Premier Peter Gutwein took a gamble, and the coin ultimately landed on the right side for the Liberal Party who look set to claim a third term of government.
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This is the first time in Tasmania's history that the Liberals have achieved the treble.
En vogue with Australian elections these days, this election has been about two major party leaders who both went all in.
And it appears that it wasn't her party that brought down Rebecca White, it was Tasmanians' faith in the Liberals to continue to take the state forward no matter how deep the problems within the health system or putting a roof over vulnerable heads.
It is difficult to see a leader lose two elections by the same margin and survive in modern politics, particularity in a party embroiled in a factional war.
Labor must do more to resonate with their base and overcome strong competition from the Greens and independents if they are going to prevent another loss in 2025.
In fact, the Greens were the only party to show an increase in their primary vote as of last night.
The Hare-Clark system has again shown that the battle is often between your own party for a seat, not the opposition. Adam Brooks is competing against incumbent Roger Jaensch for the third Liberal seat in Braddon. This is familiar territory with Mr Brooks doing the same against Brett Whiteley back in 2010.
For Mr Gutwein, his popularity from steering Tasmania through a crisis of a lifetime has been rewarded with his much craved (even though a flimsy argument) push for a majority government.
The Liberals have now won 15, 13 and maybe 13 seats now at three consecutive elections. That is close as it gets with the Hare-Clark system to domination particularity pitted against Labor's performance of seven, nine and possibly nine again.
The past three years have not been smooth sailing for the Liberals, hence the early election.
What do we want going forward? Voters have demanded improvements in the areas of health, housing and education. Mr Gutwein demonstrated strength in leadership during the pandemic, and the same leadership should be applied to these matters.
The coronavirus pandemic has provided an opportunity to be innovative and forward-thinking. It's now up to the Premier and his team to deliver.
