Why did the Liberals lose the 2002 election?

I’ve been reading through an article ('The Tasmanian Election of 20 July 2002', Australian Journal of Political Science- email us for a PDF copy) by UTAS lecturers Marcus Haward and Tony McCall, which explains:

- Leadership challenges within the State Liberal party, since 1998, gave the image of insecurity (Bob Cheek, Denison, v. former teacher Sue Napier, Bass).

- Labor had a credible record in job creation, had developed major infrastructure projects such as Gas from Victoria and the proposed ‘Basslink’ underground power cable across Bass Strait that would allow Tasmanian’s renewable energy capacity to enter the national grid.

- Incumbent Labor threw money at the so-called ‘twin’ ferries for the Bass Strait crossing.

- The Liberal Party was simply not a credible alternative.

- The Lib’s proposition for the Southwood forestry project in Franklin was poorly managed.

For the coming election, however, Rene Hidding has secured the party leadership, Labor’s Bass Strait ferries have soaked up millions of dollars in Government money, and the Liberals are- arguably- looking much better in general. Labor’s record in job creation may indeed stand (much of which is no doubt a result of Federal policy), but Basslink has been plagued with problems. In short, there are fewer obstacles in the Liberals way, and more opportunities.

The Liberal’s can easily take much-needed seats in Franklin, if they can capitalise on the fallout from the last Federal election. That is, the ALP’s decision to screw over their Tasmanian constituents, to secure support from latté-sipping voters on the mainland. It was the Howard Government that secured a much appreciated and balanced forestry package, and even got applause from Labor’s traditional Union mates. See the bad press the deal got from the SMH, here.

Hopefully Tasmanian’s will recognise the Green’s obvious scare-mongering on environmental issues, such as Bob Brown’s claim during the last Federal election that under Howard, "Two-thirds of Tasmania's iconic forests that could be protected will go to the chainsaws […]"

The Liberal’s will easily capitalise on Labor’s general mismanagement of the state, especially the Risdon Prison project’s budget blow-out, numerous issues with unruly detainees, and the retention of Graeme Barber. Hopefully voters will remember that the Lennon Government responded to rioters in 2005 with friendly smiles and pizza.

One of the greatest problems though, is the massive support for the Green’s, and the rather good images of Peg Putt and Nick McKim.

Hopefully the Liberals can gain greater support in Franklin, by emphasising environmentally friendly projects guaranteed to bring in jobs- that is, a revitalised Southwood project.

Through such projects, the Liberals have an advantage over Labor. The potential for greater cooperation between the State and the Commonwealth with Liberals in power at both levels is massive, not to mention the funding the Howard Government will be willing to throw at the state to get a Liberal victory.

The Liberal’s need to focus on the Green’s policies, including their devotion to forcing tax payers to fund so-called gender awareness programs, and even sex change operations. Conservative or not, such a waste of money is bound to cost the Green’s votes, as is their recent back flip on the issue of drugs.

If the election game is played right, perhaps the Liberal Party can come out the winner.