A tight contest is underway in Tasmania for three key government-held seats, according to a newspaper opinion poll published in that state.
The seats are Bass held by Andrew Nikolic, Braddon held by Brett Whiteley and Lyons held by Eric Hutchinson.
The Coalition wrested the three highly marginal seats from Labor in the 2013 election.
The survey, published in the weekend Sunday Tasmanian newspaper, concluded the government had a fight on its hands.
The ReachTEL poll of more than 3000 voters found Bass and Lyons were close with the Coalition currently sitting on 51 per cent to Labor’s 49 per cent on a two party preferred basis.
Braddon was in a more comfortable position for the government with a two party preferred result of 53 per cent to 47 per cent for Labor.
University of Tasmania political scientist, Richard Eccleston told SBS News it was a significant opinion poll and the contest on July 2 would be very close.
“We've seen some detailed polling published today and it does indicate some worrying trends for the Coalition,” he said.
Perhaps most surprising, the poll found Tasmanians narrowly favour Labor as economic managers after being unimpressed by the budget.
“Interestingly the undecided voters if anything seem to be leaning slightly with Labor and the Greens,” Dr Eccleston said.
