The Liberal Party has kept its aggressive advertising blitz rolling long after election day, warning that a Labor–Green government would damage jobs and the economy.
Liberal ads still running on Tasmanian radio stations are sounding the alarm over a possible Labor–Greens deal, as all parties and independents continue negotiating behind closed doors.
The post-election campaign shows just how high the stakes are for both major parties. Neither has the numbers to govern outright and both are scrambling to avoid ending up in opposition.
“Labor’s vote at the election fell to historic lows,” the Liberal advertisement warns.
“And they said they wouldn’t govern with the Greens. But now Dean Winter has confirmed he’s trying to get a Labor-Green government together, which will destroy our economy and cost jobs. That’s not what Tasmanians voted for.”
Independent Peter George said the ads seemed designed to put extra pressure on crossbenchers to back a Liberal government.
“All I can say is that is not the way to win friends and influence people. I’d like to see a far more civilised, less aggressive conversation than attack ads,” he said.
Election analyst Kevin Bonham said the Liberals’ strategy was doing more than just attacking Labor.
“I think it’s partly to try to head off Labor forming government by discouraging people from supporting them doing so,” he told ABC Radio.
“But I think it’s also about casting public doubt over the legitimacy of any Labor government that might be formed.”
“If there is to be one formed, they want it to be unpopular and controversial from the start.”
The Tasmanian Electoral Commission this week confirmed the final make-up of the new parliament is expected to be confirmed on Saturday.
