Leaders to face off in only election campaign debate

Perth Now

10 hours ago

Liberal and Labor leaders will front up for the only debate of Tasmania's snap election campaign, as the prospect of another hung parliament looms.
Voters will head to the ballot box on Saturday, six weeks after minority Liberal premier Jeremy Rockliff lost a vote of no-confidence in parliament.
The latest opinion poll has the Liberals on track to win more seats than Labor, but not enough to reach the 18 mark required for majority.
Both majors have ruled out doing a deal with the Greens, meaning they will likely have to rely on an independent-heavy crossbench to govern.
Mr Rockliff and Labor leader Dean Winter will go toe-to-toe on Wednesday at a debate hosted by Sky News and the Mercury newspaper.
Labor put forward the no-confidence motion against Mr Rockliff partly based on the state's poor finances. It was backed by the Greens and three crossbench MPs.
Mr Rockliff didn't step down as Liberal leader, prompting the governor to call an election when no workable government could be found.
"As I've travelled around Tasmania, Tasmanians have said to me they did not want an election," Mr Rockliff told reporters on Tuesday.
"They realised Dean Winter forced this election with a rush of blood to the head.
"Tasmanians want certainty and stability."
Mr Winter blamed the election on Mr Rockliff's stubbornness.
Health has dominated campaigning in recent days, with both parties outlining plans for improved GP access.
Big-spending promises have been non-existent, with Tasmania's debt under the 11-year Liberals set to double to almost $11 billion in 2028/29 according to the most-recent budget.
The state last went to the polls in March 2024, with the Liberals winning 14 seats in the 35-seat house of assembly and Labor 10.