Date set: Gutwein confirms early state election

Premier Peter Gutwein went to Government House about 10.30am on Friday, where he informed Governor Kate Warner of his intention to call an election - which wasn't due to be held until March 2022.

LIVE COVERAGE: Day one election starts with a bang

Addressing the media in Hobart about an hour later, Mr Gutwein told reporters the election would be held on the same day as Legislative Council elections in the electorates of Derwent, Windermere and Mersey.

The election announcement comes after Speaker of the House of Assembly Sue Hickey was informed she wouldn't be re-endorsed as a Liberal candidate on Sunday, resulting in her turning her back on the party and plunging the state government into minority.

"Tasmania can't afford the uncertainty of minority government," the Premier said.

"We are in a good place but there is a long road ahead and Tasmania needs certainty."

IN OTHER NEWS:

Mr Gutwein said he would govern in majority or "not at all".

Riding high in the polls on the back of a strong response to the coronavirus crisis, the Liberals have calculated that now is the best time for the electorate to cast its verdict on the future it wants to see for the state

Both Labor and the Greens say they are ready for an election.

Labor leader Rebecca White said last month that she and her caucus team were "absolutely committed to contesting the next election to be elected as a majority Labor government".

Greens leader Cassy O'Connor took to social media on Thursday night to say her party had a plan to "build back greener and fairer from COVID, tackle climate and make sure no-one is left behind".

READ MORE: RFDS Tasmania flying high after major donation

"Our plan invests in green skills and jobs, the care sectors, rewilding and [housing] as a human right," she wrote.

News of the election follows The Examiner's exclusive reveal on Wednesday that an early poll would be called this week.

What do you think? Send us a letter to the editor: