Luke Martin has received the backing of late Premier’s wife to pursue his vision

Luke Martin was inspired by late Labor Premier Jim Bacon’s vision for Tasmania. Now he wants to follow his mentor into politics.

SUN TAS. Luke Martin who has stepped down as CEO of the Tourism Industry Council Tasmania to take up a role with as Salmon Tasmania chief. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

The wife of the late revered Labor Premier Jim Bacon has endorsed Luke Martin, one his protégés, to stand for parliament.

Mr Martin confirmed on Saturday that he sought pre-selection in Clark “because the state needs change”.

“There is no doubt I’ve reflected on Jim a lot over these past few days in coming to this decision,” he said.

“I worked for him when I was very young, but his legacy to Tasmania has always driven me.

“Jim showed us that Tasmania can be a place that we can be proud of, where our kids can stay and have great jobs, where businesses want to invest, and where working people and their families have hope for the future.

“We’ve got to recapture that spirit and recognise that all of us are united by the deep love we all share for this State.

“I want Tasmania to be a place where things happen and are not just endlessly talked about.”

Labor leader Dean Winter with advisor Luke Martin in Glenorchy in relation to keeping Tasmania's assets in public hands. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Mr Martin headed up the salmon and tourism industries. He also was a Glenorchy alderman and had a stint working as a policy officer for the Tasmanian Council of Social Services.

“The community sector is made up by selfless, compassionate people who dedicate their lives to the service of others,” he said.

“It is those organisations who are now under more pressure than ever before because of the Liberals’ budget mess.”

Mr Martin, who is an adviser to Labor leader Dean Winter, is not fazed that working in the salmon industry may count against him in Clark which saw two Green MPs elected in 2024.

“I have been a public figure for a long time and I think people know that whoever I’m representing, I always fight hard, fair, and with determination to get things done for the people and communities I represent.

“People know when I’ve got their back, I’m all in.

Labor member Shane Broad, Luke Martin Labor advisor, Labor leader Dean Winter. Labor leader Dean Winter at Glenorchy in relation to the no confidence motion against the Premier Jeremy Rockliff. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“I have three beautiful kids who are my world, and I want all our kids to grow up proud to be Tasmanian.

“I also want to continue to represent working people and their families to have secure jobs and for our communities to be safe and vibrant places to live.”

Jim Bacon’s widow Honey said Mr Martin was intelligent and passionate and had many of the qualities of her late husband including “dedication, love of people and his ability to listen”.

“I remember 25 years ago, he was just spectacular, so visionary for such a young man, which he’s now been able to develop with such a strong industry background,” she said.

Originally published as Luke Martin has received the backing of late Premier’s wife to pursue his vision