The division of Clark takes in Glenorchy, Hobart and parts of Kingborough

Public transport, health, HECS debts, the Gaza conflict and green spaces. Diverse issues were raised by voters in Clark.

Blair Richards

3 min read

March 21, 2024 - 5:00AM

Young Clark voters Josie Gargioni and Olivia Gough. Ms Gough, of South Hobart, will be considering each candidate’s stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Politics

Don't miss out on the headlines from Politics. Followed categories will be added to My News.

With a penchant for voting independent, a diverse range of voters could deliver a mix of MPs in the Hobart-based seat of Clark.

Voters who spoke to the Mercury from the Northern Suburbs to Sandy Bay raised a variety of issues ahead of the state election.

Members of Northern Suburbs walking group Best Foot Forward called for more support for community groups, and investment in green spaces, public facilities, footpaths and toilets.

Claremont residents in the group also wanted action on the derelict former Claremont High School site.

A high-end apartment development was approved in 2021, but construction has not started.

“It’s been empty for years and years, it’s a derelict building and nothing's been done … it’s an absolute disgrace,” said walking group coordinator Lynette Green said.

Best Foot Forward walking group members Daphne Hartley, Doreen Morley, Greg White, Sarah Green, Barry Balmforth and Lynette Green at Weston Park, Austins Ferry. Picture: Chris Kidd

Barry Balmforth, who has been a member of the Claremont RSL for 40 years, said funding was needed for green spaces including a memorial park near the RSL.

“That could be turned into a beautiful area,” he said.

Daphne, of Chigwell, has had some bad experiences with the public hospital system.

“I have not got any time for the health system, it’s not good,” she said.

A full-time carer, Daphne called for more funding for in-home health services.

“Hospital in the Home was very welcome, it worked for me and my family,” she said.

In Sandy Bay, Emily Hanna, 18, said housing and education were on her mind.

“For a lot of people at uni, housing is quite a big issue, trying to find affordable housing, and the price of uni itself,” she said.

“I went to a private school and they have got a lot better resources compared to public education. There should be more funding for public education to make it fairer.”

Emily Hanna, 18, of Sandy Bay, is concerned about education funding.

A Lenah Valley resident who did not wish to be named, said cost of living was a major issue.

“It’s not just hitting one group of people, it’s spread across many groups of people,” she said.

The voter was also concerned about the lack of public transport and bus cancellations.

“Imagine being a kid who can’t get home because they’ve cancelled a bus,” she said.

Business and economics student Olivia Gough. 21, of South Hobart, was thinking about the size of HECS debts faced by young people.

Ms Gough was also concerned about the conflict in Gaza.

“I will be considering each candidate’s stance on the Gaza-Palestine conflict. I just feel like I want to support someone who aligns with my values,” she said.

Voters in Clark have shown an appetite for independents, electing Federal MP Andrew Wilkie at successive elections and delivering the state’s only House of Assembly independent in 2021, Kristie Johnston.

Independent Member for Clark, Andrew Wilkie, says the major parties’ campaigns have been “appalling”

Mr Wilkie said he expected this voting trend to continue.

“Both the Liberal and Labor parties’ campaigns have been appalling, often little more about pork barrelling promises and policy thought bubbles that are unlikely to ever be delivered. The loser is set to be the community, which is labouring under the crippling cost of living, a public health system in perpetual crisis, housing so expensive even people with jobs are living in cars, and traffic congestion going from bad to worse,” he said.

“No wonder we’re heading for a power sharing parliament where the Liberal and Labor parties will have no one to blame but themselves. The upside though is that the next Government having to share power with independents is bound to be the best way to start solving the many challenges confronting the state.”