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

Though ballots are still being counted, a hung parliament is on the cards in the 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 suffering a 12 per cent swing against them, the Liberals under Premier Jeremy Rockliff will likely have to form minority government with an expanded crossbench after a number of independent candidates gained support.

Labor leader Rebecca White has yet to concede defeat and the party could yet form a minority government with the Greens, but doing so could endanger some of its key policies. 

The results have provided crucial insights for the major parties as they prepare for a federal election due some time in the 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 learnt by both parties. 

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

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

“Clearly, cost of living, health and housing were very big issues during the campaign.”

But Liberals’ Tasmanian senator Jonathon Duniam says voters take issues on a case-by-case basis.

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

“Tasmanians had a strong view on certain issues.”

The proposed $700 million AFL stadium was one of the issues that likely led voters to 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 decried the Tasmanian Liberals’ tactics and criticism against her party as “disgraceful”.

But Senator Duniam remained confident politicians would serve Tasmanian voters.

“Contests at an election are always passionate and full-throated,” he said.

“The good thing is – and I know Jacqui is very much in this category – cooler heads will prevail.

“I think leaders of all parties realise the jobs now is to ensure that the will of the Tasmanian people is respected.”

By Kat Wong in Canberra