Hodgman claims the reins of power. McKim hails New Believers. Labor sent a message, says Bartlett

LIBERAL LEADER Will Hodgman last night claimed he had the right to form the next Government of Tasmania.

And Greens Leader Nick McKim celebrated “a result for the New Believers” and an end to majority Government. Labor had been sent a message “and we will listen,” said David Bartlett.

In the Wrest Point Tally Room Hodgman spoke as putative Premier on the grounds of a claim to 10-10-5 and the highest number of votes statewide.

He pledged to respect the will of Tasmanians and to work positively and constructively to serve the people’s will.

Later Nick McKim said a great weight had been lifted off Tasmanians.

Tasmanians had deliberately chosen to elect a Parliament with no party in absolute power.

“What an opportunity for a new era of constructive politics … not to advance their own interests, but to advance Tasmania.”

He said it was an awesome responsibility on party leaders to work constructively and cooperatively to deliver accountability and responsibility and deliver good outcomes for Tasmanians.

Traditional parties had maintained that majority was always good and minority always bad.

These people denied Tasmanians. Tasmanians had moved past that tired old view. “The challenge now is for political leaders to move with the Tasmanian people.”

His hand was extended to Labor and Liberal parties. “The ball is now in their court.”

It was an historic result for the Greens.

“And it’s an historic result for Tasmanian Greens … the largest ever vote in Tasmania or in any state or territory.

“This is a result for the New Believers.

“We are humbled and we will keep out feet firmly on the ground.

“We have listened to Tasmanians.”

Green values were mainstream values. They were sick of dodgy processes (pulp mill); there was a demand for transparency.

It was a new dawn in Tasmanian politics. “We accept the trust you have placed in us; we will not let you down.”

Later Premier David Bartlett accepted responsibility “for this result and to make it work in the interests of all Tasmanians.”

Labor had been sent a message: “And I will listen today. And in the future.”

He sincerely congratulated Will Hodgman and Nick McKim.

He spoke of health and education achievements; the best unemployment rate of any state in the nation.

Tasmania was the only state to be net debt free. He was proud of the blueprint Labor had set out for the future with the “foodbowl of the nation”; Tasmania was renewable energy capital; the most connected state.

It had undertaken the toughest reforms in sewerage and water.

He thanked his wife Larissa and kids, staff … especially much maligned spin doctors … and the “architect of the Labor blueprint”, Michael Field.

Sunday Tasmanian: Hung, Drawn, Thwarted: HERE

The rest:
Read the extensive online coverage, and specialist analysis, Peter Tucker, Pollbludger, Antony Green: HERE

Pictures: Nikki and Will Hodgman, NickMcKim, Larissa and David Bartlett.