Tasmanians Want Power-sharing Government: Poll
More than twice as many Labor voters support Labor forming government with the Greens and Independent crossbench members as oppose (61% agree vs 25% disagree).
Liberal voters are neck-and-neck in their support for the Liberal party to form government with Greens and Independents (45% agree vs 46% disagree).
It’s Tasmania’s second election in just over a year, and polling research suggests another power-sharing parliament is the most likely outcome.
An Australia Institute study of 25 power-sharing governments showed most power-sharing governments see out a full term and can help enforce ministerial responsibility.
“It is clear that most Tasmanians want whoever seeks to form government to do so with the crossbench, including Greens and Independents, if they cannot form majority government,” said Eloise Carr, Director, The Australia Institute Tasmania.
“The question then becomes, will Dean Winter really refuse to attempt to form government should he be given the third opportunity to do so?
“Many Liberal and Labor voters are open to power-sharing governments, despite the narrative that these two parties are pushing. The free public forum which The Australia Institute is hosting this Thursday will debate the opportunities that these types of government can bring.”
“Power-sharing governments can be good for democracy and the democratic process,” said Bill Browne, Director of The Australia Institute’s Democracy & Accountability Program.
“If Tasmanians return a power-sharing Parliament, then that should be respected.
“The Australia Institute’s analysis of 25 power-sharing parliaments elected in Australia shows that the government, the opposition and the crossbench have a great deal of flexibility in the kinds of agreements they negotiate.
“Power-sharing parliaments have thrived with formal and informal agreements, with detailed agreements and with simple ones, and with ambitious agreements and modest ones.”
David Bartlett, Christine Milne, Bec Thomas, Eloise Carr and Bill Browne will be speaking at Hobart Town Hall this Thursday, 10 July at 7pm on “Power & Partnership: What will Tasmania’s next power-sharing government look like?”
YouGov conducted a national survey of 842 Tasmanian voters on behalf of The Australia Institute between 12 and 16 June 2025, using an online survey polling methodology. Full details are provided in the methodology statement. The poll is compliant with the Australian Polling Council’s requirements.
https://australiainstitute.org.au/post/tasmanians-want-a-power-sharing-government-poll/