Labor minister Julie Collins in sights of Climate 200

A federal Labor minister faces a challenge from independents at both ends of the political spectrum – one backed by Climate 200.

Agriculture Minister and MP for Franklin Julie Collins. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

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Climate 200 is backing an independent candidate to topple a Labor cabinet minister, boosting anti-salmon campaigner Peter George in his efforts to unseat Julie Collins.

The decision by the climate-focused independent support group came as a conservative ­independent, former Liberal Brendan Blomeley, confirmed his intention to also challenge Ms Collins in her southern Tasmanian seat. Climate 200 will contribute $30,000 to Mr George’s campaign war chest – already thought to exceed $100,000 – in a boost for the former journalist’s attempts to wrest Franklin from the Agriculture Minister.

Independent candidate for the federal seat of Franklin, Peter George.

The former ABC Foreign Correspondent and Four Corners reporter said the assistance was historic and validated his belief that Ms Collins was far more vulnerable than her 13.7 per cent margin suggested.

Mr George said it was the first time Climate 200 had backed a challenge against a Labor minister, reinforcing his belief that there was a “path to victory” in the diverse seat, which takes in parts of Hobart’s east and south, as well as rural areas further south. “It’s hard, but we’re going to fight even harder to make history – we’re seeing a groundswell of grassroots support for the campaign that has been as surprising as it is heartening,” he said.

“The backing of Climate 200 and its 40,000 supporters is welcome recognition that my campaign is a serious challenge in an electorate that has been badly served by a do-nothing time-server who has risen without trace.

“As minister for housing, Julie Collins presided over a housing crisis that’s causing deep distress for families in Tasmania, while as Fisheries Minister she’s now backing the deeply unpopular ­expansion of the destructive multinational salmon farms into the heart of Franklin’s much-loved waterways.”

Ms Collins was contacted for comment. She has said she does not take the seat she has held for 18 years for granted, while Labor insiders have expressed confidence she will retain it at the election, due by May.

They also point out that Climate 200 contributed $50,000 to the Local Party at the last election, which ran a candidate in Franklin without success.

Federal Labor minister Julie Collins and Clarence City Council mayor Brendan Blomeley at Clarendon Vale Oval. Picture: Elise Kaine

However, supporters of both independents – Mr George and Mr Blomeley – believe the presence of two strong independents from different ends of the political spectrum, along with a first-time Liberal candidate, and a potentially strong Greens and minor party vote, could see an upset on preferences if Ms Collins’ primary vote is sufficiently eroded.

“The duopoly of the old parties has not served us well,” said Mr Blomeley, who is Mayor of the City of Clarence in the electorate. “The soaring costs of living combined with the homelessness and rental crisis, the health crisis and ageing infrastructure that has not kept pace with growth in Franklin, is causing significant pain for many families and we deserve better, much better.

“It’s time to send a clear message to Canberra that we will not be ignored and taken for granted any longer and to do that, we need to make Franklin a marginal seat.”

 Polling in November 2024 suggested Labor was holding its primary vote in Franklin, but that the Liberal vote had surged, while – even before Mr George or Mr Blomeley declared an interest – there was an 11 per cent independent vote.

Ms Collins has pointed to Labor’s cost-of-living and infrastructure measures as reasons for the electorate to continue to support her.

“(I) will keep fighting for the remainder of this term for the people of Franklin and Tasmania and will continue to do so if I am elected again,” she told The Australian when it was confirmed Mr Blomeley was considering standing.