Goodwin wins preselection

Sunday Tasmanian
THE Liberal Party has taken a big step towards winning two seats in Franklin at next year’s state election. Yesterday’s pre-selection announcement that Vanessa Goodwin will run as a candidate was a formality for the Seven Mile Beach criminologist, who is widely seen as being the Liberals’ best chance to pick up an extra seat in Franklin. The State Government is weak in the southern seat after former premier Paul Lennon and long-term minister Paula Wriedt resigned last year. Read more here
Meanwhile in Bass: Michael Ferguson, David Fry, Peter Gutwein, Sue Napier …

Will Hodgman MP
Leader of the State Opposition
Sunday March 22, 2009

Liberal Candidates Announced for Bass

A group of four outstanding Liberal candidates have been preselected to contest the next state election in the seat of Bass.

Leader of the State Opposition, Will Hodgman said the four preselected individuals were a part of strong team whose dedication and drive to represent the electorate of Bass was unquestionable.

“Each of the preselected candidates brings strength of experience and determination to represent the electorate of Bass and I am proud that I can lead this team to the next election,” Mr Hodgman said.

“Labor has let the people of Northern Tasmania down over the past 11 years and the Liberals want to see the region achieve its full potential.

“Labor has stood idly by as regional jobs at Scottsdale, Gladstone and Tonganah have been lost and major projects such as the Musselroe Bay wind farm have stalled.

“Health services continue to decline, the LGH operates well over capacity without any relief in sight, infrastructure is crumbling and still Labor asks Tasmanians for another four years.

“For over a decade Tasmanians have been told that this is as good as gets, that we cannot expect more from ourselves, our state or our Government. But the Tasmanian Liberal Team believes we can do better and we will be outlining our vision for the future in the coming year.”

The four preselected candidates are:

Michael Ferguson: Michael is currently Chief Executive of the Clifford Craig Medical Research Trust. He was Federal Liberal MP for Bass between 2004 and 2007, before that was high school teacher in Launceston and councillor with the Meander Valley Council. Michael lives in Launceston with his wife Julie and their three young children and he maintains a strong involvement in many northern community organisations.

David Fry: David is the manager of a thriving Launceston business and has a lot of experience working in the banking and finance industry. He was Liberal MHA for Bass between 2000 and 2002, serving both as Party Whip and as Shadow Education Minister. He and his wife Kathy live in Launceston with their family. David is also well known in many community organisations in the region.

Peter Gutwein MP: Peter has been a Member for Bass since 2002, in this time he has held several shadow portfolios and is currently the Shadow Treasurer and Shadow Minister for Sport and Recreation. Peter and his wife Amanda live in Launceston with their two young children. Peter is very active and can often be seen participating in and enjoying local sporting events.

Sue Napier MP: Elected as a Member for Bass in 1992, Sue was Deputy Premier of Tasmania between 1996 and 1998. Sue was a Minister in various portfolios from 1995 to 1998 and Leader of the Parliamentary Liberal Party from 1999 to 2001. A lecturer in education before entering parliament, Sue is Shadow Minister for Education and Skills, and the Environment. Sue is passionate about getting a better deal for all Tasmanians and believes strongly in giving everyone the opportunity to be a part of a strong and vibrant community.

W: www.willhodgman.com.au