Tasmania's Liberal premier has defended the gender balance of his election team as he turns to former senator and conservative Eric Abetz to boost his hopes.
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The island state will vote on March 23 after the nation's only Liberal government, which had been in minority for nine months, called an early poll.
Mr Abetz, who served in the senate from 1994 to 2022, was pre-selected in January with political opponents labelling it as a move backwards and to the right.
He was officially unveiled as a candidate as the Liberal launch on Tuesday in Launceston but didn't speak at a press conference.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff, considered a left-leaning Liberal, has previously deflected criticism about Mr Abetz's candidacy.
"I'm excited about the breadth of experience in our team," Mr Rockliff said.
"We have a very strong and capable team."
Mr Abetz's federal career came to a close after he was demoted to a virtually unwinnable position on the Liberal senate ticket.
In 2017, he voted against a bill to legalise same-sex marriage.
The 66-year-old is running in the southern electorate of Franklin alongside former state minister Jacquie Petrusma, who is also aiming for a return after quitting politics in 2022.
Mr Rockliff said his team was representative of Tasmania, even though women made up just 13 of the 35 candidates.
Former attorney-general Elise Archer and Liberal-turned-independent Lara Alexander have lashed the party in recent months for having a culture problem.
"We've got over a third of the team made up of very capable females and women which is fantastic," Mr Rockliff said.
"I'm very excited about the team we have. We have capable people right across our state.
"Every single candidate (has) life experience and (is) really passionate and committed to represent the Tasmania people."
Tasmania's lower house is increasing from 25 to 35 members at the election, with seven MPs to be elected in each of the five electorates.
The Liberals are chasing a fourth successive term but recent opinion polls have indicated it will be difficult for either major party to form majority government.
"What I'm concerned about is getting out there every single day as we have been, delivering thoughtful, costed policy," Mr Rockliff said.
Labor, which accused the Liberals of recycling candidates, campaigned in the state's south, pledging to scrap charges for power connection and disconnection when people move house.
Labor leader Rebecca White said Tasmanians moving to a new house had to pay about $100 to connect the electricity and $64 for a final meter read.
"Labor's top priority is urgent action on the cost of living," she said in a statement.
The Liberals have 11 incumbent MPs, while Labor has eight, the Greens two and four independents.
Mr Rockliff called the poll after being unable to resolve a stand-off with Ms Alexander and another crossbench independent.
Australian Associated Press
