Labor concedes defeat in Tasmanian state election

The Tasmanian Labor Party has admitted it will not get enough votes to win the state election, with leader Rebecca White saying it is “very unlikely” it will form a minority government.

Early election results pointed to a hung parliament, but Ms White admitted on Sunday that Labor would be unlikely to form a government after winning 10 seats but falling short of 18.

“On the basis that the Liberal Party has won more seats and the convention would dictate that the governor would ask the Prime Minister to form a government, either in parliament or with the support of MPs, that is the likely outcome of this election result “he said at a press conference.

‘I respect that result. I respect the will of the people and I am very grateful to the people of Lyon who have given me their support.’

Under Labor Party rules, the leadership position is now vacant.

White told reporters she was still the leader of the state’s Labor Party and said she would take “a couple of days” to consider her options.

“I am currently the leader and I am doing the job I was elected to do,” she said.

While the Liberals are expected to win the most seats after Saturday’s election, both the Liberals and Labor have failed to form a majority government, with the Liberals suffering a 12 per cent swing against them.

After Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff hailed the result as a “victory”, he told reporters in Hobart that voters had sent a clear message in the shift towards minor parties and independents.

“The people of Tasmania have spoken and I respect the message we heard last night,” Rockliff said.

‘What we have heard is that Tasmanians clearly want to focus on issues related to the cost of living, health and housing. What I do believe is that the people also voted for security and stability:

On Sunday, Rockliff confirmed he had begun approaching independents and the Jacqui Lambie Network, which is expected to win up to four seats.

“I’m sure the new people elected to Tasmania’s parliament will want that certainty and stability that Tasmanians, of course, deserve,” he said.

Earlier, Labor leader Julie Collins said a rise in Greens and independent votes was a result that was “not surprising” and criticized Rockliff’s declaration of victory despite failing to form a majority government.

“The Prime Minister’s triumphant speech last night was out of touch with Tasmanians, and the result we saw last night, there are still eight seats in doubt – I think it’s too early for people to say who the next Tasmanian government will be.” Ms Collins told Sky News.

The final result of the election will likely not be known for a couple of weeks.