Tassie Premier Peter Gutwein’s panther tattoos spark meme frenzy, official TikTok account

Premier Peter Gutwein’s COVID jab photo opportunity has revealed a little-revealed side of the Liberal leader — and the image has sparked memes and a new official TikTok account.

Premier Peter Gutwein’s COVID-jab photo opportunity has revealed a little-seen side of the Liberal leader.

The 56-year-old rolled up his sleeve at a Bridgewater clinic this afternoon to reveal a bulging bicep and a full-length black panther tattoo.

Hiding his ink wasn’t an option, though — it’s understood he has another tattoo on the other side.

Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein at vaccination centre in Bridgewater speaking with bothwell couple Judith and Richard Bowden and later getting his jab from nurse, Leah.

The Premier was asked for the story behind the body art.

“People know I’m a black belt in taekwondo,” he said.

“It’s just a reminder of the hard work and discipline that I put in over a number of years to able to get that black belt.”

He says he’s had the tattoo for “too long to remember”.

Mr Gutwein posted a video of him receiving the vaccination to his TikTok page, where he rejoices under the username of papi_g.

@papi_g

Just got my ##COVID19##vaccine ! I urge all Tasmanians to get a free vaccine as soon as it is available to them. ##getvaccinated##covidvaccine

♬ Black Panther (feat. Rafal) - Nebezao

COVID-19 vaccination fast-tracked for Tasmanians over 50

The COVID-19 vaccine roll out for those aged 50 and above will be brought forward.

Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein said all Tasmanians aged over 50 will be eligible to be vaccinated in state community clinics from May 3 and GP practices from May 18.

Aboriginal Tasmanians aged 50 to 54 will also be eligible to receive their vaccine from today.

“Following recent advice from Australia’s vaccine experts about the AstraZeneca vaccine there was unanimous agreement at national cabinet for the need to fast track the administration of the AstraZeneca vaccine for people aged 50 or over,” he said.

A vial of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine. (Photo by AHMAD AL-BASHA / AFP)

Mr Gutwein said people aged under 50 could make an “informed decision” to have the AstraZeneca vaccine.

“The Pfizer vaccine is the preferred vaccine for adults aged under 50 years, whilst the AstraZeneca vaccine has been linked to an extremely rare health (issue) … the expert advice is it can be used in adults aged under 50 years where the benefits are likely to outweigh the risks and the person has made an informed decision to have it,” he said.

Tasmanians aged 16 and 17 will now be eligible to receive the Pfzier vaccine in phase 2B of the roll out.

He said 60,820 COVID vaccines had been administered as of April 21, which equated to 12.2 per cent of Tasmanians over 16 receiving at least one dose of the vaccine.

Libs promise major boost for Coast ‘jewel’

A MAJOR investment in the state’s East Coast will be delivered by the Liberal Party if it retains government at the election.

Premier Peter Gutwein announced on Wednesday a Liberal government would invest about $35m into tourism and health infrastructure in the region.

The largest part of the investment would be $14m towards the development of a new visitor gateway for the Freycinet National Park.

The gateway would include a new-state-of-the-art visitor centre, a transport hub, and a shuttle bus service to the Wineglass Bay carpark to overcome traffic and parking issues.

Kayakers on the water at Coles Bay. Picture: Chris Kidd

Mr Gutwein said Coles Bay was “the jewel in the crown of the East Coast” and the upgrade would be a major boost for those visiting the area.

“The gateway will enable better traffic management to occur across the town but importantly it will provide a focal point here in Coles Bay that’s going to ensure that when visitors arrive they are provided with the opportunity to understand the very best of what’s available here, but importantly provide services that will be world class,” he said.

The announcement also included a $6.8m commitment to Maria Island to upgrade its water, sewerage and power systems, and $7.5m towards building a new police station at St Helens.

The region’s health system would also benefit from the announcement with almost $5m committed to bolstering staffing and upgrading equipment at East Coast hospitals as well as the construction of a new helipad near the St Helens Hospital.

The announcement included $1m into resurfacing popular driving route, Wielangta Rd, along with $600,000 in grants towards a statewide electric vehicle charging network.

Premier Peter Gutwein and East Coast Tasmania Tourism CEO Rhonda Taylor at Coles Bay. Picture: Chris Kidd

East Coast Tasmania Tourism CEO Rhonda Taylor welcomed the proposal after a trying year for the region.

“This is very exciting news,” Mrs Taylor said.

“The communities here have had a very, very tough year.

“The East Coast is actually the sixth most dependent region on tourism in Australia.

“We are looking forward to a strong future and in regard to this level of investment we will achieve positive outcomes.”