State election debate 2021: Labor leader's final remarks breathe some life into data-filled talk-fest

But the public yearns for these moments as a reminder that politicians are human too.

After a debate dominated by dollar amounts, abstract numbers seemingly plucked from the air and rehashed press release answers, it wasn't until the very end when Rebecca White took to the lectern and spoke with the perceived off-the-cuff passion that can only be mustered by a party leader knowing their chances are running out.

Addressing the audience directly, rather than her paperwork and folders, Ms White was able to paint a picture familiar to many Tasmanians: long public housing waiting lists, a health system struggling to offer people the care they expect, and a state where insecure work is increasingly the only option, if at all.

Debate 2021: Watch Gutwein and White go head-to-head in state election debate

Whether Labor has the answers to these problems is up to the voters.

They are complex issues and take long-term vision, consistent bold policy and clear priorities to solve but at least those "left behind" are getting some attention this election campaign, despite economic growth being considered the be-all and end-all of success.

After all, shouldn't offering a fairer state for all be the most pressing priority for any government?

Premier Peter Gutwein was clearly most at ease when reflecting on the past 12 months. Those daily COVID briefings streamed live into Tasmanian households gave him a priceless public profile, while also offering the chance to improve his oratory skills.

He wants to exert security and stability, so using his COVID momentum to project into the future is a clear strategy. He rarely deviated from the script however and seemed to spend much of the debate flicking through his paperwork.

This was most evident when he took to the lectern for his closing remarks. Mr Gutwein paused for an extended period, eyes down on his prewritten comments. Expecting a positive vision to emerge from this delay, he instead launched into an attack on Labor as "reckless and irresponsible", using the cliches of "hard earned taxes" and again tying Labor and the Greens together.

This is probably effective, however. Sometimes voters want a leader who gives the impression of getting down to business, taking no prisoners.

The Premier knows he's in the box seat so there's no need to take risks, to speak too candidly or to hint that things aren't as rosy as they could be.

Yet he was drawn into a comical comment when one of the government's main blind spots was brought up: political donation laws. To describe this election campaign as the "most transparent" in lower house history, when Tasmanians still have no idea who is funding their political parties among other things, revealed his attitude to open government.

As is the unfortunate way in Tasmanian politics, some things are best left unsaid.