Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff will face off against Opposition Leader Rebecca White at the Sky News / Mercury People’s Forum just days out from the state election.
Sky News Australia Chief News Anchor Kieran Gilbert will host the one-hour forum on Wednesday 20 March at 4:00pm AEDT, live from Hobart.
As the final leaders’ debate before Tasmanians head to the polls, the People’s Forum will provide undecided voters, as selected by Q&A Market Research, with the opportunity to put questions directly to the two leaders on their vision for the state.
With the fate of Tasmania’s new AFL team and entry into the competition from 2028 under threat, will voters opt to continue with the Liberal’s controversial stadium plan, or could the 19th AFL team licence be lost amidst this political turmoil?
Kieran Gilbert said:
“The Sky News / Mercury People’s Forum comes at a pivotal moment in the Tasmanian campaign, just a few days out from election day.”
“The beauty of this format is that a room full of undecided voters have direct access to their leaders and they get to raise whatever issues are on their minds.”
“The questions are not vetted, it’s unpredictable and all on live television – it makes the People’s Forum a crucial test for both leaders.”
Craig Herbert, Editor of the Mercury said:
“There are so many issues affecting Tasmanians the entire length and breadth of the state and the Sky News / Mercury People’s Forum is a vital platform to have voters’ voices heard by the leaders of our two major political parties.
“This will largely be a cost-of-living election, but Tasmanians are eager to put our political parties to the test on health, housing, power prices and of course, the AFL stadium.”
“The People’s Forum, unscripted and free of minders’ stage management, gives voters the chance to see where Premier Jeremy Rockliff and Tasmanian Labor Leader Rebecca White stand on these topics and many more.”
Paul Whittaker, Chief Executive Officer of Sky News Australia said:
“The Sky News / Mercury People’s Forum will provide a strong indication of whether the last Liberal government standing will remain in power in this battleground state, or will Australia soon see Labor governments right across the nation.”
“This People’s Forum will test the fortitude of both leaders as they compete under pressure to win the hearts and minds of undecided voters.”
The People’s Forum broadcasts have been staged at every Federal and State election since 2010, with the most recent debate held in March 2023 during the NSW State Election.
The Sky News / Mercury People’s Forum will be live streamed to subscribers at SkyNews.com.au and themercury.com.au.
On Saturday 23 March, as Tasmanian residents head to the polls, Sky News will deliver comprehensive coverage and analysis of the Tasmania Election LIVE with an expert election night panel from 6:00pm AEDT.
