legislative council elections

Tassie Votes: Key Takeaways from the 2025 Legislative Council Elections

Tasmanians have cast their votes in the 2025 Legislative Council elections, with results starting to paint a picture of the state's political landscape. The elections, which are compulsory, have seen some familiar faces returned to parliament, while the fate of at least one seat hangs in the balance. This article delves into the key developments, potential implications, and what these elections mean for Tasmania's future.

Webb and Edmunds Secure Their Seats

Early results indicate strong support for incumbent members Meg Webb (Nelson) and Luke Edmunds (Pembroke). Election analyst Dr Kevin Bonham called wins for both Webb and Edmunds shortly after polls closed.

• Meg Webb (Nelson): As an independent voice, Webb has consistently advocated for her electorate and will continue to do so. Her victory signals the ongoing importance of independent representation in the Legislative Council.
• Luke Edmunds (Pembroke): Representing the Labor party, Edmunds' re-election reinforces the party's influence within the upper house.

Montgomery Seat Still Up in the Air

While Webb and Edmunds appear secure, the race for the Montgomery seat in the north-west remains too close to call. The contest is reportedly between the retiring member's son and a former senator, making it a particularly intriguing battle with significant implications for the region's representation.

Recent Updates: A Timeline of Key Developments

• Election Day (May 2025): Tasmanians head to the polls to cast their votes in the Legislative Council elections. Polling places were open across the state, with compulsory voting in effect.
• Early Results (Evening of Election Day): Initial counts suggest strong showings for Meg Webb and Luke Edmunds. The Montgomery seat remains uncertain.
• Dr. Kevin Bonham's Projections (Evening of Election Day): Election analyst Dr. Kevin Bonham publicly calls the Nelson seat for Meg Webb and the Pembroke seat for Luke Edmunds.
• Ongoing Counting (Days Following Election Day): Counting continues for the Montgomery seat, with a final result expected in the coming days.

Understanding the Tasmanian Legislative Council

The Tasmanian Parliament is bicameral, consisting of two houses: the House of Assembly (the lower house) and the Legislative Council (the upper house). The Legislative Council plays a crucial role in reviewing legislation passed by the House of Assembly, acting as a check and balance within the parliamentary system.

Unlike the House of Assembly, which is elected using a system of proportional representation, the Legislative Council uses a system of single-member districts. This means that each district elects one member to represent them in the upper house. Legislative Council elections are held annually in May, with members serving six-year terms.

Contextual Background: AFL Stadium Debate Looms Large

These elections have taken place against the backdrop of significant debate surrounding the proposed Macquarie Point stadium in Hobart, a key component of Tasmania's bid for an AFL team. The future of the stadium, and indeed the AFL team itself, could be influenced by the composition of the Legislative Council.

Some believe that the election results could make or break the project, depending on which candidates are elected and their stance on the stadium. The election was seen as "crucial," with just three key electorates in play that could sway the future of the project.

Immediate Effects: Representation and Policy

The immediate effect of these elections is the shaping of representation within the Legislative Council. The re-election of experienced members like Webb and Edmunds provides stability and continuity, while the outcome in Montgomery will determine the voice of that region for the next six years. The makeup of the Legislative Council will influence the passage of legislation and the direction of policy in Tasmania.

Future Outlook: Potential Outcomes and Strategic Implications

Looking ahead, several potential outcomes and strategic implications arise from these election results:

• Stadium Debate: The composition of the Legislative Council will play a significant role in the ongoing debate surrounding the Macquarie Point stadium. If more members are elected who oppose the stadium, the project could face significant hurdles.
• Policy Direction: The Legislative Council's role as a check and balance on the House of Assembly means that its composition will influence the direction of policy across a range of areas, including health, education, and the environment.
• Regional Representation: The outcome in Montgomery will be particularly important for the north-west region of Tasmania, as it will determine who represents their interests in the Legislative Council.

Understanding the Voting Process in Tasmania

For those unfamiliar with the Tasmanian voting system, here's a brief overview:

• Compulsory Voting: Voting is compulsory for all eligible Tasmanian citizens aged 18 years or older.
• Single-Member Districts: Each Legislative Council district elects one member.
• Preferential Voting: Voters rank candidates in order of preference.
• Annual Elections: Legislative Council elections are held annually in May.

Key Takeaways

The 2025 Tasmanian Legislative Council elections have delivered some clear results, with Meg Webb and Luke Edmunds securing their seats, and the Montgomery seat remaining a closely watched contest. These elections will shape the political landscape of Tasmania for years to come, influencing policy decisions and the future of key projects like the Macquarie Point stadium. As the final results become clear, Tasmanians will be watching closely to see how their elected representatives will shape the future of their state.

While this article has focused on the Legislative Council elections, it's worth noting that other elections are also taking place across Australia and the world. For example, in California, voters are preparing for the November 5, 2024, Primary Election. The last day to register to vote is October 21, 2024, and all active registered voters will receive a vote-by-mail ballot.