Premier Peter Gutwein addressed the media Friday morning, detailing a conversation he had with Mr Brooks the prior evening.

He said that Mr Brooks was currently being treated interstate for his mental health, as well as advising that Mr Brooks had also been charged with a firearms offence while in Queensland - which he confirmed was different to the summons he was expecting in Tasmania.

"Last night just after 7pm I spoke with Adam Brooks by phone," Mr Gutwein said.

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"Mr Brooks advised me that he is interstate where he is being supported and undertaking treatment for his own mental health. He explained to me that he is currently very unwell but in a safe environment.

"Last night in that conversation he also provided me with new information regarding his circumstances. He told me that he left Tasmania on Wednesday to take a break and seek treatment in Queensland.

"Last night he also informed me that yesterday he was visited by the Queensland Police and subsequently charged with firearms offences and also in relation to a matter relating to a document, and that he has been bailed to appear in court."

A statement from Queensland Police confirmed that a 45-year-old Tasmanian man was charged following investigations into alleged weapons offences.

Police alleged that after the execution of a search warrant, a handgun and false driver's licenses were seized.

The man was charged with one count each of unlawful possession of Category H weapon, unauthorised possession of explosives and dealing with identity documents, and is expected to appear in court on Tuesday May 18.

"Mr Brooks has indicated that he will be taking legal advice and he will be defending himself against those charges," Mr Gutwein said.

"Mr Brooks is unwell, and as a result of the circumstances that he now faces he's come to the decision that he won't take his seat".

Bass Labor MHA Michelle O'Byrne said the circumstances surrounding Mr Brooks' candidacy raised a number of questions.

"The question for the Premier politically of course is how long he knew about Mr Brooks and whether that will be investigated by the Integrity Commission.

"When Mr Brooks was first accused of lying to the parliament, the response that the government gave was initially to protect him, and then to say that his mental health issues meant that we should not be pursuing him - if Mr Brooks has had ongoing mental health issues then I think it's irresponsible for the Liberal party to put him into this position."

Greens leader Cassy O'Connor said the government had treated Braddon residents' votes with contempt.

"The Liberal Party made the decision to preselect Adam Brooks, the Premier stood by him every step of the way despite serious allegations being made about Mr Brooks and then the day the polls are declared, we discover Mr Brooks has resigned," Ms O'Connor said.

"The red flags were absolutely there.

"... you could form the view that it was very convenient for the Liberals to ignore [the Brooks issue] throughout the campaign until the day the polls are declared."

Liberal Felix Ellis has confirmed he would contest a recount, which would return him to the parliament.

"I'm honoured to receive so much strong support in the election and disappointed we couldn't get there in the end, but whatever happens next ... the Tasmanian people will have their say," he said.

"I'm looking forward to nominating for the recount, as I'm sure my fellow Liberal candidates will be as well."

Jeremy Rockliff and Roger Jaensch will keep their seats.

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