Speaking at the event, Ms Giddings said only governing in majority is not a sign of strength but of weakness and arrogance.
"Running away, which is becoming a constant theme in relation to our Opposition Leader, is not about strength; that is about weakness," she said.
"May I say, to him and to many of you and certainly to the Tasmanian community, that running away from challenges, whether they be economic, political or social is just not good enough."
Ms Giddings said leadership is important in politics and that politicians are elected to lead.
"Saying if you don't win in majority you'll just simply pick up your bat and ball and you'll go home because you didn't get your own way is not providing strong leadership," she said.
On the topic of the role of politicians, Ms Giddings said they are elected to take on the challenge of governing in parliament.
"We are elected to try to implement our policies that we've taken to the people of Tasmania," she said.
"We have faced those tough challenges, we have faced those tough issues and those tough reforms," she said.
Opposition Leader, Will Hodgman also addressed the CEDA forum and pledged to govern if the Liberal Party wins a majority.
Mr Hodgman, who opposes minority governments said they are not good for economic growth in Tasmania, rather they cause economic instability and uncertainty.
"Minority governments are inherently compromised governments and as a result those conditions do follow," he said,
On the subject of minority parties in the Cabinet, Mr Hodgman said they undermine public confidence and can lead to perverse decision making.
"That diminishes the very important notion of ministerial responsibility and cabinet solidarity, that is not in my view a good thing…for our political or economic environment," he said.
Despite his criticisms, Mr Hodgman did say he has respect for the democratic process and the decision of Tasmanian vote makers.
The next Tasmania election will be held in early 2014.