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Politics and Government
Source : (remove) : Sky News Australia
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Politics and Government
Source : (remove) : Sky News Australia
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Tasmanian election result finalised as independents hold balance of power

Independent George Razay Secures Final Seat in Bass, Leaving Tasmanian Parliament in Deadlock as Crossbench Holds Key to Power

In a dramatic conclusion to the protracted vote count following Tasmania's state election, independent candidate George Razay has clinched the seventh and final seat in the northern electorate of Bass, solidifying a hung parliament where neither major party can form government without crossbench support. The result, announced by the Tasmanian Electoral Commission after weeks of meticulous preference distributions under the Hare-Clark proportional representation system, underscores the fragmented political landscape in the island state, with the Liberal Party and Labor locked in a stalemate that places unprecedented influence in the hands of independents and minor parties.

Razay, a prominent Launceston pediatrician and vocal critic of the state's healthcare system, emerged as the surprise victor in Bass, edging out competitors in a tightly contested race. His campaign focused heavily on local issues, including hospital overcrowding, mental health services, and regional development, resonating with voters disillusioned by the major parties' handling of these matters. Razay's win came after a nail-biting count that saw preferences flow from eliminated candidates, ultimately tipping the scales in his favor over rivals from the Liberals, Labor, and the Greens. This marks a significant personal triumph for Razay, who ran as an independent after previously expressing frustration with party politics, and it adds to the growing chorus of non-aligned voices in Tasmanian politics.

The broader election outcome paints a picture of voter fragmentation. The incumbent Liberal government, led by Premier Jeremy Rockliff, secured 14 seats across the 35-member House of Assembly, falling short of the 18 needed for a majority. Labor, under leader Rebecca White, managed 10 seats, a modest gain but insufficient to claim power outright. The Greens bolstered their presence with five seats, while the Jacqui Lambie Network (JLN) claimed three, and independents, including Razay, rounded out the tally with three more. This distribution leaves the crossbench—comprising the Greens, JLN members, and independents—with a pivotal bloc of 11 seats, effectively deciding who will govern.

Premier Rockliff, who called the early election in a bid to secure a stronger mandate, has expressed optimism about forming a minority government by negotiating with crossbenchers. In statements following the announcement, he emphasized his party's status as the largest single bloc and pledged to prioritize stability and economic recovery. "Tasmanians have spoken, and while no one has a clear majority, the Liberals are ready to work constructively with those who share our vision for a prosperous state," Rockliff said. However, his path forward is fraught with challenges, as crossbench members have already signaled demands ranging from environmental protections to infrastructure investments.

On the other side, Labor's Rebecca White has not conceded defeat, positioning her party as a viable alternative should Liberal negotiations falter. White highlighted Labor's policy platform on cost-of-living relief and housing affordability, arguing that the election result reflects widespread dissatisfaction with the Liberals' decade-long rule. "The people of Tasmania deserve a government that listens, and we're prepared to step up if given the opportunity," she stated. Analysts suggest that White may attempt to court the Greens and select independents, though ideological differences could complicate alliances.

The crossbench's newfound power is perhaps the most intriguing element of this election. The Greens, led by Rosalie Woodruff, have outlined non-negotiable conditions for support, including halting native forest logging and advancing renewable energy initiatives. The JLN, founded by federal senator Jacqui Lambie, brings a populist flavor, with its members advocating for transparency in government and better services for regional communities. Independents like Razay, along with figures such as former Liberal Kristie Johnston and ex-Labor MP John Tucker (who switched to independent status before the election), add layers of unpredictability. Razay himself has remained coy about his intentions, stating only that he will "act in the best interests of Bass and Tasmania's health system" without committing to either major party.

This deadlock echoes previous hung parliaments in Tasmania, notably in 2010 when the Greens supported Labor, leading to a coalition that lasted four years. However, the current composition is more diverse, raising questions about the stability of any minority government. Political commentators have warned that prolonged negotiations could lead to policy paralysis, particularly on pressing issues like the state's energy crisis, tourism recovery post-COVID, and the controversial Macquarie Point stadium project tied to Tasmania's AFL entry.

The election was triggered prematurely by Rockliff in March after the defection of two Liberal MPs to the crossbench, which eroded his majority. Voter turnout was robust, with over 80% participation, but the results indicate a shift away from traditional two-party dominance. In Bass specifically, a multi-member electorate encompassing Launceston and surrounding areas, the Liberals won three seats, Labor two, and the Greens one, with Razay's independent victory completing the lineup. His success is seen as a rebuke to the major parties' perceived neglect of northern Tasmania, where economic disparities and service shortages have fueled discontent.

As negotiations commence, all eyes are on Government House, where Governor Barbara Baker may play a role in facilitating discussions if no clear path emerges. Rockliff has indicated he will seek a meeting with the Governor to affirm his intention to form government, but crossbenchers hold the veto power. Razay, in particular, could be a kingmaker; his medical background and focus on health reform align somewhat with Labor's priorities, yet he has criticized both parties in the past.

The coming weeks will test Tasmania's political resilience. With no party commanding a majority, compromises will be essential, potentially leading to innovative policy-making or, conversely, gridlock. For now, the state waits as the crossbench wields its influence, a testament to the evolving nature of Australian democracy where independents and minors are increasingly shaping outcomes. This result not only reshapes Tasmanian politics but also serves as a cautionary tale for major parties nationwide about the perils of voter alienation. (Word count: 912)

Read the Full Sky News Australia Article at:
[ https://www.skynews.com.au/australia-news/politics/george-razay-wins-final-seat-in-bass-as-major-parties-locked-in-deadlock-leaving-power-in-hands-of-crossbench/news-story/a1eac8ced8ca2a68928cc8e5f6114756 ]