Brendan Blomeley says election will not solve any ‘frightening’ financial problems

While candidates are coming forward to run in the state election, one high profile mayor has decided not to stand. Read his thoughts.

Clarence City Council mayor Brendan Blomeley rules out running in the state election. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

After an unsuccessful tilt at a federal seat, Clarence Mayor Brendan Blomeley will not contest the state election, describing it as “expensive and unnecessary”.

A Liberal Party veteran for 30 years, he was expelled from the party last year and ran as an independent in Franklin at last month’s federal election.

“Frankly, it’s hard to fathom how anyone could seriously believe this expensive and unnecessary state election will solve any of our state’s pressing issues, particularly as neither major party will gain a majority and no one seems prepared or capable of making the tough, yet necessary calls,” Mr Blomeley said.

“The fiscal trajectory we’re on is frightening and if hard decisions are not made in the best long-term interests of Tasmania, we’ll once again be the mendicant state and laughing stock of the mainland.”

Mr Blomeley last week said Premier Jeremy Rockliff should resign and he endorsed friend, former senator and government minister Eric Abetz as a replacement.

“There is no doubt that someone with Eric’s experience, his work ethic and his knowledge would make a fantastic contribution and it’s fair to say too that over the last 14 months

Minister Abetz has been the one doing all the heavy lifting in that government,” he said.

Clarence Mayor Brendan Blomeley at Richmond. Picture: Chris Kidd

Mr Blomeley said his focus was on seeing Clarence grow.

“Whilst it is pleasing to be approached to throw my hat into the ring, my motivation to stand federally was to strongly advocate for southern Tasmania’s fair share of federal government investment in desperately needed community and social infrastructure,” he said.

“I am fully committed to serving the needs of the people of the City of Clarence.

“With a population of 64,000 and an impressive growth rate of 16.7 per cent over the past decade, it’s essential that we continue to drive growth and deliver opportunity for new and existing residents, businesses, developers, and investors in our city – and that’s where I’m 100 per cent focused.”

The Liberal and Labor parties have not announced their Franklin candidates for the July 19 poll.