Tasmania’s newest MP Kristie Johnston pledges to remain ‘truly independent’

Tasmania’s newest MP, Kristie Johnston, has vowed to honour her pledge of independence as she reveals the main issues she will focus on during the coming term of parliament.

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AS she celebrates a historic election win, new MP Kristie Johnston has vowed to remain a true independent.

Ms Johnston has become the first unaligned candidate elected to the state’s Lower House in decades and one of five women representing Clark.

She said she was looking forward to an “interesting term of parliament” and said she would be focused on health as a matter of urgency.

“I’m very humbled and feel extremely honoured and privileged to be elected by the people of Clark as an independent member in the Lower House of the state parliament,” Ms Johnston said.

“It has been an interesting campaign but clearly the people of Clark have spoken strongly in wanting a more productive and collaborative parliament.

“We haven’t had an independent elected to the Lower House of parliament since the size of the house was reduced to 25 seats.

“It is a momentous occasion for Tasmanians and for the parliament and I hope that they will continue to be strong independent voices in the Lower House

“It’s also a historic moment that we have five elected female members of parliament for the first time in Clark and I think that’s certainly a significant moment in the history of our political life.”

Newly elected independent Kristie Johnston at Parliament House. Picture: Chris Kidd

Ms Johnston was one of five independents who stood in Clark, winning the fifth slot with 15.6 per cent of the vote ahead of fellow independent and former speaker Sue Hickey.

She said she had not — and would not — do any deals with the government.

“I will remain truly independent. I gave that promise to the people of Clark when I stood and I continue to honour that particular pledge, she said.

“It’s important for me as a matter of integrity and honesty that I remain truly independent and assess each issue on its merits.

“My approach will be to collaborate with all members of parliament from both sides, both government and the opposition and, indeed, the Greens. I think that’s what Tasmanians expect, they expect mature, respectful debate, focused on the issues and focused on finding solutions to some of the very complex problems that we do have in Tasmania.”

Ms Johnston said she also looked forward to advancing her signature issue — the proposal for a light rail link through Hobart’s northern suburbs.

Cash for the proposal has been provided under the Hobart City Deal, but progress has stalled.