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Saturday, Jun 14, 2025
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Tasmania's Upcoming Election Set for July Following Premier's No-Confidence Motion
Premier Jeremy Rockliff's request for early polling is confirmed after losing parliamentary confidence, marking the fourth state election in seven years.
Tasmania will hold its next state election on July 19, following the decision by Governor Barbara Baker to grant Premier Jeremy Rockliff's request for an early election.
This request comes in the wake of the Premier losing a confidence vote in parliament just six days prior.
Governor Baker confirmed the dissolution of parliament and issued the writ for the election after meeting with Rockliff at Government House.
In her statement, she indicated that despite the recent 2024 election, the public interest in minimizing election costs and the prevailing sentiment against another election contributed to her decision.
She noted, "I make this grant because I am satisfied that there is no real possibility that an alternative government can be formed."
Following the vote of no confidence, Rockliff has faced mounting pressure to resign, with some members of his party allegedly considering leadership alternatives, including former senator Eric Abetz and ex-deputy premier Michael Ferguson.
However, Rockliff has maintained that he has solid support from his party colleagues.
He stated, "I have a commitment from my team to support me as leader and I am not going anywhere."
Liberal MP Jacquie Petrusma expressed confidence in Rockliff's leadership but did not elaborate on internal party dynamics regarding his potential replacement.
On the opposition side, Labor leader Dean Winter met with Governor Baker earlier that day and reiterated Labor's position of not seeking to forge a coalition with the Greens.
Labor, which holds 10 out of the 35 lower-house seats, had initially put forth a no-confidence motion against Rockliff, supported by the Greens and three independent members.
Labor members have publicly criticized the Premier's leadership, attributing the political crisis to Rockliff's refusal to step down.
MP Shane Broad remarked, "We've gotten to this point because of Jeremy Rockliff and his refusal to resign."
Rockliff responded to the no-confidence motion, asserting that it represented a deceptive attempt at a power grab, while Labor has indicated that the motion was triggered by perceived mismanagement and budgetary issues under the Liberal government.
As the political landscape continues to unfold, the Liberals have begun early campaigning, recently announcing a four-year elective surgery plan during a hospital visit.
The Liberal Party had returned to power in March 2024, securing 14 seats and establishing a coalition with crossbench support to form the government.
This request comes in the wake of the Premier losing a confidence vote in parliament just six days prior.
Governor Baker confirmed the dissolution of parliament and issued the writ for the election after meeting with Rockliff at Government House.
In her statement, she indicated that despite the recent 2024 election, the public interest in minimizing election costs and the prevailing sentiment against another election contributed to her decision.
She noted, "I make this grant because I am satisfied that there is no real possibility that an alternative government can be formed."
Following the vote of no confidence, Rockliff has faced mounting pressure to resign, with some members of his party allegedly considering leadership alternatives, including former senator Eric Abetz and ex-deputy premier Michael Ferguson.
However, Rockliff has maintained that he has solid support from his party colleagues.
He stated, "I have a commitment from my team to support me as leader and I am not going anywhere."
Liberal MP Jacquie Petrusma expressed confidence in Rockliff's leadership but did not elaborate on internal party dynamics regarding his potential replacement.
On the opposition side, Labor leader Dean Winter met with Governor Baker earlier that day and reiterated Labor's position of not seeking to forge a coalition with the Greens.
Labor, which holds 10 out of the 35 lower-house seats, had initially put forth a no-confidence motion against Rockliff, supported by the Greens and three independent members.
Labor members have publicly criticized the Premier's leadership, attributing the political crisis to Rockliff's refusal to step down.
MP Shane Broad remarked, "We've gotten to this point because of Jeremy Rockliff and his refusal to resign."
Rockliff responded to the no-confidence motion, asserting that it represented a deceptive attempt at a power grab, while Labor has indicated that the motion was triggered by perceived mismanagement and budgetary issues under the Liberal government.
As the political landscape continues to unfold, the Liberals have begun early campaigning, recently announcing a four-year elective surgery plan during a hospital visit.
The Liberal Party had returned to power in March 2024, securing 14 seats and establishing a coalition with crossbench support to form the government.
