<!–
<!–
<!– <!–
<!–
<!–
<!–
With a federal election around the corner, major parties are looking to the Apple Isle for lessons, as another non-consensus parliament looms in Tasmania.
Tasmanians have sent the country’s major political parties into a frenzy as they prepare for a federal election by failing to vote decisively for either a Liberal or Labor government.
Although votes are still being counted, a non-consensus parliament looms on Apple Isle after voters went to the polls on Saturday.
The Liberal Party has gained more seats than the Labor Party, but is still six seats short of the 18 needed for a majority.
With a federal election around the corner, major parties are looking to the Apple Isle for lessons, as another non-consensus parliament looms in Tasmania.
After suffering a 12 per cent swing against them, the Liberals under Premier Jeremy Rockliff will likely have to form a minority government with an expanded crossbench after several independent candidates gained support.
Labor leader Rebecca White has not yet admitted defeat and the party could still form a minority government with the Greens, but doing so could jeopardize some of its key policies.
Jeremy Rockliff has declared victory for the Liberals, but Rebecca White has not admitted defeat. (Rob Blakers/AAP PHOTOS)
The results have provided crucial information for the major parties as they prepare for the federal election due sometime next year.
Federal Housing and Tasmanian Minister Julie Collins says Tasmanians know the difference between state and federal issues, but says lessons must be learned from both sides.
“The key message is that Tasmanians are not happy with the direction the state is taking,” he told ABC radio on Sunday.
‘This is a result that did not surprise me at all.
“Clearly, cost of living, health care and housing were very important issues during the campaign.”
But Tasmanian Liberal senator Jonathon Duniam says voters take issues on a case-by-case basis.
Liberal Party leader Jeremy Rockliff has claimed what he considers a historic victory.
Labor leader Rebecca White has not conceded, keeping the door ajar for a Labor minority government if numbers and sentiment allow.
“I don’t think this is a vote against the liberal brand,” he said.
“Tasmanians had strong opinions on certain issues.”
The AFL’s proposed $700 million stadium was one of the issues that likely drove voters to the Jacqui Lambie Network and the Greens, Senator Duniam said.
Future collaboration with the Jacqui Lambie Network could become an issue after the party’s incumbent leader denounced the Tasmanian Liberals’ tactics and criticism of her party as “disgraceful”.
The AFL’s proposed stadium was one of the issues that likely brought voters to the Jacqui Lambie Network. (Mick Tsikas/AAP PHOTOS)
But Senator Duniam remained confident politicians would serve Tasmanian voters.
“The contests in an election are always passionate and energetic,” he said.
“The good thing is, and I know Jacqui is in this category, that cooler heads will prevail.
“I think leaders of all parties realize the task now is to ensure the will of the Tasmanian people is respected.”