Tasmanian election to be held Saturday July 19
Tasmania's governor has granted Premier Jeremy Rockliff an early election, stating that she "is satisfied that there is no real possibility that an alternative government can be formed".
Governor Barbara Baker has announced Saturday July 19 as the date.
In a statement released on Wednesday night, Her Excellency said she would dissolve Parliament and issue the writ for an election.
It comes after Mr Rockliff decided to call for a state election rather than step down as premier.
It will be Tasmania's fourth election is seven years, and the second within 15 months.
In a statement, Mr Rockliff said he retains "unanimous support to continue to lead the Liberal Party".
"Another election is not what I wanted, and I know that it's not what Tasmanians wanted," he conceded.
"But it was forced upon us by the Leader of the Opposition.
"So, let's get on with it."
Mr Rockliff also referenced former Labor-Greens accords, saying "Tasmania cannot afford the risk of going back to the bad old days of a Labor-Green Government".
"We cannot afford an inexperienced and desperate Dean Winter."
Labor Opposition leader Mr Winter has responded to the election announcement by saying, "it's time for a fresh start for Tasmania".
"The Liberals want to sell off Tasmania, while Labor will keep Tasmania in Tasmanian hands," he said in a statement.
"Our entire labour movement is united and ready to send the Liberals a loud message – Tasmania is not for sale."
Mr Rockliff chose to not relinquish the job of premier after losing the Labor-led no-confidence motion 17 votes to 18, six days ago.
Mr Winter has also ruled out forming a minority government with the help of the Greens and the crossbench, saying in a statement on Wednesday that he "reiterated my position that Labor will not be doing a deal with the Greens" after a meeting with the governor.
Mr Winter said he moved the no-confidence motion in response to the bungled rollout of new Spirit of Tasmania vessels, the state's budget position and previous suggestions to privatise state-owned companies.
Mr Rockliff has since ruled out privatising the state's Government Business Enterprises (GBEs).
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