Seven candidates have nominated for Labor Party preselection in Bass: sitting member Michelle O'Byrne, Beaconsfield rockfall survivor Brant Webb, former Bass MHA Kathryn Hay, community activist Michelle Cripps, union official Scott McLean, University of Tasmania lecturer Rob Soward and Winnaleah District High School principal Brian Wightman.

The ALP ran a six-person ticket at the last state election, and The Examiner understands it's likely to do the same in March 2010.

The party's administrative committee is meeting to discuss both Bass preselection and whether to field a candidate in the Southern Legislative Council seat of Pembroke.

However, a decision on whether to proceed with a formal preselection ballot for Bass is not likely today.

If the party were to proceed to a formal preselection ballot, the ALP's affirmative action policies would ensure each of the three women that have nominated would secure a position on the ticket.

However, it's understood the party is hoping one of the potential Bass candidates would be prepared to withdraw their nomination - allowing the party to run a ticket without the need for a formal preselection ballot.