The embattled Tasmanian Labor Party has postponed its state conference until after the looming federal election so it can focus on campaign efforts in crucial marginal seats.
The state party, which has been marred by sexual harassment allegations and infighting, was set to hold the annual event in Hobart on the weekend of October 30.
"The national executive has ... met and has resolved the number one priority of the Tasmanian branch is the upcoming federal election," state secretary Stuart Benson said in a statement on Tuesday,
"For this reason, the ALP national executive resolved to defer the Tasmanian ALP state conference until after the next federal election."
The federal election must be held by May 21 next year, with March considered by pundits as the month most likely.
The swing seats of Bass and Braddon, which are both held by the Liberals, in Tasmania's north and northwest loom as key battlegrounds.
"Our number one priority at this time must be working to elect a federal Labor government by re-electing Labor members in Franklin and Lyons, regaining Bass and Braddon, and supporting a strong Labor campaign in Clark," Mr Benson said.
"We also have an opportunity to defeat Senator Eric Abetz by winning a third senate position."
Ballots for state party positions with more than one nomination will be held online and via postal voting.
Labor lost a third straight Tasmanian poll in May and has since changed leaders twice.
Rebecca White, who guided the party to defeat, was reappointed to the leadership position after sexual harassment allegations were levelled at her replacement David O'Byrne.
Mr O'Byrne was accused of harassing a junior worker when he worked for the Liquor, Hospitality and Miscellaneous Union in 2007 and 2008.
He denied the allegations and an internal investigation found his behaviour was inappropriate but did not amount to sexual harassment or victimisation under party policy.
He is continuing to serve in parliament despite Ms White calling on him to quit.
First-term upper house member Bastian Seidel announced in August he was quitting Labor, citing a "toxic environment" and "constant" leaks to media.
The Health and Community Services Union recently announced it had disafilliated from the state party.
The position of state party president Ben McGregor is under a cloud after he flagged legal action last month in the wake of an internal sexual harassment investigation that he says cleared his name and didn't follow proper process.
Mr Benson asked Mr McGregor to resign, saying the investigation into alleged inappropriate text messages determined the complaint did not fall within the terms of party policy and the woman determined she didn't want to pursue the matter.
