Why Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton will be closely analysing the result of Tasmania’s state election

With a federal election looming, the major parties are looking to the Apple Isle for lessons, while another parliament is planned in Tasmania.

Tasmanians have sent the country’s main political parties into a frenzy as they prepare for a federal election by failing to vote decisively for a Liberal or Labor government.

Although ballots are still being counted, a hung parliament is planned in Apple Isle after voters went to the polls on Saturday.

The Liberal Party has won more seats than Labor, but is still six seats short of the required 18 for a majority.

After a 12 percent swing against them, the Liberals under Prime Minister Jeremy Rockliff will likely have to form a minority government with an expanded crossbench after a number of independent candidates gained support.

Labor leader Rebecca White has not yet conceded defeat and the party could still form a minority government with the Greens, but this could jeopardize some of its key policies.

Jeremy Rockliff has claimed victory for the Liberals, but Rebecca White has not conceded defeat. (Rob Blakers/AAP PHOTOS)

The results have provided crucial insights for the major parties as they prepare for the federal elections taking place sometime next year.

Federal Housing Minister and Tasmanian Julie Collins says Tasmanians know the difference between state and federal issues, but notes there are lessons to be learned from both sides.

“The main message is that Tasmanians are not happy with the direction the state is going,” she told ABC radio on Sunday.

‘This is an outcome that was not at all surprising to me.

“It’s clear that the cost of living, health care and housing were major issues during the campaign.”

But Tasmanian Senator Jonathon Duniam of the Liberals says voters are looking at issues on a case-by-case basis.

Liberal Party leader Jeremy Rockliff has claimed what he believes is a historic victory

Labor leader Rebecca White has not given in and is keeping the door open for a minority Labor government if numbers and sentiment allow.

“I don’t think this is a vote against the liberal brand,” he said.

“Tasmanians had strong opinions on certain issues.”

The proposed $700 million AFL stadium was one of the issues likely to have turned voters towards the Jacqui Lambie Network and the Greens, Senator Duniam said.

Future collaboration with the Jacqui Lambie Network could become an issue after the party’s titular leader branded the Tasmanian Liberals’ tactics and criticism of her party as “disgraceful”.

The proposed AFL stadium was one of the issues that likely drove voters to the Jacqui Lambie Network. (Mick Tsikas/AAP PHOTOS)

But Senator Duniam remained confident politicians would serve Tasmanian voters.

“Election contests are always passionate and full of fire,” he said.

‘The great thing is – and I know Jacqui very much falls into this category – cooler heads will prevail.

“I think leaders from all parties recognize that the job now is to ensure that the will of the Tasmanian people is respected.”