Disgruntled UTAS law student runs for Hobart City Council

Hoping to represent young students who were “not being listened to” by the University of Tasmania, a disgruntled Law student will run for Hobart City Council. HIS PLANS >

A disgruntled Law student will run for Hobart City Council on behalf of the young students who were “not being listened to” by the University of Tasmania administration.

At the age of 21, James McKee is by far the youngest candidate to put up their hands for the council elections in October.

Mr McKee is running as an independent, but has been a prominent member of the Young Liberals and is backed by Liberal Alderman Simon Behrakis.

He is fiercely critical of the “failed” leadership on council and their complicity in the UTAS move out of Sandy Bay and into Hobart’s inner city.

Mr McKee said his fellow Law students felt completely sidelined by the university and its constant disruptions to course delivery.

21-year-old UTAS law student James McKee is running for Hobart City Council. Picture: Kenji Sato

“This move has already, and will continue to, have a detrimental impact on tertiary education in this state,” Mr McKee said.

“We’re making other students aware that it’s the first election they’re allowed to vote, so it’s a perfect opportunity to be heard.”

Similar to Behrakis, Mr McKee takes the view that council knocks back too many developments, limiting the future opportunities for young people.

He acknowledged the need for balance between promoting growth and protecting amenity, but insists this current council errs too far towards rejecting development.

Without naming names, Mr McKee said certain councillors put their “personal feelings” ahead of the objective merits of each development application.

He said the consequence was fewer places for young people to raise families, and fewer businesses to provide young people with jobs.

21-year-old UTAS law student James McKee is running for Hobart City Council. Picture: Kenji Sato

Mr McKee also believes council spends too much time and money on “vanity projects” and social causes which go beyond the scope of local government.

One of his election promises will be to push for a 12 month rate freeze to force council to “prioritise” their budget on council’s core services.

“I’d like to see council get back to basics and making sure those basics are done well, since at the moment they’re not being done well,” Mr McKee said.

“I’d like Hobart to be a city where young people can feel there is opportunity in the future and suddenly we want to stay and raise our families in the future.”

[e-mail]