Tasmania off to an early election, poll date called

Premier Jeremy Rockliff called an early poll after governing in minority for more than eight months.

Tasmanians are heading to the polls on March 23, more than a year ahead of schedule.

Liberal Premier Jeremy Rockliff, who has governed in minority since May, pulled the trigger on an early election after failing to resolve a stand-off with two crossbench independents.

He announced the poll date after being given the green light by the governor on Wednesday afternoon.

“Parliament has become unworkable. I’m not going to allow my government to be held to ransom for the next 12 months,” he said.

The Liberals were elected for a record third consecutive term in 2021 with 13 of 25 lower house seats.

Australia’s only Liberal government was plunged into minority when John Tucker and Lara Alexander quit the party to sit as independents.

The pair propped up the government with votes of supply and confidence, but rejected a recent ultimatum from Mr Rockliff for a new more restrictive deal.

Mr Rockliff met cabinet and party parliamentary colleagues on Tuesday, securing unanimous support for an early election.

Tasmania’s next election was due by May 2025.