in August 2020.

Labor leader Rebecca White’s support as preferred premier fell one percentage point to 28 per cent.

EMRS managing director Paul Jamrozik said it was believed polling had primarily been influenced by factors relating to the management of Covid-19 and expressed confidence in the measures taken by the government, including the border reopening.

The latest polling was undertaken between November 28 and December 5 – well after the state’s border reopening date was announced.

“EMRS suggests that voters have been weighing up key developments in the course of the year, particularly those related to Covid-19, such as the rollout of the vaccination program, the easing of restrictions on the Tasmanian community, on workers and on local businesses, and decisions on border controls,” Mr Jamrozik said.

“Their voting intentions to date indicate a strong endorsement of the government’s performance.”

Labor leader Rebecca White’s support as preferred premier fell one percentage point to 28 per cent. Picture Nikki Davis-Jones

Political analyst Kevin Bonham said the polling had been almost unchanged since the state election.

“Labor’s vote is low, it’s one of the lower votes they have recorded in opposition for some time,” he said.

“The two polls since the election are basically the same as the election ... which indicate the same result would occur again if an election was to be held.”

There is less than one week until the state’s borders reopen to the entirety of mainland Australia, and Dr Bonham said the political implications remained to be seen.

“This is more of a test ... we’ve been in something of a holding pattern with borders closed and the government maintaining high support, and we will see if that changes,” he said.

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