Calls are growing for Jeremy Rockliff to start the process of increasing the size of the House of Assembly from 25 to 35 seats as a matter of priority after he is sworn in as Tasmania's new premier on Friday.
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Premier Peter Gutwein and former education minister Sarah Courtney resigned from Parliament in the space of two months, both citing work-life balance issues. Mr Gutwein was also carrying out the role of treasurer.
Their resignations prompted the government to elevate backbenchers to cabinet, including on Friday when a Liberal MP with limited parliamentary experience will need to be promoted.
Several backbenchers refused to comment on their chances.
The last reshuffle ended with Roger Jaensch taking on the portfolios of education, children and youth, state growth, skills, training and workforce growth, environment and Aboriginal affairs.
All ministers have three, four or five portfolios.
The House of Assembly had 35 seats from 1959 until it was reduced to 25 in 1998, widely seen as an attempt to reduce the influence of the Greens.
Political analyst Richard Herr said the new premier must make it a priority to restore this to 35 in time for the next state election.
"There is absolutely no doubt that the Parliament needs to be restored," he said.
"They've got at least another two-and-a-half years before any sort of campaigning is likely to occur, so get it done now because after Peter Gutwein's place is filled in Bass, there's only one reserve left for the Liberals."
Ms Courtney's resignation resulted in Liberal Lara Alexander being elected in Bass on a recount, and Mr Gutwein's resignation will likely see Liberal Simon Wood elected, leaving just Greg Kieser as the last Liberal should more resignations occur.
Dr Herr said a larger House of Assembly would allow members to spend more time with constituents.
"They'll get better outcomes from representations to the government and the Parliament, and that's got to be a win for everyone," he said.
"It's also in the Liberals interests to reform the house. If a fourth term is looking difficult to win, there are those in government who will want to make sure they still have a seat after the election."
It could be a matter of undoing the 1998 legislation and allowing for seven members for each of the five electorates, to be implemented at the next election.
A parliamentary committee in 2020 recommended return to 35 seats.
Australia Institute Tasmania director Eloise Carr said it could take political courage to achieve.
"The Premier's resignation demonstrates again that MPs workloads are too high," she said.
The government has appeared to have softened its language on the proposal in the past 12 months, while Labor has previously stated it wanted to see the state's finances in a better position before it is attempted.
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