Tasmanian Labor has conceded it will not drum up enough votes to win the state election, with leader Rebecca White declaring it’s “very unlikely” it will form a minority government.
Early election results pointed to a hung parliament, but Ms White on Sunday conceded it wouldn’t be likely Labor could form government after it won 10 seats but falling short of the 18.
“On the basis that the Liberal Party have won more seats and convention would dictate that the governor would ask the Premier to form government whether it’s in the parliament or with the support of the crossbench, that is the likely outcome of this election result,” she told a press conference.
“I respect that outcome. I respect the will of the people, and I’m very grateful to the people of Lyons who’ve given me their support.”
Under Labor Party rules, the leadership position is now vacant.
Ms 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’m doing the job that I’m elected to do,” she said.
While the Liberals are projected to win the greatest number of seats after Saturday’s election, both the Liberals and Labor have failed to form a majority government – with the Liberals suffering a 12 swing per cent against it.
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 swing towards minor parties and independents.
“Tasmanian people have spoken and I respect the message we heard last night,” Mr Rockliff said.
“What we have heard is that Tasmanians clearly want a focus on issues that when it comes to cost-of-living, health and housing. What I do believe is the people also voted for certainty and stability.:
On Sunday Mr Rockliff confirmed that he had begun to reach out to independents and the Jacqui Lambie Network – which is expected to win up to four seats.
“I am confident the new people that are elected to the Tasmanian parliament will want that certainty and stability that Tasmanians of course deserve,” he said.
Earlier, Labor frontbencher Julie Collins said an increase in the Greens and independent votes was an outcome that was “not surprising” and criticised Mr Rockliff’s declaration of victory despite a failure to form a majority government.
“The Premier’s triumphant speech last night was out of touch with Tasmanians, and the result that we saw last night, there’s still eight seats in doubt – it’s too early I think for people to be saying who the next government of Tasmania will be,” Ms Collins told Sky News.
A final election result likely won’t be finalised until a couple of weeks.