Ben Quin
I wish to address the reasons behind my decision to stand as an Independent in this Federal election. Members of the Liberal Party have publicly expressed anger at my decision to resign as the Liberal Candidate for Lyons and to run as an Independent. However, their failure to appreciate the reasons for my actions exposes one of the major failings of Australia’s political system today – the dominance of the two major political parties in manipulating public debate.
Both the Liberal and Labor parties officially hold the position that the majority of Tasmanians are strongly in support of the pulp mill. The view I have formed in more than three years campaigning as a candidate in Lyons is that the majority do not support the project as currently proposed or the fast-tracking of the approval process.
I have been accused of showing contempt for the friendship and loyalty of my previous Liberal colleagues. I reject these accusations. The only contempt I can see is that shown by the Liberal and Labor Parties towards the citizens of Tasmania, by their failure to insist on due process. I believe the Liberal Party should have supported my right as a candidate to debate the views of the majority of the Lyons electorate.
I harbor deep concerns about this project and matters of governance in Tasmania. It is those concerns, not my own ambition, that have influenced my decision to run as an independent.
