Premier Peter Gutwein and Labor leader Rebecca White have both said they would resign from their positions should either of them be forced to form a minority government.
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The two made the claim at the first of three leadership debates to be staged on the state election campaign trail.
In making a pitch to the floor at the start of the debate, Mr Gutwein said minority governments in Tasmania did not work.
"Minority governments struggle to make decisions and after the challenges of the last year, the one thing I understand very clearly is that as premier you must be able to make decisions," he said.
"If Tasmanians elect a minority government on the first of May, I will not lead it as premier.
"I will not lead a minority government that takes us backwards - that cannot make the decisions needed to secure Tasmania's future."
Ms White said she would also not lead a government that did not hold majority in the House of Assembly.
Mr Gutwein used his opening statement to talk about the government's successes in handling the economic and health impacts of the coronavirus pandemic, stating there was still more for the Liberals to do.
Ms White said the pandemic has exposed inequities in the Tasmanian community and warned the state should not go back to what was normal.
"Returning to normal means returning to mediocrity," she said.
"Returning to social and, in some cases, economic outcomes that are the worst in the country."
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The issue of local government reform was broached during the debate.
Mr Gutwein said he did not want a civil war to erupt between the two levels of government on amalgamations, but said resource-sharing options had reached its height.
He said his government would not force amalgamations, but would provide councils with financial incentives to pursue the option.
"Never stand between a mayor and a bucket of money," Mr Gutwein said.
Ms White said a Labor government would also not force amalgamations, but agreed the system of 29 councils needed to be reviewed.
Greens leader Cassy O'Connor was not invited to participate in Monday's debate organised by the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the state's branch of the Property Council of Australia.
"It's all about toadying up to the top end of town while ignoring the big issues like climate and soaring rates of poverty in Tasmania," she said.
"Both trip over themselves to prove to property developers that they're more pro-business."
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Political reporter for Australian Community Media, based in Hobart.
Political reporter for Australian Community Media, based in Hobart.
