Tasmanian Times sent a standard set of questions to all six candidates for the Legislative Council seat of Huon. There were minimum and maximum lengths for all answers, which are published here unedited in the order received. Polling day is on 1 August 2020 – voting information. See the bottom of the page for a map of the Division.

Pat Caruana

Political background: I am a proud member of the Tasmanian Greens. I joined the Greens because of their strong record on social justice and looking after our environment. Of all the political parties, only the Greens have an eye to the future.
About you, personally: I am a father of one who loves Tasmania. I love spending time with my family, baking bread, watching and playing sport and getting into the great outdoors when I can. Before getting into politics, I was a journalist with Australian Associated Press and fortunate enough to work in Hobart, Sydney, Cairns and Melbourne. I was also chief political reporter for The Examiner. For the past five years I have been media and communications adviser to Senator Nick McKim.
Your electorate and its key issues? We need to ensure that no one is left behind during this pandemic. Unfortunately, we have seen that too many people have struggled to pay for food and rent during the lockdown, and they cannot be cast aside when it ends. We need to take action on the climate emergency. The Huon Valley bore the brunt of horrific bushfires just 18 months ago, and we have goverments in Hobart and Canberra that are addicted to fossil fuels. We need better public transport across Huon, and better health care for all of Tasmania. I want a Green New Deal, to tackle inequality, address the climate crisis and deliver a green manufacturing boom to our state.
In the LegCo: There are many important pieces of legislation coming before the Legislative Council in the next 12 months. I will not support the government’s attempts to lock in poker machines in our pubs and clubs for the next two decades. I will not support their attempts to crack down on legitimate protests. I will also reject the goverment’s attempts to allow for more native forest logging.
Why you, why now? Huon needs leadership and a vision for our future. Too many people are doing it tough and our environment is suffering. Goverment legislation should have Green eyes scrutinising it in both houses of Parliament!
Your site or preferred page: https://greens.org.au/tas/person/pat-caruana

Debbie Armstrong

Political background: No official political background, but am proactive with issues affecting the Huon electorate. And of course the Armstrong family are very politically minded. Working with the public for 33 years has put me in good form to accommodate the wider community. I have an easy open dialogue with most people and can take people skills to a higher level. I was always partial to a good debate at school!
About you, personally: Educated at St James College and St Mary’s College. Obtained a qualification as a master stylist in Hairdressing, then went on to achieve diplomas in Business Management, Beauty therapy and Biology of the skin and Hair. I now have had a business in Huonville for 10 years. in the past 4 years, Iv’e endured a flood, wiping out my business, the bushfires, depleting profit due to lack of tourism, and this year COVID-19, which has been the biggest hurdle. No tourism in regional towns already struggling is not going to end well. We have not received any substantial business assistance from local government during any of these disasters. This is disappointing, given the businesses are what fuel the towns economy. The one thing I have learnt is how to be resilient. When you have to find a solution to a problem, then you do.
Your electorate and its key issues? I view my electorate as a region with unlimited potential. unfortunately progressive opportunities have been missed. Economic and structural infrastructure and the ability to sustain it going forward is imperative. Health service, mainstream and aged care is vital for a region where one fifth of the population is 65 years and over. We need 24/7 medical services, not everyone can get into a surgery during regular hours. Population increases require growth in this area. schools and programs that target individual learning and preparation for the working world are so important for our youth, they are our future stability. Planning is huge in regional areas. Planning will affect lifestyle choices and define where and what a family can offer to a community. Presently, the scheme is ridiculously complicated, and causing much stress to applicants. It has been anything but simplistic in nature, as touted at the onset of the planning scheme.
In the LegCo: VAD is something I support. I believe we have a right to decide when we want to die. If life is no longer a viable option, and there is unbearable, debilitating, demoralising existence, we should be able to decide its time. Of course, there is a strict criteria surrounding this topic.
The right to protest is another issue. In my mind it’s a right to be heard. If we become a silent community, then we lose our right of independence. However, I do believe that protesting should NOT impede the ability of someone to work, cause danger, or become menacing. it should be peaceful and civil. POKIES…. I do not think Pokies should be in hotels or clubs. If people really want to gamble they will go to a casino. But, Tatts, scratchies, horse racing, and online pokies are all accessible forms of gambling, so its tough to regulate.
Why you, why now? I have watched what our electorate has needed for years. I hear from people I see everyday what they expect should be happening but Isn’t. Why Isn’t it? I’m not afraid to speak up. I won’t bow pressure to agree. Im very much an independent woman! some would say stubborn.
Your site or preferred page: Debbie for Huon

Bastian Seidel

I joined the ALP in 2014, just after then Prime Minister Tony Abbott proposed a compulsory GP co-payment in the federal budget. It was nonsensical and widely rejected in our community. I got involved in developing health policies with the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners and successfully argued against the implementation of a compulsory co-payment. I was the spokesperson for the advocacy campaign at the time, later was elected national President of the College. During that period, I was able to sign a compact with the federal government that effectively also ended the unfair Medicare rebate freeze in 2017. As a doctor I believe in a fair health system, a society that is empowered and a government that supports those in need. I believe that rural communities need to be supported, not ignored. I believe in accountability and transparency. I respect science. I respect nature. I care for people.
I was born in a small town in Germany’s Ruhr Valley in 1975. My parents were local green grocers. I have two older sisters who work as a nurse and a kindergarten teacher. I went to the local public schools. I did my national service in the army. I was the first in my family to go to university. I became a doctor, I got a PhD. I studied and worked in South Africa, England, the USA, Hong Kong. I came to Australia on a medical research scholarship. I started working as a GP in Huonville in 2008 and also became a Senior Lecturer at the University of Tasmania. I’ve co-authored and published books on health algorithms, and the health effects of climate change. I was appointed Clinical Professor in 2015. I live in Mountain River with my fabulous wife Alexandra and my two cheeky boys Henry and Freddie.
As a local GP I understand the concerns of this community. Many people feel that they are being left behind. Many of us feel that we’re just being taken for granted and I believe that we – as a community – deserve better.  Our community has experienced rapid change. The decline of forestry, the rise in aquaculture and tourism. The loss of jobs in our region, the rise in traffic due to ever longer commutes to work for better paying jobs in greater Hobart. We must offer attractive public schools and opportunities for higher education here in our electorate. Our children can’t be disadvantaged. The services in our electorate are stretched on a good day. Our health and ambulance services rely on dedicated volunteers and goodwill, the police presence is patchy at best and our brave firefighters are continuously under-resourced and on the edge. They deserve better, too.
The government may not even introduce legislation on ‘major projects’ and ‘protests’. There have been myriad announcements that were designed more to attract media attention than to initiate a genuine political discourse and community engagement. However, draft legislation on voluntary assisted dying will certainly be tabled. My personal views on mirror closely the belief of the former Archbishop of Canterbury George Cary: ‘I began to see that while medicine can do remarkable things for most dying people, there is an unfortunate minority who are forced to suffer unimaginable pain and misery, without any expectation of a return to health. It is, of course, profoundly Christian to do all we can to ensure nobody suffers against their wishes.’ As president of the RACGP, I worked closely with religious and community groups on VAD legislation in Victoria.The Victorian legislation should act as a blueprint for other jurisdictions and states, including Tasmania.
We’ve been taken for granted for far too long in our community. Now is not the time to be an independent bystander. Now is the time for strong advocacy. It’s also the time to nail one’s colours onto the mast. People rightly expect authenticity, accountability and genuine commitment.
https://www.facebook.com/BastianSeidelLabor

Robert Armstrong

Political background: I was first elected as a Huon Valley Councillor in 1996 and then elected Deputy Mayor in 1998 and elected Mayor in 2001. I served in that role until 2014 when elected as independent member for Huon electorate in 2014, where I have served since.
About you, personally: I have spent the last 24 years in public office and also from 1992 to 2005 ran a successful small business. I am married with 2 adult children and have lived in the Huon practically all my life. I am passionate about the electorate and will continue to provide full time service to the electorate.
Your electorate and its key issues? The main issues include, but are not limited to health, youth services, public transport , infrastructure, education, environment and supporting the industries that are vital to supporting jobs in the electorate including tourism, agriculture, aquaculture, and small business. I welcome ideas from communities within the Huon electorate so I can ensure I can meet community expectations on major policies and also local projects that count. I will always advocate for progress.
In the LegCo: On issues that I receive a lot of correspondence currently, I broadly support voluntary assisted dying but need to review legislation to ensure safeguards are in place. I support the right to work and for workers to be safe in the workplace. I will always support the employer and the employees. I also support the right to protest but in the right place and time, and within the law.
Why you, why now? I am independent and will always support, and lobby, for the best outcomes for the electorate. My experience and knowledge of how the Legislative Council operates and the contacts I have made ensures I can advocate effectively.
Your website or preferred page: Re-elect Robert Armstrong

Garrick Cameron

Political background: I’m a Candidate for the Shooters, Fishers, and Farmers party. This is my first time as a candidate for any seat and any political party. I believe we, as individuals are to over regulated and that there is a lack of common sense in parliament today.
About you, personally: I’m 31, a father of three (soon to be four) and live on my family farm with the majority of my extended family living within 2-5 minutes drive from my house. I was a diesel mechanic for nearly 11 years, then after working on a local lettuce farm became a business development manager for a transport company. I’m passionate about all things outdoors, bush walking, hunting, camping. I’m a big believer in helping other’s where ever possible.
Your electorate and its key issues? My family has had a shack on Bruny Island since 1983, so Bruny has always been close to my heart. Obviously with Bruny one of the main frustrations with both residents and tourist’s alike would have to be the ferry. But in a general sense, roads, job’s and employment.
In the LegCo: Although something’s like right to die, i don’t personally believe in, but it doesn’t matter what i personally believe in, i’m at a point in my life where thankfully i don’t have to consider such a thing. But, i shouldn’t be able to make that choice for someone else. I’m pro free legal choice, and i believe that people should be able to have that choice should their situation be that bad that it would stop their suffering and pain. In regards to protesting, i believe we should all have the right to protesting and to free speach. As long as what you are doing is legal and is not hurting or negatively impacting others then you should be allowed to do so.
Why you, why now? As the Shooters, Fishers, and Farmers party don’t have any sitting members in Tasmania i am an independent voice. I wanted to do this because i love my state, and in my opinion there isn’t anybody who represents the issue’s and things that effect people like me.
Your website or preferred page: https://www.facebook.com/GarrickCameronSFFP

Dean Harriss – submission not received

Electoral Commission information: Independent, Building Supervisor, Huonville.