Former Tasmanian Labor leader eyes off federal tilt

Former Tasmanian opposition leader Rebecca White will contest the upcoming federal election, as Labor looks to expand the number of seats it holds in the Apple Isle.

Ms White, who led Tasmanian Labor to three state election defeats, will run for the party in the seat of Lyons at the next poll, due to be held by May.

She is hoping to replace incumbent Labor MP Brian Mitchell, who has held the electorate since 2016.

Lyons is one of the tightest electorates in the nation, with Labor winning it with a 0.9 per cent margin in 2022.

Ms White said she wanted to advocate for Tasmanians in federal parliament.

"I care very deeply about making sure that regional Tasmanians have a strong voice in Canberra," she told reporters on Tuesday.

"I know that I can bring the experience that I have and the skills that I have to make a real difference in delivering outcomes for our community."

Rebecca White and Anthony Albanese (file image)
Anthony Albanese believes Rebecca White would be a valuable asset for federal Labor. (Ethan James/AAP PHOTOS)

The announcement came as Labor also said Senator Anne Urquhart was stepping down from the upper house to run in the seat of Braddon, in northwest Tasmania.

Braddon is held by Liberal Gavin Pearce on an eight per cent margin and is seen as winnable by the government, with Mr Pearce not running for re-election.

Senator Urquhart was first elected to represent Tasmania in 2010 and re-elected in 2016 and 2022.

Her current term expires in 2028, meaning Labor will need to appoint a replacement to fill the vacancy.

"I will fight for the best for this region, that's my priority," Senator Urquhart said alongside Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Tuesday.

Labor was hoping to win the Tasmanian marginal seats of Braddon and Bass at the 2022 election, but both had swings to the coalition, defying national trends.

With the upcoming election tipped to result in a minority government, the government is looking to gain ground in Tasmania.

The prime minister wants to retain majority government, despite opinion polls showing Labor is behind the coalition.

"I'm confident. I'm about (a) majority Labor government," Mr Albanese told reporters in Devonport on Tuesday.

He said Labor had a strong chance in Tasmania.

"I've encouraged both (Senator Urquhart and Ms White) to run, because I want the strongest possible team, and we have a great team from Tasmania, but we want more," he said.

"We have that mix of experience but ... I want to see more electorates held by Labor members."

Mr Albanese will soon announce Labor's candidate for the neighbouring seat of Bass, held by Liberal MP Bridget Archer on a slim 1.4 per cent margin.

Agriculture Minister Julie Collins holds the Tasmanian seat of Franklin by almost 14 per cent.

The announcement about candidates comes after Tasmanian Labor senator Carol Brown announced in July she would step down from assistant ministry positions due to health reasons.