Snap election called after week of chaos
Tasmanians will face a snap election on July 19 after days of confusion following a no-confidence motion in Premier Jeremy Rockliff succeeded.
Governor Barbara Baker granted approval for the election a day after Mr Rockliff made the request in order to end the state's political deadlock.
She said she was 'satisfied that there is no real possibility that an alternative government can be formed'.
In a statement, released on Wednesday night, the Governor said she would dissolve Parliament and issue the writ for an election on July 19.
'Notwithstanding the recent 2024 election, the public interest in avoiding the cost of another election and the prevailing public mood against holding an election, I have granted Premier Rockliff a dissolution,' Governor Baker said.
Mr Rockliff had refused to resign as losing the no-confidence motion 17-18 in order for another Liberal MP to take over as Premier, saying he would seek a snap election to decide the future of the government.
Ms Baker on Tuesday said she would take 'the time necessary to give due consideration to all available options'.
She met with Labor Opposition Leader Dean Winter on Wednesday, before Mr Rockliff returned for a second meeting just after 6pm. Premier Jeremy Rockliff has called a snap election after losing a no-confidence motion in the lower house of state parliament last week. Nikki Davis-Jones Credit: News Corp Australia
Mr Winter last week moved the motion against Mr Rockliff over the minority Liberal government's handling of the state's troubled economy, following the handing down of the state budget on May 29.
The budget forecast net debt was expected to approach $11bn by the end of the decade.
Labor also took aim at the bungled handling of the rollout of the new Spirit of Tasmania vessels.
Mr Rockliff lost last Thursday's no-confidence motion 17-18 in the lower house of parliament, making his position untenable, with key independents refusing to back his minority government.
He held onto the leadership, while Labor's Mr Winter ruled out forming a minority government with the Greens.
Mr Rockliff had delayed visiting Government House until Tuesday to ensure parliament passed emergency legislation to ensure public servants would be paid during and after an election.
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