Labor leads in Tasmanian seats of Lyons and Braddon as high-profile candidates boost election hopes

Labor’s decision to run high-profile candidates could pay dividends in two tight election contests.

The government has the edge in Tasmania’s ultra-marginal Lyons as well as Liberal-held Braddon, shows YouGov polling commissioned by AAP.

Labor holds Lyons, a sprawling rural seat covering the island state’s centre and east, by a thin 0.9 per cent margin.

The party threw former state leader Rebecca White into the race to replace retiring Brian Mitchell, who had represented the region since 2016.

Labor was criticised after it was revealed a pre-selection vote was held, making Mr Mitchell eligible for a $115,000 payment, even though he had publicly backed Ms White to replace him.

Polling of 446 Lyons voters has Labor ahead 56-44 on a two-party-preferred basis.

The party was also ahead in Braddon 54-46 after a survey of 419 people last week which was modelled by YouGov.

Army veteran Gavin Pearce, who has held Braddon since 2019 - most recently on an eight per cent margin - decided not to stand for re-election at the May 3 poll.

The Liberals have pinned their hopes on mechanical engineer Mal Hingston, while Labor called in experienced senator Anne Urquhart who left the upper house role for a tilt.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton made multiple trips to Braddon before official campaigning to show support for salmon farm workers.

The seat has been at the centre of a heated debate about the future of the aquaculture industry in Macquarie Harbour after a challenge to farming approvals by environmentalists.

Both major parties support the industry and voted legislation through federal parliament in March, quashing a review before the environment minister.

Mr Dutton was in Hobart on Thursday, where he stood alongside Lyons candidate Susie Bower to announce a $90 million to address domestic violence.

Ms Bower, who has worked in local government and education, came up short in 2022 and has campaigned on addressing cost-of-living issues.

“Ultimately Susie Bower is up against Anthony Albanese,” Mr Dutton said in December.

“If we win the seat of Lyons, we get rid of Anthony Albanese as the prime minister.”

Despite leading Tasmanian Labor to three election losses, Ms White commands a strong personal vote and picked 21 per cent of Lyons first preferences at the 2024 state election.

The 42-year-old served in the state’s lower house for 15 years and has highlighted health access as an issue.

“This Medicare urgent care clinic has seen nearly 4000 people since it opened in late November,” she said alongside Mr Albanese at Bridgewater on April 15.

“I know from talking to people in my community what a massive difference it is making.”

The YouGov survey has a margin of error of plus or minus six per cent.