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ABC News
02-05-2025
- Politics
- ABC News
The Tasmanian seats which could deliver, or deny, electoral victory
As the smallest state, Tasmania only has five seats in the House of Representatives. And experts say one of those, the Hobart-based seat of Clark, is likely to be won easily by independent Andrew Wilkie. Leaving four in play to varying degrees. Election essentials: Find out where your Both major parties are looking to hold onto their existing seats and maybe flip one or two. But they've got their challenges. The Liberals are up against some high-profile names, while Labor, political research organisation RedBridge's analyst Kos Samaras explains, has to deal with its declining primary vote in central and northern Tasmania. "It's a historical trend and I don't think they're going to reverse it at this election," Mr Samaras says. Independents and minor parties will also have a role to play, even if they don't score seats. "There will be a very significant One Nation vote, I suspect, in Franklin, Braddon and Bass," Mr Samaras said. "That could be a really considerable telling factor, when you consider that preference flows from One Nation will be slightly higher per the norm in a place like Tasmania than, for example, metropolitan Melbourne." Check out your seat Bass is one of two very marginal seats in Tasmania, taking in Launceston and the state's north-east. It's a seat notorious for turfing out sitting MPs. The incumbent, the Liberals' Bridget Archer, is only the second MP to win the seat for a second term in about 20 years. It's traditionally been a little more Liberal leaning, although the only other MP to claim the mantle of keeping Bass recently is Labor's Michelle O'Byrne. Prediction Mr Samaras thinks despite the slim margin, Labor candidate Jess Teesdale's task of unseating Ms Archer won't be easy. "I know some in the Labor Party are saying they could pick up Bass, but that is going to be pretty difficult given the incumbent MP," he said. "We go back to that sort of parochial, local name identity, she's an incredibly popular, well-known MP in that part of Tassie." RedBridge Group's Tony Barry agrees. "She has very high favourable numbers in our research and strong re-elect figures, reflecting her performance as a local MP," he said. " However Bass is one of those seats where voters don't hesitate to flip parties. " Braddon takes in the state's north west, the west coast (home to the fish farms of Macquarie Harbour) and King Island. It's another seat that likes to kick out its sitting MPs, although the Liberals have held it for the past two elections. While it's not marginal, the retirement of the Liberals' Gavin Pearce means there's no incumbent, leaving the race a little more open. In recent times, the electorate has found itself at the heart of a battle between environmentalists and salmon workers. Prediction Mr Barry said the salmon farming issue — both the environment minister's perceived indecision regarding a review of the expansion at Macquarie Harbour and its last-ditch effort to amend national environment laws to try to protect the industry's future — could play into the vote. "There is a collective understanding these are all vital jobs these industries and Tasmania is acutely sensitive to losing, jobs and industries that provide economic input into the state," Mr Barry said. "The issue of salmon farming has had a massive impact. Not just locally, but throughout the state, because they also see it as an attack on them by Canberra. "Notwithstanding the government trying to clean it up, the legacy message from that is that potentially the federal government is not on our side." Mr Samaras said former Labor Senator Anne Urquhart's profile will boost her chances against the Liberals' Mal Hingston. "We do know that in Tassie that local name recognition is far more profound and important, and she obviously does carry a lot of years of service down there, so it's not surprising they know her," he said. "But I do think Albanese's strategy with regards to the salmon farming issue is all about securing those two seats [Braddon and Lyons] and I think he's actually got the tone right." Read more about the federal election: Want even more? Here's where you can find all our 2025 Catch the latest interviews and in-depth coverage on The inner-city electorate of Clark covers metropolitan Hobart. For 20 years, it was held by Labor, until Independent Andrew Wilkie won it in 2010. He now holds the seat on a margin of 20 per cent. Prediction With such a large margin, Mr Wilkie is expected to retain his seat. Franklin stretches from Hobart's eastern shore to the Huon Valley, taking in Bruny Island along the way. The electorate has long been a Labor stronghold, with incumbent Julie Collins winning it for the past six elections. It's another electorate where the salmon farming issue may play into the vote. The widely circulated pictures of fat globules washing up on south-eastern Tasmanian beaches are from Franklin, but it's also home to many salmon workers and their families. Prediction Mr Samaras said he thinks Labor will be able to hold onto the seat. "There is Independent [ Peter George ] running on an issue that will be popular amongst Tasmanians who are obviously passionate about the environmental issue, but I think those Tasmanians will be outnumbered by those who are more concerned about protecting local jobs and supporting the Labor Party," he said. However, the Greens' candidate Owen Fitzgerald threw a curveball after falling foul of dual citizen laws. "That could definitely impact on inflating the independent vote," he said. "If that independent jumps the Liberal party, we might be having a different conversation. "It's a possibility, I wouldn't rule it out." Lyons runs from the north of the state into the south, almost touching Hobart. There is a very clear north-south divide when it comes to support for the major parties, with the Liberals generally doing better in the north of Tasmania and Labor in the south. Labor holds the seat on the slimmest of margins, with the Liberals' Susie Bower very close to snatching it off them last election. The incumbent Labor MP Brian Mitchell resigned to make way for someone even he described as a stronger candidate, former state Labor leader Rebecca White . Prediction While they believe Labor will perform well in the south, Mr Samaras isn't sure if that will translate to Lyons. However, he said name recognition will help Ms White and that she is a very strong chance in Lyons. Psephologist Kevin Bonham told ABC Northern Tasmania Drive "the general vibe" is Ms White should retain the seat. "We don't really know. There hasn't been a lot of seat-specific polling there of any quality," he said. The Senate: Senators up for re-election: Richard Colbeck and Claire Chandler (Liberal) Carol Brown (Labor) Jacqui Lambie (Jacqui Lambie Network) Nick McKim (Greens) Retiring: Catryna Bilyk (Labor) Prediction There are some hungry newcomers vying for spots, but experts say it's likely to remain the same — two Labor, two Liberals, Greens Nick McKim and Jacqui Lambie. Loading
Perth Now
23-04-2025
- Business
- Perth Now
Prospective kingmakers vow to push for more social help
Politicians who could hold crucial balance-of-power positions after the federal election have signed a joint pledge vowing to push for greater social supports. More than 70 sitting and prospective MPs have put their names to a joint statement with the Australian Council of Social Service calling for increases to JobSeeker and Youth Allowance. The list, made up of independents, Greens and other minor parties, includes Zali Steggall, Andrew Wilkie and senators Jacqui Lambie and David Pocock. The council wants the JobSeeker and Youth Allowance payments, set at just $56 and $47 a day respectively, increased to at least $82. Ms Steggall, who holds the Sydney seat of Warringah, said increases to the rates could form part of minority government talks. A minority government in which neither major party has the required number of seats to govern in their own right is a possibility, although Labor has increased its two-party-preferred lead over the coalition in recent opinion polls. "I will approach the question of minority government on a merits basis, I'm not interested in a deal and I don't want to be transactional about it," Ms Steggall said. "Obviously the will of the Australian people will be telling on the 3rd of May and we need to have stable government. "What I will be wanting to see will be either side's willingness to look at these major issues and inequities." Mr Wilkie, an independent MP who holds the Hobart-based seat of Clark, said a raise to the rates was long overdue. "To do anything else ... is just a deliberate act of cruelty," he said. Labor and the coalition have indicated increases to Centrelink payments aren't on their immediate agenda. At a televised debate on Tuesday night, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton talked up his party's cost-of-living relief including a 25 cent a litre cut to the fuel excise. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese spruiked measures including tax cuts and a pledge to reduce student loans debt by 20 per cent. A Labor spokesman said the party was committed to a strong social security safety net. "We've said we'll look at payment rates as part of every budget and we'll continue to do that," they said. An increase to JobSeeker and Youth Allowance would have the biggest impact, Ms Steggall said. "We saw directly during COVID, when you bring support above the poverty line, people are in a better position to meet their essential needs and look for opportunities to enter the workforce," she said. Research shows there are no affordable rentals for someone receiving JobSeeker or Youth Allowance and people receiving JobSeeker are 14 times more likely to go without a substantial meal a day. "Australia is in the midst of a cost of living crisis, yet our income support system continues to trap people in poverty," council CEO Cassandra Goldie said.
Daily Mail
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Brutal moment Married At First Sight groom gets rejected on new TikTok dating show
He failed to find everlasting love when he was paired with 'bridezilla' Tayla Winter on Married At First Sight in 2023. But it seems that Hugo Armstrong hasn't given up on his quest for romance just yet. Hugo, 33, has made a surprise appearance as one of suitors looking for love on popular TIKTok dating series Pop The Balloon. Unlike typical dating shows, Pop The Balloon has contestants evaluate each other's looks, personality, and compatibility - all with one unique twist: they must decide whether to pop a balloon and eliminate a potential partner as they go through a series of questions and interactions. Some participants pop the balloon based purely on initial impressions, while others wait for deeper conversations before making their decision. If neither person pops their balloon by the end, the couple goes on a date. Things got off to a less-than-stellar start for Hugo with one potential lady love, Abby, popping her balloon just seconds into his introduction. 'Don't apologise, you've done nothing wrong, that's why were here, Hugo said after the noisy rebuke. When asked why she popped her balloon, Abby said that Hugo was simply 'too old' for her. Things went from bad to worse for Hugo, with another potential love interest telling the reality star he was just too bland. 'I'm going to be real. You're not usually my type,' the brunette said to Hugo. 'I like my chicken seasoned well.' Despite the cold assessment of Hugo's character he took it all in his stride. Speaking to camera Hugo remained philosophical about the not-so-subtle rejections. 'I guess its hard out there being a pasty a*** f***er in 2025,' Hugo admitted. 'You play the hand you're dealt. That's all you can do.' The reality star didn't fare much better with a third potential love match who told him: 'you're not someone that I would usually go for.' 'Is this also like a seasoning thing as well?' Hugo asked in an effort to improve his luck with the ladies. 'Yeah, I like my chicken seasoned, too,' the brunette laughed. 'With a bit of sauce as well, a bit of spice.' Unfortunately Hugo appeared quite taken with the brunette telling host Olan Tekkers that anyone would be lucky to have her. '[She's] a little pocket rocket,' Hugo said. 'Whoever ends up with you is going to be a very lucky man.' The clip was met with a flurry of comments from followers, with many praising Hugo's reaction to rejection. 'Man's running a clinic on how to handle rejection. Mad respect to him,' one fan opined, while another offered a similar: 'bro is top tier.' Another suggested that it was the way that Hugo handled rejection that made him desirable. 'He ain't my type but the fact he takes rejection so well and makes it funny makes him attractive,' they wrote. Summing up the sentiment of many, a third jumped in with: 'He seemed very emotionally mature.' It's not the first time Hugo has appeared on the dating series either, also trying his luck back in September last year. Hugo's pairing with Hobart-based Tayla Winter on MAFS was anything but smooth, with tensions running high between the two from the outset. The bridezilla label came after a string of fiery confrontations and heated exchanges, leaving Hugo at a loss for love.
Yahoo
14-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Annature partners with Collins SBA to provide integrated eSigning solution
BRISBANE, Australia, Feb. 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Australian eSigning innovator Annature today announced a significant partnership with Hobart-based accounting, financial planning and business coaching firm Collins SBA. This partnership sees Annature's industry-leading eSigning and identity verification solutions integrated into the tech stack for Collins SBA's custom Salesforce functionality. Having dramatically improved their own internal procedures, Collins SBA is now offering this capability to other partner firms as an innovative Shared Services Centre. By centralising core functions like technology, HR, compliance, financial management, and marketing, the Shared Services Centre provides partner firms with the ready-built tools and capabilities to scale effectively and maximise high-value time. As one of 12 custom integrations chosen for the Salesforce implementation, Collins SBA cited Annature's clearly designed and documented API, flexible integration capability and affordable pricing structure. Annature is also fully integrated with SharePoint within the Shared Services Centre, resulting in a superior experience for the firm's internal team, clients and other partners who adopt the technology. In transitioning from their previous provider Docusign to Annature, Collins SBA has saved 78% per annum in eSigning costs, while sending 250 envelopes for internal and external eSigning each month. Annature's on-shore support team was readily available to migrate the firm quickly and efficiently over from Docusign before its contract expired. 'In transitioning to Annature, we've won on every front in terms of client and team member experience, while also benefiting from their flexibility and fair pricing,' said Collins SBA Head of Technology Patrick Gardner. 'Annature made the migration seamless, and we've found we're using eSigning more, as it is so much easier and simpler than the Docusign experience. We believe Annature has the best and most adaptable solutions for our needs, and we're very proud to partner with such a trusted Australian success story.' Gardner also highlighted Annature's key role in the Shared Services Centre, including its trusted status with other external product providers and platforms, such as Netwealth, and the value of its identity verification technology for accounting firms to verify customers. 'As an integrated accounting and financial planning firm, we only need to do the identity verification once, which reduces the burden on the client,' explained Gardner. 'What's most impactful is that we now have a 'day one' solution for when a new firm comes on-board the Shared Services Centre, with Annature as a core component.' 'We're thrilled to partner with Collins SBA, as we share a passion for innovation that improves the client experience,' said Annature founder and CEO Corey Cacic. 'We immediately saw the value that Annature's eSigning and identity verification solutions could bring to the Shared Services Centre. We look forward to other firms using what Collins SBA has built to streamline their processes, automate core functions and fuel their growth.' Contact information:Corey Caciccorey@ A photo accompanying this announcement is available at in to access your portfolio
