Labor leader Dean Winter is reiterating that he will not enter into deals with the Greens despite the need for cross-bench cooperation.
It follows an election that delivered Tasmanian Labor’s worst result since 1903.
Winter acknowledged the Liberal Party appears to have secured 14 seats but questioned their ability to form a stable government, saying it would be “difficult to see how they get to 18 seats from 14.”
“Tasmanians have delivered another hung Parliament and a clear message that they want their politicians to work together,” Winter said.
Winter maintained his pre-election position around the Greens.
“I will not be entering into any deals with the Greens. I repeated that hundreds of times during the election campaign, and I will not change that.”
Despite this stance, Winter said it is crucial that the new parliament works collaboratively.
“Tasmania cannot go to another election and someone will have to find a way to make this new Parliament work,” he said.
The Labor leader expressed concern about Tasmania’s financial position, saying the state’s $4.2 billion net debt is projected to triple over the next four years.
“That is a position that we cannot allow to continue,” Winter said.
Earlier on election night, Liberal leader Jeremy Rockliff claimed victory, telling supporters he would ask the Governor to recommission his government.
“Tasmanians have spoken,” Rockliff said.
Now is the time for those who have had and will have the great honour of being elected to parliament to work together, with goodwill, across the chamber.”
Dean Winter indicated he has already begun speaking with cross-benchers and the business community.
“My commitment is to work across the Parliament to deliver better outcomes for Tasmanians, in line with the promises we made and the values we stand for,” Winter said.
The Tasmanian Electoral Commission says final results are likely to be known by Saturday August 2.
