The Tasmanian Premier and Opposition Leader have gone head to head outlining their visions for the future in a leaders' debate ahead of the campaign proper for next year's state poll.
Premier Will Hodgman accused Opposition Leader Rebecca White of being "cute with the truth" and Ms White suggested Mr Hodgman had "given up already" when speaking about possible outcomes for the March election.
Debate moderator Rachel Williams called for clear answers and policies from both leaders, saying Tasmanians deserved to "have it in black and white what their leaders stand for".
Topics ranged from the budget bottom line to population growth, housing, employment, education, local council reform, water and sewerage and investment.
But neither side unveiled any new policies, each pointing to announcements that had already been made.
After winning a coin toss, Ms White opened the debate touting a "fairness agenda".
"A fairness agenda is about making sure people can access essential services like health, education, housing and get a secure job," she said.
Mr Hodgman said he was confident about Tasmania's future, pointing to the state budget being "back in balance".
"That means we're able to better invest into essential services that Tasmanians need," he said.
Minority government a flashpoint
It was the question of whether either would form minority government which got both leaders quarrelling.
"I believe that Labor can win majority government," Ms White said.
"A vote for Labor is a vote for Labor, we won't be doing deals with anyone else."
Mr Hodgman said hearing that gave him a "sense of déjà vu", suggesting the Opposition would form minority government with the Greens given the chance.
"Their track record is that they will, they have and they'll do it again," he said.
Ms White used her closing remarks to call for support from voters saying: "We won't let you down."
Mr Hodgman said Tasmanians knew what to expect from his Government, and a lack of costed Labor policies meant that was not the case for the Opposition.
"Therein lies the risk, you don't know what you'll get," he said.
Greens leader Cassy O'Connor criticised the Property Council, which hosted the debate, for its decision to limit it to the two major parties.
"The Property Council knows which side its bread is buttered on," she said.
"We represent a significant proportion of the Tasmanian electorate and on key issues in Parliament, we're the only voice standing up for clean, green, future-focused Tasmania."
