While the overall outcome of the federal election remained undecided on Saturday night, the defeat of all three of Tasmania's Liberal incumbents became clear not long after polls closed in a result that surprised many pundits.

Close results were expected in the northern electorates held by the self-described "three amigos" but few predicted the Liberal wipe-out delivered by Tasmanian voters.

A week ago, the divisive Bass Liberal incumbent Andrew Nikolic, one of former Prime Minister Tony Abbott's most loyal supporters, declared more people loved him than hated him.

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He was one of the first to concede defeat with a double-digit swing against him suggesting the sentiment may be the other way around.

His fellow amigos waited a little longer, with Eric Hutchinson refusing to concede in Lyons late tonight, but he will soon have to accept he has been booted also.

The reasons behind the significant swing against the Liberals just three years after they helped deliver an Abbott victory will be the subject of much discussion both within the party and externally.

Tasmanian Liberals state director Sam McQuestin tweeted it was a "tough night", blaming "Mediscare" and nasty GetUp campaigns.

Defeated members Eric Hutchinson and Brett Whiteley echoed those thoughts.

A sombre Eric Hutchinson ponders his political future, before conceding defeat. ( ABC News: Laura Beavis )

That is far from the end of the matter.

The inability of the Liberals to counter those campaigns and convince voters that Labor's claims, particularly about the privatisation of Medicare, were false, suggests a catastrophic failure to connect.

Even Mr Nikolic's critics did not deny the local member's work ethic and determination to stay in touch with his community so it is surprising he was not able to limit the damage more effectively.

There is no doubt the recent problems at the Launceston General Hospital would have played on voters' minds, despite being largely out of the hands of the Federal Government.

Aside from that issue, the Liberal State Government appears to have retained strong support according to quarterly polls, so the state politicians can not be blamed for their federal counterparts' defeat.

The result could worsen for the Liberals if they fall short of retaining five Tasmanian Senate seats and Richard Colbeck loses his seat.

As people look to lay blame for the disappointing result, fingers will no doubt start pointing to powerful senator Eric Abetz, who is thought to be behind the relegation of Senator Colbeck to the vulnerable fifth position.