Bridget Archer, Josh Garvin preselected for the Liberals ahead of Federal election

Two Tasmanian Liberals have already been preselected ahead of the Federal election next year.

Bridget Archer MP Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

Law graduate Josh Garvin has been endorsed to stand for the Liberal Party in Franklin at the next federal election and is promising to bring “youthful energy” to voters.

Recalcitrant Bass MHR Bridget Archer was also preselected to run at the election due next year.

The Liberals are looking for a new candidate to stand in Braddon after Gavin Pearce decided not to recontest and the search continues for a candidate in Clark with Susie Bower to run in Lyons.

Mr Garvin, 26, who stood unsuccessfully at the March state election, is currently completing his legal practice and will take on sitting Labor MP and federal minister Julie Collins who has held the seat for 17 years.

Josh Garvin. Picture: Linda Higginson

“It is a privilege to be preselected to run in Franklin at the next federal election, where I will give voters an alternative choice come polling day,” Mr Garvin said.

“I’m bringing youthful energy and a new generation of fresh ideas for voters to consider.

“Cost of living pressures are being felt in households around the state, with Tasmanians feeling the pinch every time they pass through the supermarket checkout or fill the family car at the pump.

“As a young person myself, I particularly empathise with young Tasmanians who feel like they are struggling to get ahead because of the skyrocketing cost of living.”

Mr Garvin said after a nearly a term in office, the federal government had no plan to alleviate cost of living pressures for Tasmanians.

“Many young Tasmanians feel like home ownership has become an unrealistic prospect, and I want to focus on how we can address rental affordability and helping more Tasmanians realise their dream of owning their own home,” he said.

“I’m a big supporter of Tasmania’s renewable energy sector and want to challenge tired stereotypes by showing that we can embrace both economic development and also nurture our beautiful natural environment.

“I’m looking forward to getting out and about the electorate hear from Franklin residents about the issues that are important to them.”

Mr Garvin and Ms Archer’s preselection were ticked off by state executive at a meeting on Saturday.

Liberal insiders say a recent “heated” Franklin electorate committee to preselect Mr Garvin was “a debacle” with no minutes provided of a previous meeting and discontent over former Liberal MP Dean Young being chosen to replace Clarence mayor Brendan Blomeley who has been expelled from the party.

Originally published as Bridget Archer, Josh Garvin preselected for the Liberals ahead of Federal election