Labor Senator Catryna Bilyk calls time on political career after 17 years

As one Tasmanian senator announces she will be leaving politics, the Labor Party has locked in its Senate candidates. Here’s who’s running.

Tasmanian Senator Catryna Bilyk, talks about health scare. Picture: Mireille Merlet

Richard Dowling, a former economist with the TCCI and adviser to former Labor Premier Lara Giddings is set to become a senator after being endorsed number two on Labor’s Senate ticket for the next election.

Veteran Senator Carol Brown is number one on the ticket.

Mr Dowling, who takes Senator Catryna Bilyk’s spot after she announced she would not stand again, said he was excited to bring “new energy and ideas to Canberra and be a strong Tasmanian voice in an ambitious Labor government”.

Richard Dowling, economist and soon-to-be-revealed Labor Senate candidate. Picture: LinkedIn

“My time living and working away from the island gave me perspective on what is special about Tasmania and what we can do better, to make sure all Tasmanians have access to opportunity and an affordable way of life,” he said.

“Good wages for every worker, and a strong safety net for everyone who needs it – these are the foundation of what makes Australia fair.”

Senator Brown said she was proud to stand on a record of “delivering real cost-of-living relief, creating jobs, and fighting for the needs of our community”.

‘Honour of my life’: Tasmanian senator calls time on politics

After nearly 17 years, Tasmanian Labor Senator Catryna Bilyk, is calling time on her political career announcing she will not contest the next election.

Senator Bilyk, who took her seat in 2008, will finish her term on June 30 next year.

“This decision was made with careful consideration for my ongoing health and my desire to find a better work-life balance,” she said.

“Serving the people of Tasmania has been the honour of my life.

“I am deeply thankful for the trust Tasmanians have placed in me to advocate for them in the Senate for a more inclusive, equitable and prosperous future and I will continue working diligently on their behalf until the end of my term.”

Senator Bilyk, who has been dealing with her fourth brain tumour, has been described as a “champion and passionate advocate” for fighting for better health services, education and workplace fairness.

Tasmanian Senator Catryna Bilyk, talks about health scare. Picture: Mireille Merlet

Former CEO of Palliative Care Tasmania Colleen Johnstone said Senator Bilyk had successfully led efforts to save the service on two occasions.

“I don’t think Palliative Care would have survived without her support, she has a true passion for helping people who are in vulnerable situations,” she said.

“Catryna is down to earth and cares about people and part of her ethos is always trying to make things better.”

Brain Tumour Alliance Australia chair Craig Cardinal said Senator Bilyk had championed increased funding for cancer research and treatments and got access to the NDIS for brain tumour patients who have disabilities because of their tumours.

“Catryna has had a very significant impact on the lives of people with brain cancer in Australia, she was always accessible, it seemed we owned her and we’re going to miss her,” he said.

Else Phillips, president of A Day in the Park community event at Kingston said the event, which attracts 4000 people, would not have gone ahead without her support.

“She has been an absolute godsend and I’m dreading what will happen in the future without her and her staff,” she said.

Senator Carol Brown, Federal Labor member for Franklin Julie Collins and Senator Catryna Bilyk at an announcement in 2019. Picture: MATT THOMPSON

Senator Bilyk has also been a strong advocate for children’s safety and well-being and was co-chair of Australian Parliamentarians for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect standing against child abuse, neglect, and harm.

She also chairs the Joint Standing Committee on Implementation of the National Redress Scheme, helping to deliver justice and support to survivors of institutional child abuse.

Labor member for Franklin Julie Collins said she was privileged to call Senator Bilyk a “friend and close colleague”.

“I have seen first-hand the incredible contribution she has made to Tasmania,” she said.

“Senator Bilyk has continued to advocate for the people of Tasmania even while facing her own health challenges and has contributed greatly to brain cancer research.”

Senator Bilyk, who thanked the Prime Minister, her staff and family, said in the coming months she would be working to ensure the re-election of the government.

“Tasmanians deserve a government that prioritises their welfare and works to protect their rights.

“The Dutton-led Liberal agenda would undermine the hard-fought gains we have made, threatening wages, working conditions, and electricity prices in pursuit of unrealistic nuclear policies.”