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AAP
AAP
Politics
Ethan James

Trouble-plagued Liberal government dodges poll damage

Support for Premier Jeremy Rockliff was steady, despite his government losing minister Elise Archer. (Rob Blakers, Ethan James/AAP PHOTOS)

Australia's only Liberal government hasn't copped a hit in recent opinion polling, despite a tumultuous period including the resignation of its attorney-general.

According to an EMRS November voter survey, support for Tasmania's government increased marginally from 38 to 39 per cent from polling in August.

Support for Premier Jeremy Rockliff remained steady at 42 per cent.

The Liberals increased their lead over the Labor opposition, which fell from 32 to 29 per cent for party support.

Tasmanian Opposition Leader Rebecca White
Tasmanian Opposition Leader Rebecca White has lost ground in latest polling. (Rob Blakers/AAP PHOTOS)

Opposition leader Rebecca White's support fell from 39 to 35 per cent.

The Liberals, who have been in minority government since May when two members switched to the cross bench, have endured a dramatic few months.

The party dropped 42 to 36 per cent in May polling and has made marginal gains since.

Attorney-general Elise Archer quit politics in early October after being sacked from cabinet amid allegations of workplace bullying and inappropriate text messages.

The government has also copped ongoing political and community heat over plans for an $715 million stadium in Hobart linked to the state's deal for an AFL team.

EMRS managing director Paul Jamrozik described the drop in Labor support as notable.

Support for independent or other candidates increased from 16 to 19 per cent, while support for the Greens fell from 14 to 12 per cent.

"We've been watching the level of support for an independent candidate increase over time and this poll reflects their strongest position yet," Mr Jamrozik said on Thursday.

"The surge in voter support for an independent or other minor party, at the expense of Labor, is reflected in the decline in personal support for Labor Party leader, Rebecca White.

"While this may seem like good news for the Liberal Party, let's not forget that their gains have been marginal over time since a large decrease in support in May.

"The biggest issues highlighted by voters in the November poll are healthcare and the cost of living, rather than the AFL stadium."

Tasmania's parliament will increase from 25 to 35 seats at the next election, due in 2025.

The EMRS poll surveyed 1000 voters in late November and has an error of up to 3.1 percentage points.

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