Steve Mav running for Brighton mayor on a health platform to springboard him to the senate

Tasmania’s longest-serving mayor Tony Foster has served his last day in Brighton, with a familiar face sticking his hand up to take over the top spot. THE CANDIDATE >>

• Steve Mav’s $157,000 federal election cash splash tops candidate spend list
• New $6 million multipurpose sports facility at Pontville to ‘revitalise’ sport in Brighton

SERIAL campaigner Steve Mav is back and coming to a roadside near you as part of his run for Brighton mayor.

The self-styled maverick announced his candidacy following the retirement of Tony Foster.

After serving on the council for 34 years – 28 of those as mayor, Tasmania’s longest-serving mayor had his last day as Brighton mayor today[WED].

Current councillor Leigh Gray and deputy mayor Barbara Curran have previously announced they will also run for the position.

Mr Mav said he would serve as mayor at the same time as running to become an independent senator for Tasmania from July 1, 2022 and his political party – Steve Mav Team – was currently being registered with the Australian Electoral Commission.

He said, if elected mayor, his focus would be to establish a 24/7 super health clinic in the Brighton municipality.

Brighton Council mayoral candidate Steve Mav at Bridgewater. Picture: CHRIS KIDD

“This health project would be the first of its kind in our state,” he said.

“My vision is to have eight 24/7 super health clinics around Tasmania comprising GPs, nurses and mental health workers.

“Brighton as a pilot scheme makes a lot of sense as it is the fastest growing municipality in Tasmania with many health challenges.

“And if elected to the Australian Senate, I would seek to use my position – and leverage as a crossbencher – to achieve my statewide plan.”

Brighton Council mayoral candidate Steve Mav at Bridgewater. Picture: CHRIS KIDD

Mr Mav began his council campaign on Wednesday afternoon, waving his trademark signs at motorists in Bridgewater.

“I have a lot of supporters in the Brighton municipality – what I’m putting forward is strong leadership to get outcomes – this is not an ego trip – I’m not doing it because I want to be a mayor of a council,” he said.

“I see an opportunity and a complementary strategy of getting elected to council and then going on the senate.

“I was in Canberra about two weeks ago and had a meeting with Pauline Hanson and Bob Katter because I see them as very important crossbenchers who I would want to work with if I was elected to the senate.”

Outgoing Brighton Mayor Tony Foster.

Under the Local Government Act, the date for a new election for mayor will be determined once Cr Foster hands in his official resignation.