Tasmania politics: Scott Bacon to resign from state parliament

UPDATED: Senior Labor Party member Scott Bacon has been praised by a political rival for his “passion, commitment to his values, and his dry sense of humour” as he prepares to step away from Tasmanian Parliament.

UPDATED: PREMIER Will Hodgman has passed on his best wishes to Labor Party member Scott Bacon, who is preparing to step away from Tasmanian Parliament.

In a brief statement, Mr Hodgman said Mr Bacon had “contributed significantly to public life over a long term of service in our Parliament.”

“Importantly, Scott has been a strong advocate for many people and organisations in the community he represents,” Mr Hodgman said.

“Despite our political differences, I have always appreciated Scott’s passion, commitment to his values, and his dry sense of humour.

“I wish him the very best for the next chapter in life.”

EARLIER: SENIOR Labor MP Scott Bacon will resign from State Parliament today.

The 41-year-old Opposition Treasury spokesman, who was first elected in 2010, informed his colleagues yesterday of his decision to quit politics.

The member for Clark is likely to be replaced by former Labor member Madeleine Ogilvie on a countback should she nominate, or former radio announcer Tim Cox, if she does not.

Ms Ogilvie quit the Labor Party after failing in a re-election bid in 2018 and ran as an independent in the Legislative Council election for Nelson earlier this year. She could not be reached for comment.

STANSFIELD: BACON’S DEPARTURE A HEADACHE FOR LABOR

Scott Bacon in Parliament as Treasurer Peter Gutwein delivered the 2019 budget. Picture: PATRICK GEE

Mr Bacon told the Mercury the decision was a difficult one.

“After nearly 10 years in politics, I have decided that it is the right time to take on a new challenge,” he said.

EDITORIAL:

A declaration by the Electoral Commission that she [Ms Ogilvie] is indeed the next-in-line for the seat vacated by Mr Bacon would be a moment just as significant as any of the earthquakes rogue Liberal Speaker Sue Hickey has set off in the Parliament over the past 18 months. We would — at that moment — go from a situation where Labor and the Greens can overrule the Government by convincing Ms Hickey to vote with them, to one where the Government potentially no longer needs Ms Hickey’s casting vote.

“I want to thank the Labor Party and its members for the privilege of representing them in parliament.

“I also want to thank the people of Clark for their support across three elections.

“I am proud of my contribution to the parliament, including as minister for tourism and finance in the former Labor government. I am particularly pleased to have contributed to making Tasmania a true winter tourism destination.

“Ultimately, the most important responsibility of an elected member is to the community and I tried to make sure that my door was always open to people who needed help. I have to say, in recent years it has become apparent under this Liberal Government too many people are slipping through the cracks.

“That is why I will always be committed to the Labor cause and I believe that Tasmania needs a Labor government.

“I firmly believe that Rebecca White is the best person to lead our strong Labor team into government at the next election.”

Labor leader Rebecca White and Scott Bacon. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

Mr Bacon will visit Governor Kate Warner today to tender his resignation from the Parliament.

“I want to ensure the people of Clark have a new representative as quickly as possible,” he said.

“I intend to commence a search for new opportunities in the near future.”

Mr Bacon is the son of the former premier and member for Denison Jim Bacon, who died in 2004.

At the 2018 state election, Mr Bacon polled the highest number of primary votes of any candidate in the seat his father once held, which has since been renamed Clark.

He held the portfolios of tourism, hospitality and veteran’s affairs in the Giddings Labor government and was appointed Opposition Treasury spokesman by former Labor leader Bryan Green. He is also Opposition spokesman in the areas of racing and gaming, and multicultural affairs.

He is considered one of Labor’s sharpest parliamentary performers.

Scott Bacon’s departure could see the return of Madeleine Ogilvie. Picture: SAM ROSEWARNE

Labor leader Rebecca White said Mr Bacon’s departure would be a loss and she wished him well.

“On behalf of the entire Labor family, I wish Scott all the best for whatever challenge comes next,” Ms White said.

“Scott and I entered the parliament together in 2010. Not only has he been a very capable parliamentary colleague and a dedicated local representative, I also count him as a very good friend.

“Politics is a tough business, particularly with a young family, and I fully respect Scott’s decision to refocus his priorities.

“He will be missed by the Labor Party, the people of Clark and the entire parliament.

“Scott was most passionate about representing the people of his electorate. He and his tireless electorate officer Jenni McLeod have assisted thousands of people over the years, often where other service providers and government departments have failed. Scott’s departure will leave a big service gap in Hobart’s northern suburbs.”

Ms White said she would be making contact with all of Labor’s unsuccessful Clark candidates in the coming days ahead of the recount.

“Labor took a very strong team to the last election and I am confident that whoever is elected to fill Scott’s vacancy will do an exceptional job.”

Mr Bacon’s departure will pose a problem for Labor in Clark, where Labor holds two seats, the Liberals two and the Greens one.

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