Tasmanian state election, 1969
Tasmanian state election, 1969
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A general election for the Tasmanian House of Assembly was held on 10 May 1969. The incumbent Labor Party, which had been in power continuously since 1934, was led by Eric Reece, who had been premier of Tasmania since 1958. The opposition Liberal Party was led by Angus Bethune.
The election resulted in a hung parliament, with the Labor and Liberal parties on 17 seats each (out of 35). The balance of power was held by Kevin Lyons, a former Liberal who had quit the party in 1966 after a dispute over preselection. Lyons offered to form a coalition government with the Liberal Party, and Angus Bethune agreed, appointing Lyons as Deputy Premier.
Results
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Tasmanian state election, 10 May 1969
House of Assembly
<< 1964 — 1972 >>
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| Enrolled Voters |
210,268 |
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| Votes Cast |
198,571 |
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Turnout |
94.44 |
–0.99 |
| Informal Votes |
9,248 |
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Informal |
4.66 |
+0.34 |
| Summary of votes by party |
| Party |
Primary Votes |
% |
Swing |
Seats |
Change |
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Labor |
90,278 |
47.68 |
–3.64 |
17 |
– 2 |
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Liberal |
67,971 |
43.98 |
+5.49 |
17 |
+ 1 |
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Centre Party[1] |
8,160 |
4.31 |
–0.94 |
1 |
+ 1 |
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Labor (Anti-Communist) |
3,258 |
1.72 |
–0.07 |
0 |
± 0 |
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Independent |
4,366 |
2.31 |
–0.79 |
0 |
± 0 |
| Total |
189,323 |
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35 |
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- 1 The Centre Party was composed out of the former Country Party organisation in Tasmania, and was supported by federal Country MHRs.
Distribution of Seats
Aftermath
The Liberal-Centre coalition lasted for one term, with Lyons dissolving the partnership in 1972. The resulting instability triggered an election, which was easily won by Eric Reece and the Labor Party.
See also
References