Kingborough deputy mayor Clare Glade-Wright launches bid for key Huon seat
A deputy mayor has declared war on government stadium spending by announcing her bid for Tasmania's Upper House, warning taxpayers face cost blow-outs without independent scrutiny.
Kingborough deputy mayor Clare Glade-Wright has announced she will run as an independent in the Legislative Council seat of Huon at the 2026 election.
She says it is vital that the Upper House has independents to ensure scrutiny of legislation.
“It’s so important that we have independents in the Upper House so that legislation isn’t just waved through and taxpayers get value for money,” Ms Glade-Wright said.
“I have been prompted to run because now more than ever, we need strong independents in the Upper house who can provide thorough oversight of the stadium spending, and manage cost blow-outs.
“I’m extremely concerned about the financial implications the stadium will have on our state budget.
“It will go over budget and we need independents on the public accounts committee and the committee to oversee the Macquarie Point project.”
Ms Glade-Wright, who ran an award-winning tourist accommodation business and has a law degree, was elected to the Kingborough Council four years ago and has been deputy mayor for three years.
She stood as an independent in Franklin at the 2024 state election and received 1154 first preference votes.
The election for Huon will be held in May next year and local government elections are due in October.
“I will continue in my role as Deputy Mayor through the campaign, being ever mindful of wearing the two hats separately,” she said.
Ms Glade-Wright also intends to campaign on salmon farming practices in the D’Entrecasteaux Channel and a stronger Integrity Commission.
“The impacts salmon farming is having on the environment and the community is outrageous. It needs a good clean up,” she said.
“I would also like to see integrity strengthened in Tasmania politics, via a more robust Integrity Commission.
“My approach to my decision making will be to listen to experts, evidence, determine what is in the best interest of the public, and what the community values.
“Legislative councillors need to hold the government of the day to account and ensure there is transparency, fairness and fiscal responsibility.”
The last election for the seat of Huon was in 2022 when a by-election was held to replace former Labor MLC Dr Bastian Seidel who resigned.
The seat was won by independent Dean Harriss from Labor’s Toby Thorpe.
Mr Harriss’ late father Paul held the seat for many years before successfully running for the Liberal Party in Franklin and becoming a government minister.
Originally published as Kingborough deputy mayor Clare Glade-Wright launches bid for key Huon seat
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