Kerry Finch says the pulp mill debate was a defining episode in his time in state parliament

The forest wars and social justice issues featured prominently in the career of retiring Rosevears MLC Kerry Finch.

Kerry Finch MLC speaks. Same sex marriage debate in the Tasmanian Legislative Council. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

A RETIRING Upper House MP says he never opposed a pulp mill for Tasmania, but could not stomach the location or the government’s bid to ram the project through.

Kerry Finch, 71, has represented the West Tamar-based seat of Rosevears since 2002.

In his farewell speech to the Legislative Council, the former radio announcer said he had endeavoured to keep an open mind on every issue.

However, he took a stand against Gunns’ proposed mill in the Tamar Valley over the project location and the Government’s approval process.

“The big issue which began not long after my election was of course the pulp mill. It was to pervade my career for the next 10 or 12 years,” Mr Finch said.

“I was not opposed entirely to a pulp mill in Tasmania … rather I was opposed initially to the government and Gunns moving away from the (planning) process and bringing it here through parliament. And then of course the issue of the location in the Tamar Valley.”

The anti-pulp mill petition brought to parliament by Mr Finch was the biggest ever presented at the time, with 21,360 signatures.

Mr Finch said he was proud to support reforms around same sex marriage, gender diversity, anti-discrimination and reconciliation.

“I was happy to stand up for the principles of tolerance and a fair go … Social justice has been a very big theme of my work here,” he said.

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The left-leaning independent said he made his retirement announcement last year to give independent candidates the best chance of winning the seat.

So far six candidates have announced their intention to run. The Liberals are hoping to boost their numbers in the Upper House with high-profile former television news anchor Jo Palmer.

Labor is running union organiser Jess Greene and the The Greens’ candidate is social worker Jack Davenport.

Three independents announced so far are Vivienne Gale, David Fry and Janie Finlay. Nomination of candidates closes on July 2.

Voters in the Legislative Council divisions of Huon and Rosevears will go to the polls on August 1.