Federal Election 2019: Your guide to every Tasmanian candidate in Franklin, Clark, Lyons, Bass and Braddon
Still weighing up who will get your vote on Saturday? Here is our comprehensive guide to candidates running for a seat in the House of Representatives in Bass, Braddon, Clark, Franklin and Lyons.
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ON Saturday, Tasmanians will join the millions across Australia in casting their ballot to decide who will represent them in Canberra for the next four years.
And while the policies that have been announced during the campaign are important, it is also vital to ensure that you know who your local representative is and what they stand for.
As we have done at state and federal elections in the past, the Mercury asked all candidates to provide a short explanation of their story — and their personal pitch to voters. Most did, and their responses are here, unless otherwise indicated.
For those candidates who ignored our request, the Mercury has used information from party websites for a short biography so that voters can at least have some understanding of that candidate. These are also indicated.
We urge our readers to take advantage of this special feature to research their vote properly, and to tell family and friends about this guide.
YOUR GUIDE TO TASMANIA’S SENATE CANDIDATES
Marginal Labor (5.4%)
Labor $1.64, Liberal $2.15
Bass takes in the City of Launceston and the municipalities of Dorset, George Town, West Tamar and Flinders Island.
It is a tough seat to hold, changing hands four times in the last six elections. Labor won in 2016 with a 10 per cent swing in their favour. Two of the parties which contested the 2016 federal election are not fielding candidates this time around: the Renewable Energy Party and the Christian Democratic Party. They took around 5 per cent between them. The Nationals are newcomers, as are the United Australia and Animal Justice parties. The Palmer United Party scored 5.3 per cent of the vote at its sole outing in 2013.
ROSS HART
Labor (MP since 2016)
THIS election is a choice between Labor’s plan for more investment in health, schools, jobs and TAFE in northern Tasmania, or tax cuts for banks, multinationals and the top end of town under the Liberals. Labor’s commitments for the north are more than double those made by the Liberals. We can afford to make these investments and deliver bigger budget surpluses because we’re returning fairness to the tax system. Labor will restore health funding cut by the Liberals, bring in new doctors and nurses and open 32 new beds at the LGH.
BRIDGET ARCHER
Liberal
BRIDGET has a strong record of standing up for regional Tasmania.
As mayor of George Town, Bridget is motivated by the tremendous opportunities for northern Tasmania and works in consultation with the community and other councils to achieve positive outcomes. Bridget holds a Bachelor of Arts and Graduate Certificate in International Politics and after working interstate and locally, now lives with her husband and five children on their family farm outside George Town.
TOM HALL
The Greens
I AM standing for the Greens in Bass because we need strong representation, and we haven’t had it for decades. I want the same things that most of us want. I want the bulldozers out of our rainforests. I want the government to work for all of us instead of working for their rich corporate donors. And I want my children’s success to be based on their merit — not on whether I can afford to send them to an elite private school. I will fight for our environment, our economy, and for a fair go.
CARL COOPER
The Nationals
CARL Cooper said his work as a pharmacist, a business owner and as a farmer gave him a great understanding of the needs and aspirations of local people and a passion to help them. He is passionate about delivering better regional health services, regional jobs, decentralising education opportunities and reducing cost of living for people outside the capital cities. Along with his work as a pharmacist, Carl and his wife Mandy Cooper run sheep and cattle on a West Tamar property. He is also a consultant pharmacist and has been involved with the UTas Rural Health School.
ALLAN ROARK
United Australia Party
IN his time as a Business Development Consultant for a large training organisation, Mr Roark realised that he had much more to offer Tasmanians. He decided to stand as the UAP’s candidate for Bass to fight for a more united and prosperous Tasmania. A former motor racing driver, Mr Roark now works as a corporate driver trainer and race driving coach as well as running his own marketing company. He has extensive experience in business. He is also passionate about the rural and agricultural community and has been patron of Agfest for the last two years.
SUSAN WOODBURY
Animal Justice Party
MY passion for animal welfare is borne from a farming childhood, a passion forcing lifestyle changes and a transition into the animal welfare sector until 2017. It was here that I realised what many do not, laws protect industry, not animals and it sickens me and is why I campaign against live export and other industries exploiting animals. Animals, environment and humans all impact upon each other, they are not mutually exclusive. Surely a kinder world is worth fighting for, so please consider voting for the Animal Justice Party the only party protecting animals.
TODD LAMBERT
Independent
RECREATIONAL fisherman Todd Lambert was a late addition to the line-up of candidates in Bass. He has previously campaigned against supertrawlers and would like to see further restrictions on their operation in Commonwealth waters to protect the fishery and Tasmanians lifestyles. Mr Lambert was the president of the Recreational Fishers Party at the last federal poll. He says he has a strong sense of fairness and is also passionate about improving aged care after witnessing the experience of his mother and the work of aged care staff caring for her.
Marginal Labor (1.7%)
Labor $1.82, Liberal $1.88
Braddon is Tasmania’s most marginal federal seat. Situated in the state’s North-West, it takes in Burnie and Devonport and the municipalities of Central Coast,
Circular Head, Latrobe, Waratah-Wynyard, and West Coast plus King Island. With nine candidates in the running, it is also the most hotly contested of Tasmania’s seats. At the last federal election, Justine Keay defeated Liberal Brett Whitely, with a swing of 4.8 per cent on a two-party preferred basis. A by-election was held last year after Ms Keay was caught in the citizenship dramas of the last parliament. She was returned with a tiny 0.11 per cent swing in her favour.
JUSTINE KEAY
Labor, MP since 2016
I HAVE three sons at school and my mum’s a pensioner. I want our kids to have the best training and work opportunities here on the Coast, and I want all of our pensioners to have dignity in retirement and access to the healthcare they need, close to home. My kids, my mum, all of us, have been let down by the cuts and chaos from the Liberals and Nationals over the past six years. Only Labor will put the fair go into action by fixing the health crisis, rebuilding TAFE and providing more support for pensioners.
GAVIN PEARCE
Liberal
THE West Coast, North West and King Island deserve someone who will stand up for you, your family, and our next generation. I’m a family man with two wonderful children and my family has farmed in the Sisters Creek area since the 1850s. I bring with me experiences as a beef farmer, a small-business owner and as a Warrant Officer with 20 years of service in the Army, including on active service overseas. If elected I will fight for our region, by delivering on our strong plan for jobs, health and protecting the Tasmanian way of life.
PHILL PARSONS
The Greens
I AM a trained horticulturalist and lifelong nature lover. Tasmania’s unique natural beauty is threatened by climate change while our communities suffer greater poverty and reduced services. I don’t want a society where greed is treated as good, and healthcare and education are seen as commodity rather than a right. I believe the Greens stand for the fairer future we must have. I am the representative Braddon needs to protect its people. The Greens stand for the fairer future we must have.
SALLY MILBOURNE
The Nationals
DEVONPORT City Councillor and entrepreneur Sally Milbourne is contesting the seat of Braddon for the Nationals in the upcoming federal election. Sally is a mother of two young children, a councillor, a former teacher, and a small-business owner who is passionate about the future of regional Tasmania. With her education background, business in media production and as a restaurateur with husband Ben, Sally has a passion to support local producers and agriculture, small to medium business owners and a drive to improve education outcomes for Braddon.
KAREN SPAULDING
United Australia Party
No response received
WITH a Diploma of Agriculture from Tasmanian Polytechnic, Karen Spaulding grew up near Latrobe, Tasmania, on the family farm. For 10 years she owned and operated an agribusiness supplying vegetables to the major supermarkets in Tasmania, Victoria and Sydney.
She currently runs accommodation for young people and backpackers and is passionate about giving back to the community through Girl Guides, scouting and Lifeline.
(source: party website)
GRAHAM GALLAGHER
Pauline Hanson’s One Nation
I HAVE nominated in this election because I have grave concerns for the direction the country is headed. While the major parties are promising huge amounts of money to whatever special interest group they can identify they are not caring for the people in real need. The average family is struggling with ever increasing living costs and ever decreasing disposable income. Childcare is out of reach for people on lower incomes and health care has been allowed to deteriorate. It’s past time the wishes and needs of ordinary Australians are taken care of.
SHANE ALLAN
Fraser Anning’s Conservatives
No response received
I JOINED this party for the coming election because I agree with what it stands for and I want to make a difference in the direction this great country of ours is going. I am tired of this creeping political correctness … it serves no purpose other than to stifle differences of opinion and stop all rational discussion on subjects that are important to the future of this country. We need to debate these problems with opinions from all sides, with accurate facts and figures, with honesty and integrity … and openly. (source: party website)
CRAIG BRAKEY
Independent
I HAVE lived, raised my family, employed thousands of people and ran successful businesses in Braddon over the last thirty years. I have always supported and been connected with the Braddon community, which is why I have chosen to nominate as an Independent candidate. I haven’t done a preference deal with any other party or candidate. This means I can represent the Braddon community with fairness and integrity, holding which ever party is in Government accountable to the promises it has made to the people of Braddon.
BRETT SMITH
Independent
I AM standing in Braddon to represent the recreational anglers of Braddon and broader community. I have been a passionate spokesman for a large group of recreational anglers opposed to the Lake Malbena development.
I believe in taking care of our waters and wild places for future recreational users to protect our way of life against corporate greed. I stand for better education, health and aged care provision. I want to make Braddon a better place for all.
Safe Independent (17.8% v ALP)
Independent $1.01, Labor $11
Formerly Denison, this election will be the first time the name of Clark has graced the seat — which is centred around Hobart, extending from Kingston to the Bridgewater bridge. One of the most progressive electorates in the country, Clark is considered to be safely in the hands of independent MP Andrew Wilkie. The former intelligence officer and Iraq War whistleblower has seen off all challengers since he was first elected in the 2010 federal election. Clark was a Labor seat prior to 2010. Mr Wilkie’s firm hold on the seat may be one explanation for a distinct lack of Prime Ministerial visits during the 2019 campaign.
ANDREW WILKIE
Independent (MP since 2010)
I STAND for re-election on my record. I’ve worked hard to represent Clark and contribute to good public policy, driven by my strong sense of social justice. I’ve also attracted federal investment of over $1.5 billion. My focus is and will remain core issues like health, education, jobs and getting a fair deal for people that need government support, but also the many issues where the major parties are out of step with the community like climate change, animal welfare, gambling reform, asylum seekers and the need for a more independent foreign and security policy.
BEN McGREGOR
Labor
I AM a social worker and mental health clinician and a father of two daughters. I’m standing for Labor this election because I’ve seen the cuts and crisis in our health system and I want change.
My priorities are for better health services, increased investment in local schools, and more job opportunities for our young people. I want to be a voice in Government to ensure that we get our fair share of funding in Clark. I need your vote so that I can be your voice in Government, to fight for and deliver the better health services that our community needs, and deserves.
AMANDA-SUE MARKHAM
Liberal
MARRIED to Campbell for 25 years, we have four children, aged 17 to 23 years. As a Registered Nurse with a background in Critical and Coronary Care, I am passionate about the health of our community. I want people in Clark to have the very best in health care, education and infrastructure. I’m running because only a fiscally responsible Liberal government is capable of creating the economic environment that supports everyone in achieving their dreams. I want to protect those who have planned for their retirement and help local businesses continue to thrive.
JUNIPER SHAW
The Greens
I HAVE always been keenly interested in politics and the environment. I can no longer stand by the sidelines and watch the inaction climate change. I have two beautiful sons and I despair when I think of the potential future they may be facing. What I love about the Greens is that they don’t appeal to people’s fears to get votes, but put the interests of people ahead of the interests of corporations. That gives me hope for the future.
JIM STARKEY
United Australia Party
No response received
CLAIMS to be the great-grandson of former Australian Prime Minister and United Australia Party founder Joseph Lyons. The UAPs predecessor, the Palmer United Party, received 1543 votes in 2013 — 2.43 per cent of the total. There is no detail on Mr Starkey on the party’s website
FRANKLIN
Safe Labor (10.7%)
Labor $1.01, Liberal $11
Franklin takes in parts of Clarence and Kingborough and all of the Huon Valley, as well as Macquarie Island — where penguins comfortably outnumber people. Labor incumbent Julie Collins is as safe a bet as they come. Elected in 2007, she is likely to take on a senior role in a Labor government should the ALP prevail nationally. Franklin has been a Labor seat since 1993, held by Harry Quick before Ms Collins. Interestingly for such a safe Labor seat, Franklin’s most popular state politician is Liberal Premier Will Hodgman, who won 38 per cent of the primary votes on his own in 2018 — nearly three times that of his nearest rival.
JULIE COLLINS
Labor, MP since 2007
I HAVE a proud record of delivering for Franklin and Southern Tasmania. I am fighting to deliver a fair go for all Tasmanians — by protecting Medicare, investing in our hospitals and medical services, fully funding our schools, restoring penalty rates and growing jobs in our State. The Liberals are choosing tax cuts for the big end of town over fixing the crisis in our state’s health and hospital system. Only Labor has a plan to help fix the Royal Hobart Hospital and invest in health. I will always fight for all Tasmanians no matter their postcode or their income.
DEAN YOUNG
Liberal
BORN, raised and educated in Hobart, my wife Allison and I are the proud parents of three young boys. I am a small-business owner and a qualified accountant with a graduate diploma in law.
Having worked as a kitchen hand, cashier, barman, a partner in an accounting practice, and now a newsagent owner, my real-life experiences have well prepared me to represent the dreams and aspirations of the people of Franklin.
KIT DARKO
The Greens
I AM a young Tasmanian activist and software developer living in Rokeby. I believe nothing is more urgent than mitigating climate change, and that the move to renewable energy is an opportunity to heal our society as well as our planet. I was motivated to take action when it became apparent the powers that be in Canberra had their priorities wrong. I want a future powered by renewables, built with recycled materials, and focused on ecosystem restoration. In this future, we shouldn’t need two jobs to afford the rent, nor an inheritance to buy a house.
DARREN WINTER
United Australia Party
No response received
MARRIED with four children and one grandchild, Darren Winter is a long-time Hobart resident and owner of the Lauderdale Bakehouse which he has operated for 16 years. An excellent footballer, he played with the Geelong and Essendon reserves before moving to Tasmania in 1989, where he amassed 240 games and was part of nine premierships with the Clarence District Football Club, three as a playing coach.
(source: party website)
DARREN HAWES
Fraser Anning’s Conservatives
MY focus is improved infrastructure for Tasmanians, including health, housing, schools, roads and digital connectivity. Focus on increasing supports within Primary Health and Mental Health — specifically for Youth, Farmers, and returned Servicemen and women. Overhaul of our unfair Tax System — reward for effort; no means testing for retirees; no changes to Franking credits or negative gearing. Subsidise small businesses to employ additional apprentices and trainees. I believe Tasmanians need transparency at all levels of Government.
Marginal Labor (3.8%)
Labor $1.01 | Nationals $11
Lyons is Tasmania’s largest seat and also its most rural. The 35,000 square kilometre electorate includes no fewer than 12 council areas and stretches from Sheffield in the North-West to Lake Pedder in the south, and takes in the entire East Coast. Aside from a host of rural centres and east coast tourist towns, it also ventures into Hobart’s urban fringes: Bridgewater, Sorell and New Norfolk are all included. Conventional wisdom always ran that a win in Lyons was something that was something that fell only to those whose families had spent a couple of generations living locally, although Labor’s Brian Mitchell — a former West Australian — managed to wrest the seat from Liberal one-termer Eric Hutchinson in 2016. Mitchell initially looked like he might have a fight on his hands with a feisty challenger in Liberal Jessica Whelan. But her campaign unravelled in spectacular fashion after some of her old social media posts surfaced. She denied claims of Islamophobia and was initially backed by the Prime Minister in one of the more memorable campaign moments at Agfest, but she then quickly resigned. She remains on the ticket as an Independent. The Coalition’s seemingly forlorn hopes of mounting a challenge now rest in the hands of the well-credentialed first-time National Deanna Hutchinson.
BRIAN MITCHELL
LABOR, MP since 2016
THIS election is about priorities and whether Australia becomes a fairer country or not.
I’ll put excellent healthcare, quality education, affordable housing, fair workplaces, decent wages, secure jobs, clean air and water and real action on climate change ahead of $77 billion in tax cuts for the highest income earners any day of the week.
DEANNA HUTCHINSON
The Nationals
DEANNA has a history supporting business, working with industries across the world from her office in Longford. Deanna is passionate about leaving the community in a better way for her two children. She believes Tasmanians care deeply about where they live and this is shown in the way that our industries look after our environment. Lyons’ greatest asset is its people and we produce the greatest produce in the world. Deanna is committed to connecting our people and assets interstate so we can open up more markets and create more jobs for our children.
GARY WHISSON
The Greens
I MOVED to this beautiful island in 2010, after a professional career in environmental protection in WA, and love living on the East Coast of Tasmania. I am committed to urgent action on Climate Change; to protecting our coastal and marine environments; to strong environmental protection laws; and to science-based management of our iconic World Heritage Areas and National Parks. The Greens’ campaign for open, honest and transparent government decision-making is essential to restoring trust in politics and democracy.
TENNILLE MURTAGH
Pauline Hanson’s One Nation
MY dad always said before we look after other people, we must take care of our own first. It sounds harsh, but when you’ve got limited resources, as a mother of 5 children — I know you’ve got to feed and cloth your own kids first. So unlike the Greens and Labor who have plans to borrow an extra $100B, then give it away in Foreign Aid over the next 10 years — I’m proud to be part of Pauline Hanson’s One Nation who understands that any charity begins at home first. Take out insurance. Vote 1 One Nation for Lyons and in the Senate.
MICHAEL WARNE
United Australia Party
No response received
AS a self-employed entrepreneur for 19 years backed by 28 years as an employee including with Australia’s largest telecommunications company, Mick brings an outstanding work ethic and strong people skills to the United Australia Party which he first joined in 2014 when under the PUP banner. He has worked across Australia including as an Area Manager in the Northern Territory but has always called Tasmania home.
(source: party website)
JESSICA WHELAN
Independent (on ballot as Liberal)
JESSICA was born in Tasmania and has lived in Lyons since her childhood. She lives in Brighton with her partner and their daughters. She has worked in aged care, human resources, hospitality and property. You’ll find her on the family farm or advocating for her community on Brighton Council. She wants to serve at the federal level to advocate for change. As an Independent, she will fight for action on homelessness, increases to Newstart and pensions, the cost of electricity and fuel, traffic, the NDIS, the NBN and mobile black spots in Lyons.
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