Independent Legislative Council candidate Charlie Burton welcomes high profile endorsements

Independent candidate Charlie Burton has welcomed some high-powered endorsements ahead of his official campaign launch for the Legislative Council seat of Hobart at the weekend.

Andrew Wilkie federal independent member for Clark with Charlie Burton with dog Scarlett. Charlie Burton will run as an independent candidate in the legislative council seat of Hobart in the upcoming election with the backing of former partner Andrew Wilkie. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Independent candidate Charlie Burton has welcomed some high-powered endorsements ahead of his official campaign launch for the Legislative Council seat of Hobart at the weekend.

The long-time community advocate is one of two declared candidates in the division ahead of the May 4 election in Hobart.

Former Tasmanian Greens leader Cassy O’Connor is the other. Voters in Prosser and Elwick go to the polls on the same day.

Dr Burton is running a strong campaign in favour of independents and has welcomed support from incumbent member Rob Valentine and federal independent member for Clark Andrew Wilkie.

“They both acknowledge how important it is to have independents in the upper house,” he said on Thursday.

Charlie Burton will run as an independent candidate in the legislative council seat of Hobart in the upcoming election with the backing of former partner Andrew Wilkie. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“Party members or party aligned members in the upper house really only echo the views of their Lower House colleagues and they can’t bring that independent scrutiny but we really need in a in an upper house of review.

“The second reason they’re endorsing me is because they know with my background and values, I’ve had 30 years of experience working in and around Parliament’s providing independent advice to members of parliament in Canberra and Tasmania.

“They know I had the knowledge, values and skills to do the independent work is reviewing and scrutinising and holding the government to account.

Mr Wilkie and Dr Burton, a transgender man, were married for six years and have two children.

“I’ve known Charlie since 2001, and I can say, with absolute certainty that Charlie is a person of integrity, highly intelligent, very experienced in public policy,” he said.

“I would hope also that my endorsement of my ex-wife sends a signal to the community.
“You know, let’s all just get on and let’s focus on the things that matter and you know, not let some things in history get in the way of having the best people in parliament.”

“I see the Legislative Council as very important, and more important than some Tasmanians realise,” Mr Wilkie said.

“Ultimately, it is the check on the government. It’s an old saying, it’s where they keep the bastards honest.

Mr Valentine, a former Hobart Lord Mayor who is retiring after 12 years in the Legislative Council, said the electorate was best served by an independent and he recommended Dr Burton as the candidate with the insight and capacity for the role.