Change of heart: Hobart councillor Louise Elliot ditches Liberals to run for election as independent

A Hobart councillor who decided she wouldn’t run for election to state parliament has now changed her mind. Find out why.

City of Hobart councillor Louise Elliot will run as an Indepedent in the seat of Clark at the 2024 Tasmanian state election. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Prominent Hobart councillor Louise Elliot has had a change of heart and will now run as an independent at the election after ditching the Liberal Party.

Last week Ms Elliot ruled out running for Clark describing it as “the hardest decision” of her life.

But the Liberal Party’s decision to allow pets in rental properties and not wanting to reform land tax has prompted her to quit the party she joined just last year.

“Having advocated strongly for fair rights for rental owners for years, I couldn’t stay in a party that’s promised to do the opposite,” Ms Elliot told the Mercury.

“I’m supportive of the introduction of pet bonds – which would undoubtedly increase the number of rental owners who will accept pets – but forcing animals on owners is not something I can be a part of.

“I changed my mind after considering the election candidate form guide and what their policies are.

City of Hobart councillor Louise Elliot will run as an Indepedent in the seat of Clark at the 2024 Tasmanian state election. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“It’s clear to me that voters need someone with a backbone, and I’m that person.”

“Unfortunately the Liberals’ announcement of removing owner’s right to decide whether they accept the additional risk of animals in their property and unwillingness to budge on major reform of land tax is not something I can be a part of and I see that as a notable departure from their values so I have reluctantly left the party.”

Ms Elliot said she grew up in a Labor family and was Labor “until they became the Greens” and was now “in the centre of the political spectrum”.

“I believe that effort equals reward, I value a strong safety net for those who need help, and don’t want to see our environment destroyed, which many people can relate to,” she said.

“Having nearly lost my life to a serious cancer at only 35 and a mum of two young kids, I know how precious every day is and I’m driven to do what I can to make the world a better place.”

Her election campaign will be funded from her own savings and she will argue for smaller class sizes in the state’s schools, better access to health and hospital care and council amalgamations “where it makes sense”.

“For Clark, my goals will be to ensure that the UTAS Sandy Bay campus is retained for education, and that stadium and cable car proposals are considered as major projects.

“People know that I’ll say what needs to be said and that I don’t give up. Tasmania has always been home, and I couldn’t be any more determined to do my bit for the place I love.”