Bad news for Labor as Gutwein races ahead

NEW poll results have been described by a leading political analyst as “disastrous” for the state’s opposition, but a former Labor premier says the party should not panic.

A voting intentions poll of 1000 adult Tasmanians conducted by EMRS showed 70 per cent of respondents had Peter Gutwein as their preferred premier, up from 63 per cent in May and 41 per cent in March.

Conversely, 23 per cent preferred Labor leader Rebecca White, down from 26 per cent in May and 39 per cent in March.

Respondents were more likely (54 per cent) to vote Liberal than in March (43 per cent), while support for Labor decreased from 34 to 24 per cent in the same period.

It comes after a recent Newspoll showed Mr Gutwein had a 90 per cent approval rating, the highest of any premier in the country.

Political analyst Kevin Bonham said the numbers were concerning for Labor. “No party likes to be polling numbers like that and it suggests an abject lack of traction from opposition parties against what the government is doing, particularly on COVID-19 issues,’’ he said.

But Lara Giddings, who served as Labor Tasmanian premier from 2011-2014, said it was a “highly unusual” time and Mr Gutwein’s popularity now would not necessarily translate to the ballot box.

“I don’t think you can judge these polls against what you would judge in a normal environment,’’ she said.

“This is not a reflection about Rebecca White … this is a reflection of a leader who is leading through a period of crisis.”

Ms Giddings agreed the poll could revive speculation about the Labor leadership, but she believed Ms White had “nothing to worry about”.

“I say to Labor: don’t panic. There’s a long time to go before the next election,’’ she said.

EMRS research manager Paul Jamrozik said the poll results showed a sustained vote of confidence in the government’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Voters will be looking to both leaders in the coming months to assess their response to the COVID-19 impacts as they unfold,’’ Mr Jamrozik said.

CAMERON WHITELEY