Tasmania's governor has delayed a decision on a snap election for the state, after a vote of no confidence in the current premier.
The vote came last week, moved by the Opposition leader, Labor's Dean Winter, against sitting Premier Jeremy Rockliff of the Liberal party.
Rockliff labelled Winter a “wrecker”, while Winter said the Premier eroded confidence in the lower house.
The motion was passed 18 to 17 on Thursday last week. Rockliff confirmed he would visit the state’s governor today to request a snap election.
Now, after a meeting with Rockliff yesterday, Governor Barbara Baker said she is considering all options. She will meet again with Rockliff before the end of the week to decide whether or not to send the state to the polls again.
“Following their conversation, Her Excellency is now taking the time necessary to give due consideration to all available options,” Official Secretary David Hughes said in a statement shortly after Rockliff left.
“By the end of the week the premier will meet with Her Excellency again.”
If it proceeds, it will be Tasmania's fourth election in seven years, and comes just 15 months after the last one.
Central issues to the election will be the controversial proposed AFL stadium, which would total around $1 billion in costs, and state finances.
