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AAP
AAP
Politics
Ethan James

Labor health pledge points to key election battleground

Anthony Albanese strategically chose Tasmania to announce one of his government's key policies. (Rob Burnett/AAP PHOTOS)

At a function centre in northern Tasmania, Anthony Albanese announced Labor's flagship pre-election $8.5 billion pledge to boost Medicare.

The Launceston visit was one of several the prime minister has made to the island state in recent months and 20 overall, highlighting its key status as an election battleground.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, who has promised to match the Medicare commitment if elected, has also paid recent attention to the Apple Isle.

Three of Tasmania's five seats - Bass, which covers Launceston, Braddon in the west and the sprawling mostly rural Lyons - are expected to be closely fought.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton
Peter Dutton sees Tasmania as an important state for the coalition at the upcoming election. (Ethan James/AAP PHOTOS)

"The fact there are three competitive seats makes Tasmania of interest," political analyst Kevin Bonham told AAP following Sunday's tit-for-tat multibillion-dollar announcements.

"They're all a bit odd. It's a bit challenging to get a read on where the baseline should be set for those three seats."

The latest Newspoll published in The Australian last week showed the coalition held a 51-49 lead over Labor in the two-party preferred stakes.

Health Minister Mark Butler told the Labor function on Sunday he had not seen the party put forward a stronger line-up of candidates in Tasmania.

Lyons, one of the closest seats in the nation, is held by Labor with a margin of just 0.92 per cent.

Incumbent Brian Mitchell is not running at the yet-to-be-called poll, which must be held by May 17, with Labor pinning its hopes on former state leader Rebecca White.

Former Tasmanian Labor Leader Rebecca White
Despite several losses at state level, Rebecca White boasts a high profile. (Rob Blakers/AAP PHOTOS)

Ms White has led Labor to three state election losses but commands a strong personal vote - she won 21 per cent of the Lyons first-preferences at the 2024 Tasmanian election.

The Liberals are again running fifth-generation resident Susie Bower, who has spent more than two decades working in local government and higher education.

Liberal Bridget Archer, who has spoken out against some party positions, holds Bass by 1.4 per cent.

In Braddon, incumbent Liberal Gavin Pearce won't re-contest the seat he holds with an eight per cent margin.

Labor's candidate is seasoned operator Anne Urquhart, who has given up a position in the senate to run.

Salmon farming on Macquarie Harbour, Tasmania
Salmon farming remains a contentious issue for voters in the seat of Braddon. (Alan Porritt/AAP PHOTOS)

The future of salmon farming in Macquarie Harbour on the state's rugged west coast, part of Braddon, looms as a flashpoint issue.

Operations in the harbour are under review by the environment minister after a challenge by green groups who want to safeguard the endangered Maugean skate.

Mr Albanese has promised to bring forward legislation to ensure farming operations can continue - the coalition wants him to reconvene parliament so it can potentially be passed.

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