Under Peter Gutwein, the Liberals have won a record third term, but without the huge swings to incumbent governments that have been seen in other states.
Last modified on Fri 30 Apr 2021 16.28 EDT
Tasmania votes this Saturday in an election called 10 months early. Four Australian state and territory governments have been convincingly returned since the Covid-19 pandemic struck, but Tasmania’s is the first Liberal government to try its luck. State governments usually struggle when the same party is in power federally. Under normal circumstances this government – seven years in office and with just a one-seat majority – would almost certainly lose seats.
This election, however, is not normal. In 2020, Peter Gutwein’s handling of Covid earned the premier the highest satisfaction rating for any leader in Newspoll history (90%). The Labor opposition started the campaign embroiled in mysterious factional fighting. Its candidates have also freelanced against party policy, one of them (Fabiano Cangelosi) in gloriously outspoken terms.
Tasmanian Labor internally divided over Kingborough Mayor Dean Winter s potential state preselection abc.net.au - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from abc.net.au Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
The battle for Windermere heats up as veteran independent Ivan Dean retires after 18 years
TueTuesday 23
FebFebruary 2021 at 8:13pm
Retiring Upper House member Ivan Dean hopes to push through a rise in the smoking age before he leaves.
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After 18 years in the Legislative Council, the sitting member for Windermere Ivan Dean is bowing out.
Key points:
Ivan Dean has endorsed former police officer and at-risk youth worker, Will Smith, who plans to run as an independent
The Liberals also plan to run a candidate and Labor has endorsed former Bass MHR Geoff Lyons
A political analyst says it is unknown whether Mr Dean s endorsement will translate to votes