Independents, minor parties could hold election sway

Independent MP John Tucker says he's open minded about who he will support. (Sonja Ambrose/AAP PHOTOS)

Australia's last Liberal premier pulled the trigger on an early election to overcome the "instability and uncertainty" of minority government. 

But if voting follows opinion polls, neither of Tasmania's major parties will be able to reach the required 18 seats to form a majority at the March 23 poll.