Tasmania Calls Snap Election After Premier Loses No-Confidence Vote

Tasmania is set for a snap election on July 19 after Premier Jeremy Rockliff lost a no-confidence motion in parliament and subsequently requested an early election, which Governor Barbara Baker approved. Despite losing the vote 17-18 and pressure to resign, Rockliff refused to step down, asserting his party's full support and opting to let the electorate decide the government's future. The Liberal minority government, holding 14 of 35 lower-house seats, has faced criticism for economic management, delays in the new Spirit of Tasmania ferries, and other state issues, prompting Labor to push the no-confidence motion. Labor, with only 10 seats, has ruled out forming a minority government with the Greens, leaving no viable alternative government formation. Governor Baker considered all options, including the possibility of asking the Liberals to select a new leader, but ultimately concluded no alternative government could be formed, leading to the dissolution of parliament and the election call. This will be Tasmania's fourth state election in seven years, highlighting ongoing political instability on the island.