The incumbent Liberals (14) claimed more seats than Labor (nine) in Saturday’s snap election but neither can reach the 18-seat mark required for majority.
Liberal Premier Jeremy Rockliff, whose refusal to resign after losing a no-confidence vote sparked the poll, has been given ‘’first crack’’ at forming government by Labor leader Dean Winter.
However, Mr Winter has not ruled out trying to get the numbers to govern if Mr Rockliff is unable to form a working government.
It could be weeks for three in-doubt seats to be confirmed via preferences, and any formal minority agreements might not be arranged until after the numbers are settled.
Mr Rockliff on Sunday said he had reached out to independents on the cross bench, pledging to work collaboratively.
The Liberals’ failure to keep the cross bench onside in minority resulted in an early election in March 2024 as well as the successful no-confidence vote against Mr Rockliff in June.
Mr Rockliff will have to mend bridges and deal with several crossbenchers who are against the Liberals’ stadium plan and don't like Liberal-backed salmon farming and forestry.
Two of the four elected independents, Kristie Johnston and Craig Garland, voted for the no-confidence motion in Mr Rockliff and have been critical of Tasmania’s ballooning debt.
Mr Winter, however, has ruled out doing a deal with the five-seat Greens to form government, despite needing their votes, but has reached out to independents.
Greens leader Rosalie Woodruff urged Mr Winter to pick up the phone again on Sunday and potentially form an alliance.
Mr Rockliff said the Liberals would not walk away from their pet project $945 million AFL stadium, or their support for traditional industry.
– AAP
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