Major parties face backlash

TASMANIAN voters are disillusioned with the major parties and are turning to independents and the Greens, raising the possibility of a hung parliament, new opinion polling shows.

The statewide telephone poll by uComms of 1023 voters on Wednesday night — commissioned by the Australia Institute — revealed 40.2 per cent of respondents backing the Liberals, 27.4 per cent planning to vote Labor and 12.4 per cent supporting the Greens.

Labor leader Rebecca White has ruled out forming government with the Greens, however, the polling shows the split between the Liberals and the progressive parties is almost evenly divided at 40.2 per cent to 39.8 per cent, pointing to a close election.

If that result was replicated at the May 1 election, it would represent a 10 percentage point swing against the government, but the opposition can take little comfort from that as it would amount to a 5 per cent swing against it, too.

Independents were the preferences of 10 per cent of respondents.

The poll reveals 7 per cent of voters still have not made up their minds, but the majority of those favoured Labor, leaving the final split at 41 per cent for the Liberals, 32 per cent for Labor and 12.4 per cent for the Greens.

Australia Institute Tasmania director Elise Carr said the poll showed an interesting contest.

“This is just one poll, however, it shows that the election might be closer than some are predicting,” she said.

“This demonstrates why it’s important for the community to be able to hear from all candidates.”

The Australia Institute Tasmania is holding a Clark candidates’ forum at the Hobart Town Hall on Tuesday.

The statewide poll does not reflect trend within seats. Independents are expected to put their strongest showing in the Hobart-based seat of Clark.

Candidate Kristie Johnston declared May 1 to be “Independent’s Day” during a photo opportunity for the five Clark independent candidates on parliament lawns yesterday.

“There is great deal of disillusionment in the community with the major parties,” Ms Johnston said.

Jax Ewin said it was good to see an increase in the number of independents.

Mike Dutta said the obsession with majority government was confined to the major parties.

“They want to suck you in. But you have played this game with them before, you have a choice,” Mr Dutta said.

Sue Hickey, who is running as an independent after a term as a Liberal, said she much preferred being out of the party system.

“Independents, if they hold the balance of power, can actually hold the government to account, they can negotiate with both sides of parliament to get the best outcomes.”

Hannah Blackmore, Fern Tree Voting for: Not sure yet. Issue: Healthcare for everybody would be good to see.