21 August 1948 1950 → 16 seats 12 seats 49.38% 37.84% Start date August 21, 1948 | 25 February 1948 February 1945 15 seats 12 seats 1.59 3.59 | |
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Winner Robert Cosgrove | ||
A general election for the House of Assembly was held in the Australian state of Tasmania on 21 August 1948.
Contents
Background
In December 1947, Labor leader Robert Cosgrove had stood down as Premier while he faced charges of bribery, corruption and conspiracy. Cosgrove was acquitted of all charges on 22 February 1948, and was re-elected as Premier by the caucus, taking over from Edward Brooker who had filled in for him for three months. Brooker died on 18 June, four months after handing the premiership back to Cosgrove, and two months prior to the 1948 election.
On 8 July, the Legislative Council voted to grant the House of Assembly two months supply provided an election was called after that time. The election was fought mainly on constitutional issues.
Aftermath
Labor lost its slender one seat majority, winning 15 seats out of 30, although they regained government and Cosgrove remained as Premier after receiving the support of one of the Independent members, Bill Wedd.