These are the Jacqui Lambie Network on track to secure up to three seats in the next parliament
What do a private investigator, former pharmaceutical business consultant, and an ex magistrate all have in common? Meet the JLN candidates on track to win big at the state election.
Tasmania
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As the ballot counting continues, the Jacqui Lambie Network could secure as many as three seats in the next Tasmanian parliament.
The party includes a selection of candidates hand-picked by Senator Jacqui Lambie herself, and are in the contest to win a seat in Bass, Braddon, and Lyons.
This could put the JLN in a potentially powerful position in the next parliament, with the Liberals set to win between 14 and 16 seats, falling short of the 18 needed to govern in their own right.
While everyone knows the outspoken Senator and what she stands for, who are her candidates? Discover what they say they would bring to Tasmanian politics.
Bass: Rebekah Pentland
In Bass, Rebekah Pentland appears to be the most likely JLN candidate to get elected.
A mother of three and a former pharmaceutical business consultant, Ms Pentland has a focus on improving the affordability of healthcare and abolishing land tax.
Ms Pentland said she has personally been let down by the health system and wants to work to improve specialist wait times.
“My son was born with a heart condition. He needs continual care and specialist check-ups to ensure that his valve is working,” she said.
“The wait time to see a specialist in Tasmania is ridiculous.
“If we waited in Tasmania for his report and action for open heart surgery, my son would probably be dead.”
Ms Pentland said from her time campaigning over the past five weeks, she thinks people are ready for a change.
“A lot of people are disgruntled with the current leadership at the moment, so I think you’ll find that there’s going to be people who are ready to give something different a go,” she said.
“I think many people don’t feel like they’ve been heard, and I don’t think they’re happy.
“While it’s still too early in the piece, we’re pretty optimistic we’ll be able to make a change.”
Braddon: Miriam Beswick
In Braddon and Lyons, the three JLN candidates are polling fairly equally, a result of JLN not promoting a lead candidate in the seats it is contesting.
JLN Braddon candidate Miriam Beswick holds a narrow lead over private investigator James Redgrave.
A mother of three with a husband who is legally blind, Mrs Beswick is a small-business owner from Devonport who is passionate about championing inclusivity in her community.
Ms Beswick said she also advocates for improving healthcare and education in the region.
Braddon: James Redgrave
Veteran, volunteer, and private investigator or ‘inquiry agent’, James Redgrave is another contender who might win a seat in Braddon.
Mr Redgrave drew the ire of the Latrobe Council last year after he asked more than 140 questions over 12 months.
According to the council, Mr Redgrave cost it an estimated $14,000 due to “unrelenting and time-consuming actions”.
Hailing from Shearwater, Mr Redgrave said he was focused on improving Tasmanian roads, hospitals, schools, and public transport.
Lyons: Andrew Jenner
Similar to Braddon, the three JLN Lyons candidates are polling very closely, with Andrew Jenner and Troy Pfitzner neck and neck.
Before becoming a JLN candidate for Lyons, Andrew Jenner was a former magistrate and mayor of the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead in the United Kingdom.
Mr Jenner said he wanted to use his experience in local government to fight for improvements to planning, infrastructure, and transport in Lyons.
“I also strongly believe that we should stop taking our frontline workers, like police, firefighters, paramedics, and nurses, for granted,” he said.
“They serve our communities because they are passionate about giving back. They should be supported by good pay and mental health services to ensure they thrive, rather than burning out as they tackle their incredibly difficult jobs.”
Lyons: Troy Pfitzner
Mr Jenner is just ahead of small business owner and Lyons JLN candidate Troy Pfitzner.
A self-proclaimed ‘average bloke,’ Mr Pfitzner said he wants to help small businesses, make home ownership more achievable for all Tasmanians, and improve emergency department wait times.
“I don’t want to whinge about how bad politicians are,” he said.
“ I want to do something about it and be a decent one.”
Mr Pfitzner had also been a supporter of the Macquarie Point stadium – in stark contrast to Senator Lambie’s position.
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Originally published as These are the Jacqui Lambie Network on track to secure up to three seats in the next parliament
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