Tasmanians for a Better Future is a group of concerned business and community members that was formed in the lead up to the 2006 Tasmanian state election.
The group placed many advertisements encouraging people to vote for majority government to avoid risking a minority government being elected,[1] which they argued would be disastrous for commerce and industry within the state. Prior minority governments during 1990s had presided over rising unemployment and state debt, negative growth and falling business investment, with pro-environmental, anti-business legislation forced upon by the Tasmanian Greens considered partly to blame.
There is anecdotal evidence that the campaign was a success. Polling prior to election day had indicated a strong chance of Labor losing its majority in the Lower House. Labor however maintained its 14 seats despite a 2.6% swing against to form a new majority government. The Greens similarly suffered a 1.5% swing against and came very close to losing 2 of its 4 seats and its major party status in parliament. Despite a swing of 4.4% in favour, the Liberals were not able to improve upon their existing 7 seats.
The advertisements were under the name of Tony Harrison, who runs the Corporate Communications public relations company.[1]