Franklin challenger Peter George welcomes financial backing from Climate 200 political group

A high-profile opponent of salmon farming, who is running in Franklin at the next election, says the backing of the Climate 200 group was recognition of his environmental credentials.

Franklin candidate Peter George announces the backing of the Climate 200 fundraising group on Parliament Lawns in Hobart. Picture: Duncan Abey

A high-profile opponent of Tasmanian salmon farming, who is challenging long-term Labor member Julie Collins in the seat of Franklin at the upcoming federal election, says a $30,000 donation from the crowd-funded Climate 200 political campaign group was recognition of his campaign’s environmental credentials.

Peter George, a former television reporter who was more recently been the face of Tasmanian conservation group Neighbours of Fish Farming, said it was significant the national political fundraising vehicle was backing a campaign against a Labor minister.

Peter George. Picture: Chris Kidd

The Climate 200 provided financial support for the election of six so-called Teal independent MPs at the 2022 federal election, and is will target up to 25 seats at a poll due by mid-May.

Claiming that Australian voters had been let down by the historic major party duopoly in Canberra, Mr George said independent members of parliament were more likely to effect real change on issues Australian voters were most concerned about.

“Climate 200 has supported our campaign because we’ve got the right sort of policies on climate action, cost of living issues, and the housing crisis,” he said.

“And one of the things they have been pressing for so long is transparency, accountability, and integrity in parliament.

“And frankly, we’re not getting that from the major parties, and something has got to change.

“We need a complete rewrite of tax reform, a national policy for housing, and need to ensure that the supermarkets are not ripping people off through price gouging.

“I think it’s time that the people of Franklin got a better choice than either Labor or Liberal.”

Mr George insisted that the Climate 200 funding came “with no string attached”, and would simply allow his grassroots campaign to compete against its better-resourced rivals.

The environmental activist said he believed the time for independents in federal parliament was only just beginning, and predicted community disquiet about salmon farming practices would play a significant role in the upcoming battle for Franklin.

“The people of Franklin love the water, using it for fishing, swimming, diving, and for all sorts of recreation,” he said.

“The waterways of Franklin are among the most beautiful in the world, but they are already under great stress from the fish farms.

“We now have enough money to run a substantial campaign and to get our message out, because I think people are tired of the big parties, and are looking for an alternative.”

Originally published as Franklin challenger Peter George welcomes financial backing from Climate 200 political group