Josh Willie: Labor MLC to give up safety of Legislative Council for tilt at lower house

“It’s no secret that Labor has to improve its vote in the northern suburbs”: Labor’s Josh Willie MLC says he wants to help his party clinch government by improving its dire Hobart numbers.

Labor member for Elwick in the Legislative Council Josh Willie will run for a seat in the electorate of Clark for Labor in the House of Assembly at the next state election. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

A Labor member in the Legislative Council plans to run for a seat in the lower house to help his constituents “who clearly need a change of government”.

Josh Willie caused an upset when he was elected on his first attempt in 2016 ousting Elwick incumbent and former Glenorchy mayor Adrianna Taylor.

The former teacher, and father of three, was re-elected just last year.

He says he will nominate to help Labor leader Rebecca White win government and his constituents.

“They’re struggling with the cost of living, they’re struggling with housing, they’re struggling with health and there are too many kids in the education system being left behind,” Mr Willie said.

“I’m not taking anything for granted.

“There is some risk involved in this, but I hope to represent the same good people of Elwick in the House of Assembly as the member for Clark and that my seven and a half years of incumbency and hard work in the community will make a difference.

“It’s no secret that Labor has to improve its vote in the northern suburbs, and I’m doing my part to help Labor win government.”

Labor currently has only one member for Clark in the House of Assembly.

A former grade 5/6 teacher at Glenorchy Primary School before being elected, Mr Willie says Tasmania has “some of the worst education outcomes in the country and we need to help all children realise their potential”.

Josh with wife Holly Irving and children Ted 5, Elsie 8 months and Alfie 7. Labor member for Elwick in the Legislative Council Josh Willie will run for a seat in the electorate of Clark for Labor in the House of Assembly at the next state election. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“That’s what motivated me to be a primary school teacher in the northern suburbs, to help unlock that potential.

“It’s good for young people, but it’s also good for all of us because if we can improve education outcomes, it will lift our economic and social outcomes as a state.”

On the future of former leader David O’Byrne, he said that was “a matter for David, I’m doing this to support Bec’s leadership.”

“I strongly back Rebecca’s leadership and looking forward to working hard with her and my colleagues to win government.”

Mr Willie, who had legions of supporters and knocked on 11,000 doors in Elwick, said he continued to doorknock outside of an election campaign.

“People in the northern suburbs want their elected reps to be part of the community,” he said.

“I live there with my family. I’ve worked in the community as a school teacher and I’m there for people in their time of need and if they need an advocate in their corner.”

Ms White said having Mr Willie on the Clark ticket would add strength to a team of “exceptional” candidates.

“Josh is an outstanding, highly respected member of parliament who is deeply passionate about improving education outcomes for young Tasmanians,” she said.

“Josh is closely in touch with his community – and he knows what they need right now is a change of government.”

Mr Willie will remain in the Legislative Council until House of Assembly nominations are finalised.