Braddon Liberal MP Joan Rylah resigns from state parliament

A Liberal MP has resigned from Tasmanian state parliament, with the party revealing who will be contesting the recount. ALL THE DETAILS >>

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THE resignation of Braddon Liberal MP Joan Rylah has triggered yet another recount, with Liberal candidate Felix Ellis almost certain to be elected to state parliament.

It is the fifth recount since the 2018 election, after the resignations of former Premier Will Hodgman, fellow Liberals Rene Hidding, Adam Brooks, and Labor’s Scott Bacon.

Mrs Rylah herself was elected on a recount after Mr Brooks resigned last year, having lost her seat in 2018.

Political analyst Kevin Bonham said he believed it was the first time in state parliament a recount had been held to replace someone who had also been elected on a recount.

Dr Bonham said the four resignations of government MPs was the most since Eric Reece’s government had six resignations, including Mr Reece himself, in the 1972-76 term.

Dr Bonham said Mr Ellis, who is working as an adviser to Senator Richard Colbeck, was expected to “easily” win the recount as the only Liberal.

Mrs Rylah announced her resignation on Monday following “lengthy consideration”.

Premier Peter Gutwein expressed gratitude to Mrs Rylah for her service to Braddon.

Liberal Party state president Rod Scurrah said Mrs Rylah’s decision allowed for “generational renewal” in the party.

Calls were made by Tasmanian Aboriginal Corporation CEO Heather Sculthorpe during the 2018 election campaign for Mr Ellis to be disendorsed by the party over a Facebook post they said “made a mockery of Aboriginal heritage”.

Mr Gutwein said he was aware of the August 2017 post but said “it was dealt with at the time and we’ve moved on.”

At the time, Mr Ellis said the post was not intended to cause offence.

Mr Ellis was contacted for comment on Monday.

The Tasmanian Electoral Commission said a public notice would appear in The Advocate newspaper on August 1 inviting all Braddon candidates not elected at the 2018 election to nominate to contest the recount.

The TEC will also write to those candidates, with nominations needing to be received by noon on August 17, with a recount commencing soon after.

Joan Rylah has resigned from state parliament. Picture: CHRIS KIDD

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Mrs Rylah expressed her “deep and heartfelt thanks” to her supporters and the broader community.

“I would like to congratulate the entire Liberal team, who it has been a pleasure working alongside since 2014, delivering outcomes that have significantly helped our community and taken it from strength to strength,’’ she said.

2018 election candidate Felix Ellis will contest the recount. Picture: CHRIS KIDD

Mrs Rylah praised Premier Peter Gutwein’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic in Tasmania and said the state was the country’s number one economy.

Mr Gutwein expressed his gratitude at Mrs Rylah’s service.

“Mrs Rylah is a passionate and dedicated member of the Liberal team and has been a staunch advocate for rural communities and primary industries in Tasmania,’’ he said.

“It is always disappointing to farewell a member of the team, however, this also provides an opportunity for renewal and the next generation Liberal voice for the North West.”

Liberal Party state president Rod Scurrah said the party was proud of Mrs Rylah’s achievements.

“Joan has decided to leave at a time of her choosing and we thank her for representing the Party in Braddon at the last two elections,’’ he said.

“Joan’s decision allows an opportunity for generational renewal within the majority Liberal team.”

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