Forget Parliament House or the Governor’s residence. The real power in Tasmania lies in… Rosny Bus Mall. Ordinary folk going about their business – catching buses, doing the shopping or just sitting in a bus shelter watching life go by on the other shore.

What did people think about another state election just over a year since the last one? Did they want Premier Rockliff to stay or go? Did they support Labor’s no confidence motion? And how relevant was the stadium? And did they support it or not?

We asked and this is what they said:

  • This opinionated couple on their coffee break had opposing views but profound enthusiasm for democracy.
  • Rather than a stadium or an election, this gentleman wanted a new hospital and he didn’t care where.
  • This former Labor voter explained why he thought Premier Rockliff should stay in the job.
  • Privatisation was the real issue, rather than the stadium, said this couple.
  • An election? Not a good thing at all, according to this woman.
  • Conversely, this gentleman thought the stadium and the election were probably good things.
  • Other priorities was what this man thought the focus should be on instead of the stadium.
  • Time for Rockliff to go was this woman’s verdict.
  • This guy thought the stadium was a waste of money and the election was pointless.
  • For the team, against the stadium, but for Rockliff and against Winter – expert analysis from this woman.
  • This younger voter thought Rockliff should resign but wasn’t sure why
  • The best line of the day came from this precocious 11-year old: “They caused this, they need to fix it!”
  • Stadium? Election? This dude was too hungover for either.