Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
ABC News
ABC News
National

Liberals' Bridget Archer set to retain Bass, as Tasmanian MPs Andrew Wilkie, Gavin Pearce and Julie Collins all returned

Bridget Archer, the victorious Liberal member for Bass, arrives at her election night function in Tasmania. (ABC News: Emily Baker)

Liberal MP Bridget Archer looks set to become the first politician to win re-election in the seat of Bass in 20 years, as the electorate of Lyons remains far too close to call.

Ms Archer held the northern Tasmanian electorate, known as the nation's "ejector seat", by a razor-thin 0.4 per cent margin before this weekend's election.

The ABC projects she will buck that label and defeat Labor candidate Ross Hart, with the former George Town mayor on track to extend her margin.

Ms Archer said she was feeling "overwhelmed, quite emotional and really proud" following the campaign.

"I've been really privileged to represent the people of Bass through a really difficult time and to support them through that, and I just feel so humbled that they have offered me the opportunity to continue to do that," she said.

Bridget Archer says she has brought her "vulnerability" to the role and hopes her example gives courage to other people. (ABC News: Emily Baker)

"My commitment to the people of Bass is that I will continue to act in their best interests, that I'll continue to be that genuine and authentic person.

Liberal supporters Joey Crawford and Jack Morton were upbeat at Bridget Archer's function in Bass. (ABC News: Emily Baker)

Ms Archer said it was too early to speculate on what had cost the Coalition the election but said she would be fighting "tooth and nail" to hold the Labor Party accountable as it forms either majority or minority government.

Ms Archer is one of four Tasmanian MPs set to retain their seats, with Franklin, Clark and Braddon all called by the ABC's Antony Green. 

But the fifth seat — the sprawling electorate of Lyons — remains too close to call, with Labor MP Brian Mitchell locked in a tense battle with Liberal councillor Susie Bower.

The ABC's projection has Brian Mitchell marginally ahead of the Meander Valley councillor with 70 per cent of the vote counted.

Voters reward hard work: Pearce

Gavin Pearce arrives at his Burnie RSL Club election night function after retaining his seat. (ABC News: Luke Bowden)

Liberal Gavin Pearce has retained Braddon, increasing his margin in the north-west Tasmanian seat which was previously considered marginal.

The beef farmer and former Wynyard RSL president first won the seat in 2019, dethroning Labor's Justine Keay and this time around defeated Labor candidate Chris Lynch.

Mr Pearce believed voters rewarded him for his hard work on their behalf, saying since being first elected, unemployment had dropped and more jobs had been created. 

"Finally we've turned the corner and you know I've worked damn hard to make sure that's happened, and they recognise hard work, certainly when they see it here in Braddon," Mr Pearce said.

Liberal victor Gavin Pearce hugs Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff. (ABC News: Luke Bowden)

Mr Pearce said he would call on his experience in the defence force when dealing with the new Labor government. 

"Certainly when it comes to the rough and tumble of negotiating, you know you get a couple of hundred soldiers under your command and I tell you what, they try you out from time to time as well."

"I'll be a loud voice for the region, they know that."

Wilkie misses victory party due to COVID

Andrew Wilkie celebrates his 2022 election win in the Tasmanian seat of Clark while in COVID isolation. (ABC News: Lucy Shannon)

Independent Andrew Wilkie has been re-elected in the Hobart-based seat of Clark on a comfortable margin.

Mr Wilkie has held the seat, formerly called Denison, since 2010.

He stayed clear of his election night supporters' party due to being in COVID isolation.

Mr Wilkie, who joined his celebrations via video link after testing positive to COVID-19, said he was delighted to secure a fifth term.

"Elections are a wonderful celebration of democracy and to have secured a fifth term is tremendous validation that my consistent calls for greater fairness and action on many key issues have resonated in the greater Hobart community," he said.

The southern Tasmanian seat of Franklin has been called for Labor's Julie Collins.

It is Labor's 11th straight victory in the seat, which has been held by Ms Collins since 2007. 

Abetz in Senate fight 

Hopeful Senate candidate Tammy Tyrell (left) chats with Jacqui Lambie on election night. (ABC News: Luke Bowden)

In the Senate, where 43.6 per cent of the vote has been counted, the ABC projects that Jacqui Lambie Network candidate Tammy Tyrell is on a path to be elected.

She would be the only new Tasmanian addition to the Senate under those projections, at the expense of long-serving Liberal senator Eric Abetz who was relegated to the third spot on the Liberal ticket.

Ms Tyrell has received 56 per cent of a quota, with the Liberal Party on track for 2.15 quotas, only enough to re-elect Jonathon Duniam and Wendy Askew.

The Greens' Peter Whish-Wilson and the ALP's Anne Urquhart have also been re-elected.

Labor's Helen Polley (the party has 1.88 quotas) is considered likely to be re-elected.

Ms Tyrell said she would be watching the remainder of the count closely.

"It would be like Christmas day, it would be like that … 16th birthday where you get the present and you go like 'Yes! Mum has come through' but being able to speak for Tasmanian voices in their tone and giving their message would be amazing," she said.

Tasmanian senator Jacqui Lambie tells supporters she is hopeful her candidate Tammy Tyrrell will win the final senate seat for the state. (ABC News: Monte Bovill)
Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.