At one end of the spectrum Liberal Michael Ferguson topped the poll to be the first new member elected while, at the other end, Labor's Brian Wightman is leading the race for the fifth seat with 3020 primary votes.

The cut-up of preferences will determine his fate, with forestry heavyweight Scott McLean close by on 2886 and Beaconsfield mine rock fall survivor Brant Webb on 2443 after 82.5 per cent of the vote was counted last night.

Mr Wightman said he felt anxious during election day and had no expectations - joking that barely anyone knew his name four weeks ago.

The Winnaleah principal celebrated election night at Launceston's Sporties Hotel with Michelle O'Byrne, who was experiencing her fifth campaign at federal and state level.

Her result was well down on four years ago, with her primary vote slipping from 14,146 to 10,670 - but she said it was a much harder campaign for her this time because of her ministerial duties and the hard decisions made by the Government during the global financial crisis.

Ms O'Byrne said she was excited about a new Parliament, which had a mix of experience and youth.