Recount: Former Vinnies CEO to replace Sarah Courtney

The numbers are in a parliamentary debutant has secured a seat in the House of Assembly after Sarah Courtney resigned two weeks ago - now she has revealed what’s next. LATEST. >>

Tasmania’s newest politician says being elected to represent her community is both “exhilarating” and “scary”.

On Friday, Lara Alexander was elected on a recount as the third Liberal member in the lower house electorate of Bass.

It comes after the resignation of former Education Minister Sarah Courtney.

“It’s really exhilarating. Scary,” Ms Alexander said when asked how she felt on Saturday. “I think you wouldn’t be human if you weren’t scared a little bit when things happen like that with such speed.”

“But it’s really positive. I’ve got a wonderful, positive feeling about it.”

Ms Alexander said she had called her father in Romania on Friday night to tell him the good news.

Premier Peter Gutwein with the new Liberal member for Bass, Lara Alexander, in Launceston. Picture: Supplied

“He was very emotional – he cried, as well,” she said. “And then I called my aunty. She cried, as well. So it was a very emotional time last night.”

Ms Alexander said she had resigned from her position as chief executive of the St Vincent de Paul Society in Tasmania and that she would use her expertise on housing and social services in her new political role.

“First of all, I’ll spend some time learning, understanding what the issues are,” she said. “You cannot put forward ideas unless you actually understand what’s happening and what’s going on.”

Premier Peter Gutwein said Ms Alexander was “already a fixture in our community”.

“She is going to do a sterling job, a very good job, of representing the interests of the people in Bass,” he said.

Vinnie’s CEO to fill Courtney’s shoes as member for Bass

Incoming Liberal MP Lara Alexander says she hopes to apply what she’s learned from working in the not for profit sector after she was elected to replace former member for Bass Sarah Courtney on Friday.

Ms Courtney resigned upon her return from her European holiday earlier this month, amid criticism around the timing of her getaway.

She said she wanted to spend more with her family.

Her resignation triggered a recount, with seven candidates contesting the seat, including Ms Alexander, George Town mayor Greg Kieser and former Launceston alderman Simon Wood for the Liberals.

Ms Alexander was elected on Friday, claiming 52.9 per cent of the vote.

Lara Alexander at the Liberal’s campaign Launch in 2021, behind Jo Palmer. Picture: Chris Kidd

“I’m very emotional and very humbled,” Ms Alexander said.

“I know it’s come a bit after the election but I want to reassure the people of bass, I’ll be working very hard to represent them and give it 1000 per cent to the job.”

“I’m looking forward to being part of the Premier’s team and contributing.”

Ms Alexander is the CEO of St Vincent de Paul Tasmania, a role she’s held for thee and a half years.

“I’ve been in the not for profit sector since 1988,” Ms Alexander said.

“I’ve worked in aged care, ambulance service in WA, health based services, I’ve worked most, I was a state manager for Save the Children, I’ve worked with the Cancer Council.”

Ms Alexander said she had plenty to offer her new role.

“It’s the knowledge I’ve acquired over many years working with the sector and working with people of various needs,” Ms Alexander said.

“Because I have been involved in the non for profit sector for a long time, I have a passion for helping people.”

Ms Alexander said it was too soon to say which areas she’d like to focus on.

“I am first going to understand being part of the team and learn,” she said.

Premier Peter Gutwein said he looked forward to working with Ms Alexander.

“Lara is a passionate advocate for the region and is well known for her tireless work supporting our most vulnerable, having served as CEO of the St Vincent de Paul Society in Tasmania since 2018,” Mr Gutwein said.

“Lara will be a fantastic addition to the Liberal team and I know she will hit the ground running and be a strong advocate for the Bass electorate.”

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