t may be the smallest state election in Australia, but there are plenty of big issues and even larger personalities to watch in Tasmania this weekend.
The Apple Isle's poll this Saturday is shaping up to be a close contest. The Liberals currently hold a three seat majority in the 25-seat lower house. A poll conducted in the second to last week of the campaign suggests the party is likely to lose two seats and possibly a third, creating a hung Parliament. While both the major parties have ruled out doing a deal with the Greens, they might not have a choice once the votes are counted.
The election result could also determine if Tasmania becomes the first state to get rid of pokies from pubs and clubs, thereby setting a powerful national precedent. The Liberal's plan is to break the monopoly ownership and reduce the cap on numbers slightly, while Labor has promised to get rid of the 2,375 machines in pubs and clubs by 2023. Labor put a $55 million package on the table to assist affected venues however it prompted a vigorous “save our local” campaign from the gaming industry, which is desperate to preserve the status quo. Labor’s policy has attracted national attention but Saturday will reveal if it was a vote winner where it counts.
Hobart based political analyst Doctor Richard Herr raises another reason as to why this election might be of particular interest to Federal Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull. He draws parallels between Mr Turnbull and Tasmanian Premier Will Hodgman.
