National
Last independent standing? Andrew Wilkie may retain seat
POLLING suggests at least one of the federal balance-of-power independent MPs – Tasmanian Andrew Wilkie – can defy predictions and retain his seat at the coming election.
New polling commissioned by the ALP and obtained by The Australian shows the independent has grown his vote in the Hobart-based seat of Denison, despite a significant swing to the Liberal Party.
• Yesterday in Mercury: Rookie set to battle Wilkie
A POLITICAL newcomer is set to take on Denison Independent MP Andrew Wilkie in the next federal election after getting the tick of approval from her ALP colleagues yesterday.
Labor is hoping the name Jane Austin will become a household name beyond book lovers as the mental health policy adviser announces her push for pre-selection today.
Ms Austin was overwhelmingly endorsed by the ALP’s left faction in a meeting yesterday and is expected to emerge as the candidate of choice at the party’s state conference in August.
The Battery Point mother of four yesterday said she would run a positive, multi-faceted campaign with a strong emphasis on the northern suburbs of Hobart which she said had been neglected.
“We need a candidate for Denison with their priorities right, someone who will fight for jobs, opportunity and cost of living relief in the northern suburbs,” Ms Austin said.
Ms Austin managed the development of Tasmania’s first suicide prevention strategy and has previously worked as a freelance writer, radio journalist, small business owner and primary school teacher.
• Today, Tuesday, Philip Cocker
Campaign Director Tasmanian Greens
Tuesday 26th June 2012.
Tasmanian Greens welcome Denison Polling
Tasmanian Greens Campaign Director Philip Cocker has welcomed polling released by the Australian newspaper, obtained from the Labor party.
“We are encouraged by these figures. What they show to us is that this is a winnable seat for the Greens,” Campaign Director Philip Cocker said.
“Nominations for candidature for the seat of Denison are currently open and they close this Friday. We will select someone capable of winning this seat and joining the other Greens in the Australian parliament.
“We are committed to a strong campaign for this seat to ensure Denison has a representative who is part of a team who can deliver results and policy outcomes,” Mr Cocker said.