A Crucial Crossroads
Tasmania's political landscape is poised for a potential shift with the upcoming upper house elections on Saturday. These elections will fill three vacant seats in Hobart, Prosser, and Elwick, and their outcomes will have a significant impact on the balance of power in the state's parliament.
three Liberal, three Labor, and six independents (three conservative-leaning, three progressive-leaning).
The outcome of the upcoming elections will determine the fate of future legislation. The Greens are poised to make significant gains, with former leader Cassy O'Connor as their frontrunner in Hobart. This could potentially give them their first seat in the upper house.
In Prosser, the Liberals are aiming to retain their seat with the selection of Sorell mayor Kerry Vincent. However, Labor's candidate, former party leader Bryan Green, poses a strong challenge. The outcome in this seat will be crucial for both major parties.
Elwick presents an interesting battleground, with Labor's Josh Willie vacating the seat. Glenorchy mayor Bec Thomas, running as an independent, is a strong contender. Labor's candidate, Tessa McLaughlin, will need to work hard to secure the seat.
The results of these elections will have far-reaching consequences. A potential independent-and-Greens majority in the upper house could force the government to engage in deeper negotiations with the crossbench on legislation. Additionally, the fate of the proposed Macquarie Point stadium will likely be determined by these elections.
The Hobart, Prosser, and Elwick elections on Saturday will be a pivotal moment for Tasmanian politics. The outcomes will shape the state's political landscape and determine the direction of future legislation.