Pentland slams stadium, blames major parties as she steps forward as Bass independent

Bass independent Rebekah Pentland says she’s going to launch herself headfirst into a campaign for an election nobody wanted. Her view of the stadium’s effect on the polls.

Bass independent Rebekah Pentland will run in the 2025 Tasmanian state election. Picture: Patrick Gee

Bass independent Rebekah Pentland says she’s going to launch herself headfirst into an election campaign nobody wanted.

Elected as one of three Jacqui Lambie Network at last year’s state election, Ms Pentland and fellow MP Miriam Beswick were expelled by their party founder soon after.

Ms Pentland will be running as an independent in Bass, one of what is expected to be a bumper crop of independents taking advantage of a historic rise in disaffection with the major parties.

“The major parties both need to share the blame for forcing another election on Tasmanians in the middle of winter,” she said.

“I love representing the people of Bass. It’s an absolute honour being a strong voice for my community in parliament.

Rebekah Pentland independent member for Bass. Tasmanian premier Jeremy Rockliff faces a no-confidence motion. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“I’m very proud of the outcomes I’ve been able to deliver so far and want the chance to keep fighting for northern Tasmania.

“There’s anger at the major parties for the way they’ve treated Tasmanians.

“The Liberals have mismanaged some vital issues, while Labor’s reckless arrogance has been on display over the last week.

She says the state cannot afford a new AFL stadium.

“Even on day one of the campaign, it’s clear the stadium will be a defining issue.

“Northern Tasmanians are asking how we can afford a new billion-dollar stadium in the middle of a budget crisis.

“I’m passionate about seeing the Devils succeed but the current proposal isn’t fair for Tasmania.

Child protection campaigner Jack Davenport has announced that he too will stand for election in Bass as an independent candidate.

Bass Independent Rebekah Pentland will run in the 2025 Tasmanian state election. Picture: Patrick Gee

Running under the slogan “stuff the stadium, fight for what matters”, Mr Davenport says that despite short notice for the election he still intends to make issues like child protection, housing and integrity a priority.

“There’s been a lot of focus on the stadium as a central issue, but it’s a huge distraction from much bigger issues we’re facing,” he said.

“I want to get more attention on what we can do to improve things in the state, and why an independent voice is vital for progress.”

Independent Tamar Cordover entered the fray in Franklin on Friday.

“My election promise to you is that I will listen to you and represent your views. I can do this because I am an independent candidate,” she said.

And architect Jiri Lev announced his run as an independent in Lyons.

“My entrance into politics as an independent candidate is a cautious attempt to further the causes I have been working for through my career: equitable access to healthy, dignified housing and sustainable, resilient and beautiful built environment everywhere,” he said,

Mr Lev is known for making available free house plans for owner builders on the internet.

Originally published as Pentland slams stadium, blames major parties as she steps forward as Bass independent