# Rockliff claims victory for Libs but messy power struggle looms

By Matthew Denholm

4 min. readView original

This article contains features which are only available in the web version[Take me there](https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/jeremy-rockliff-claims-victory-in-tasmanian-election-expects-to-form-minority-liberal-government/news-story/12b60087324e5954af90c70f4af7f171)

Tasmania is in political limbo, with both major party leaders flagging they can form government after the election of another hung parliament.

Labor leader Dean Winter said [Saturday’s snap election had essentially returned the same result as the 2024 poll](https://www.theaustralian.com.au/commentary/tasmanian-state-election-liberals-labor-and-greens-still-jostling-for-power/news-story/882b3ff011ba659b757627ac0b4c2364) and voters wanted a different approach.

With Greens leader Rosalie Woodruff earlier offering to “have a conversation” with Mr Winter about forming government with Labor and crossbenchers, it appears such an outcome is possible in the weeks ahead.

Mr Winter said the majority in the new parliament would be “progressive”. “It is incumbent upon all of us to respect the will of the people and to make this new parliament work in the best interests of Tasmania,” he said.

“Whoever forms the next government will need to develop a new approach to politics in this state, one where genuine collaboration and a willingness to work together, and an ability to put aside differences.”

With Labor suffering its worse result this century, he said voters wanted a “change of approach”. “The Liberals will have the most seats but it is uncertain as to how they will achieve a majority,” he said.

Tasmanian Opposition Leader Dean Winter addresses the Tally Room as Sky News Australia projects another hung parliament.

He would not “trade away” Labor policies or values, but suggested he was prepared to “collaborate” with the crossbench.

“If the Liberals are unable to form a government, another election is not an option,” he said. “Fundamentally, what Tasmanians have asked us to do is to collaborate on the big challenges that face our state.”

Earlier, Liberal Premier Jeremy Rockliff said he was “humbled” that his party had won the most seats and, while falling short of a majority, he would ask Governor Barbara Baker to recommission him.

Labor leader Dean Winter on Saturday night. Picture: Caroline Tan

Greens leader Rosalie Woodruff. Picture: Caroline Tan

To chants of “Rocky”, the Liberal leader – deposed in a no-confidence motion only weeks ago – told the Hobart tally room he would work in a “mature and pragmatic” way with balance of power crossbenchers.

He said Labor, which suffered a negative 3.4 per cent swing on the latest count, had been rejected by voters.

“A little over six weeks ago the leader of the opposition forced this unnecessary election on the Tasmanian people by moving a vote of no confidence,” Mr Rockliff said.

“Well, tonight, the people of Tasmania in return have said they have no confidence in the Labor Party to form government. And they have voted to re-endorse our Liberal government.”

Sky News reports that Bridget Archer has won the seat of Bass in the 2025 Tasmanian election.

With more than half the vote counted, it appeared the[ ruling Liberals](https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/politics/tasmanian-election-liberals-prepoll-boost-onjobs/news-story/20b4d74e050cfd7cc4d70cfd2c065797) would win 14-15 seats, Labor 10, the Greens 5, independents 4 and the Shooters, Fishers, Farmers 1-2.

Mr Rockliff faces a largely[ hostile crossbench](https://www.theaustralian.com.au/commentary/tasmanian-election-leaders-debate-crossbench-the-winner/news-story/571abfb2099fd03a08980ad6811c0b95) and will struggle to secure sufficient pledges of confidence and supply to govern with surety.

It appears the SFF will secure one and possibly two seats, soaking up the vote displaced by the demise of the Jacqui Lambie Network, while the National Party appears to have failed in its bid to gain a toe hold in the state.

Anti-salmon independent candidate Peter George enjoys a democracy sausage after voting at Cygnet Town Hall. Picture: Supplied

The independents expected to be elected include [anti-salmon](https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/leading-scientists-experts-demand-ban-on-salmon-farming-in-tasmanias-macquarie-harbour-as-plibersek-promises-right-balance/news-story/146c227c63f3e5ae035414102fa9007e) newcomer Peter George, in the southern seat of Franklin, and sitting MPs Kristie Johnston in Clark, Craig Garland in Braddon, and David O’Byrne, in Franklin.

To secure the 18 votes in the 35 seat Assembly to govern with confidence and supply, Mr Rockliff – who has a troubled relationship with the existing crossbench – will need to win over three or four MPs.

While Mr O’Byrne has previously provided confidence and supply to the Liberals, Ms Johnston, Mr Garland and Mr George are not thought likely to offer such deals.

Even with the one or two SFF MPs onside, that would leave the Liberals [short of a guaranteed majority on confidence and supply](https://www.theaustralian.com.au/commentary/without-change-tasmania-faces-a-fiscal-disaster-from-which-it-may-never-recover/news-story/b3803fac7b94b850290751c9f27ef595), as well as the passage of legislation.

That would leave the government at the constant whim of the crossbench and having to horse-trade for each piece of legislation, potentially include budgets.

Greens leader Rosalie Woodruff, whose party has retained its five seats, urged Labor leader Dean Winter to “have the conversation” about forming a power-sharing alliance.

“Yes there are differences but the Greens and Labor have a lot in common, too,” Dr Woodruff said. “We are ready to work collaboratively in the interests of Tasmanians. Dean, I hope you put them first this time, too.”

Premier Jeremy Rockliff will seek to form a minority government, but Labor leader Dean Winter has refused to concede — and may seek an alliance with the Greens — despite his party’s worst poll result in more than 100 years.