Tasmania decides election 2024: Labor reveals surprise candidate on day four, Greens talk health

A former Tasmanian of the Year has been revealed as an election candidate. Meanwhile the Greens campaign on ‘critical life saving measures’. Rolling coverage election updates.

Former Tasmanian of the Year John Kamara revealed as Labor Party candidate for the state election 2024. February 17, 2024. Picture by Nikki Davis-Jones

A former Tasmanian of the Year and refugee who escaped his war-torn home in Africa will run for Labor at the state election saying the current parliament is “very white”.

A former Tasmanian of the Year and refugee who escaped his war-torn home in Africa will run for Labor at the state election saying the current parliament is “very white”.

Labor leader Rebecca White said she was proud and excited to announce John Kamara as Labor’s seventh candidate for Clark.

“John is an outstanding Tasmanian, an outstanding humanitarian and he was Tasmanian Australian of the Year for 2023,” she said.

“There are fewer people in this state who are more worthy of a chance to be elected to this parliament than John.

“He has proven himself over decades to be a strong representative to his community, bringing people together and standing up for the rights of those who are vulnerable.”

Former Tasmanian of the Year John Kamara revealed as Labor Party candidate for Clarke. Picture by Nikki Davis-Jones

Ms White said with more than 50 per cent of Tasmania’s population having links to the other places around the world it was “time for more diversity” in the Tasmanian parliament.

Flanked by his family and supporters, Mr Kamara who came to Tasmania from Sierra Leone in 2004 said he was excited to be standing with his community’s support.

“People like us need representation in parliament,” he said.

“The parliament now is very white.

“You walk in the street, you see so much diversity but it is not represented in our leadership.

“But one important thing why I also decided to run is families like mine are doing it very, very tough.”

The father of four believes a Labor government would work to ease cost of living pressures for Tasmanians and provide better housing and health outcomes.

Mr Kamara said if he bought lactose-free milk for his daughter he was not able to pay for her piano lessons.

“Under the leadership of Rebecca White, I am running so that we make life better for all Tasmanians,” he said.

“People don’t have trust in politicians. When I was encouraged by many people to stand I thought I will do this because we need people of integrity in our parliament.”

Mr Kamara said it also was important to have “lived experience” of struggles in life.

He and his wife, Mavis set up Kamara’s Heart Foundation, a charity providing assistance to children in Sierra Leone.

Ms Kamara said she had already started campaigning for her husband.

“It’s amazing and I know he’s going to bring so much to our state,” she said.

Hobart councillor Ryan Posselt who had sought pre-selection shook Mr Kamara’s hand and wished him well.

“I’m disappointed because I still feel I have a lot to give the community,” he said.

“John is an excellent candidate who understands the needs of many Tasmanians and he’ll get my number one vote.”

Ms White said she delighted so many people had wanted to run for Labor at the election.

The other ALP candidates are sitting MP Ella Haddad, Rebecca Prince, Susan Wallace, Josh Willie, Stuart Benson and Simon Davis.

Also on the campaign trail on Saturday, Labor leader Ms White revisited her announcement on Friday that Labor would create an addititonal 4500 childcare places if it won government.

Ms White has pledged to expand or develop childcare centres in 50 locations across Tasmania through 30 new early childhood centres and 20 new and expanded outside school hours care services.

The Liberals branded the pledge a “hoax”, saying Labor was not promising to build new centres but instead, enter into partnerships with existing providers.

Meanwhile, the Mercury revealed former Sports Minister and current sitting member for Prosser Jane Howlett intends to switch houses and will run as a Liberal Party candidate for Lyons.

Greens pitch to provide ‘critical life-saving measure’

The Greens announced plans to introduce 24/7 radiology and pathology services at the Launceston General Hospital on Saturday.

Greens leader Rosalie Woodruff and Greens Bass candidate Cecily Rosol were joined by Stella Jennings, the daughter of Launceston woman Anne Pedler who died after being ramped at the LGH for eight hours in 2022.

Greens leader Rosalie Woodruff and Greens Bass candidate Cecily Rosol with Stella Jennings, the daughter of Launceston woman Anne Pedler who died after being ramped at the Launceston General Hospital for eight hours in 2022. Picture: Stephanie Dalton

Ms Rosol said one of the major factors in Mrs Pedler’s death was the lack of medical imaging services at the hospital in the early hours of the morning.

“When patients come in, they aren’t able to access the diagnostic services that they need — that can and has had fatal consequences,” Ms Rosol said.

“We need to have radiology and pathology staff on-site, at all hours, to ensure patients can access the care that they need.”

Dr Woodruff called the 24/7 services a “critical life-saving measure”.

“We’re here today because of what happened with Stella Jennings’ mother, but we would support these services being available in all Tasmanian hospitals,” she said.

Originally published as Tasmania decides election 2024: Labor reveals surprise candidate on day four, Greens talk health