Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff has declared victory and vowed to “get on with the job for Tasmania” after the Liberal Party emerged with the most seats in Saturday’s state election — while Labor leader Dean Winter refused to concede, arguing voters had delivered a mandate for a “progressive majority”.
At 9.30pm, with the Liberals leading on track for 14 of the 35 seats needed to form government, Rockliff addressed a cheering crowd alongside his wife, daughters and mother, saying he was “very humbled by tonight’s result”.
“A little over six weeks ago, the Leader of the Opposition forced this unnecessary election on the Tasmanian people by moving a vote of no-confidence,” he said.
“Tonight, in return, the people of Tasmania has said that they have no-confidence in the Labor Party to form government and they have voted to re-endorse our Liberal government.”
The Premier added:
“It is our team, the Liberal Party, who will achieve the most seats in this election, with a significantly increased vote, and I thank you. I want to thank all Tasmanians.”
He confirmed his intent to “visit the governor and ask her to recommission my government so we can get on with the job for Tasmania”, despite not yet securing the 18-seat majority.
Labor leader Dean Winter, speaking an hour later, admitted the public had “delivered another hung parliament” and sent a “resounding message that they want their politicians to work together more collaboratively”.
“Another election is not an option,” Winter said.
“This will take leadership, it will take maturity, and it will take a willingness to work and seek common ground.”
Winter left the door open for a progressive coalition, noting the result “highly likely” left the parliament with a progressive majority made up of Labor, the Greens, and independents.
While Labor suffered a 2.9% swing against it — recording a record-low 26.1% primary vote — the Greens maintained five seats and are poised to gain a sixth.
Greens leader Rosalie Woodruff said voters had again “rejected majority government” and urged Labor to prioritise the people:
“Dean, I hope you put them first this time.”
Rockliff pointed to the state’s “strongest economy in the country” and “lowest unemployment rate” as signs of his government’s success, despite facing a no-confidence vote earlier this year over the controversial Macquarie Point AFL stadium.
Independent crossbenchers — including Kristie Johnston, Craig Garland, David O’Byrne, and newcomer Peter George — are now key to forming government.
With the count ongoing and 30% of votes still uncounted, the final seat distribution remains in flux. The Liberals are hopeful of winning a 15th seat, which could bring them closer to governing with support from independents.
The result marks 23 years since Rockliff was first elected, and his emotional speech closed with a reflection:
“I want to take this opportunity to thank the people of Tasmania for the great privilege that you have provided me… and Premier of Tasmania for the last three years.”
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