Tasmanian Times sent a standard set of questions to all six candidates for the Legislative Council seat of Rosevears. 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.

David Fry

Formerly a member of the Liberal Party and a member of the Tasmanian House of Assembly. I resigned from the Liberal Party as I believe that debate on issues deserves to be in the public arena, rather than behind the closed doors of a party or party room in the parliament. The Legislative Council is the best opportunity we have to represent the views of our constituents and be directly accountable to the people. It needs to remain independent.
I have lived in the Rosevears electorate for over 30 years and together with my wife, raised our four children who are now all adults with children of their own. I have lived and worked in this area for most of my life, having worked in the banking and finance industry, managed my own business and also been general manager of other businesses in Northern Tasmania, was elected to the Tasmanian Parliament in 2000 and have been the administrator for northern cricket for the past 7 years. I am a strong grassroots campaigner and had extensive involvement in many community and charitable organisations, including multicultural, sporting, church, disability, charity, arts, youth and business organisations. I am a member of the Rotary Club of West Tamar.
Rosevears is a diverse electorate with many retirees choosing to call this home, along with professionals, business people in a huge range of different areas, employees of small and large business, public servants and many involved in primary industry, hospitality and tourism. There are a number of key issues for this electorate, many of which they share with other parts of Tasmania: – The health and amenity of the Tamar River. – Economic recovery from the Coronavirus pandemic, including the protection and recovery of employment and small business. Our local hospitality and tourism businesses will need additional support to come back from a very difficult time. – Improving healthcare, with an emphasis on preventative health. – Fair fuel prices for all Tasmanians. – Improvements to our roads and especially the West Tamar Highway. – Making Rosevears one of the most livable regions in the world.
I believe that it is important that LegCo members consult with residents of their electorates and seek their feedback on important issues. Current issues that are being debated include the Voluntary Assisted Dying bill which I would not support as I don’t believe that it is possible to legislate enough safeguards to properly protect the elderly and vulnerable. I strongly urge the current government to honour their commitment to increasing palliative care opportunities right round the state, which would provide facilities for a pain-free and dignified passing for those nearing the end of their life. I would support measures that would reduce the number of people who take up smoking, as long as their personal rights were respected. I would support measures to reduce the harm of poker machines and remove the current monopoly. I support development with appropriate safeguards and reasonable right of appeal.
I have parliamentary experience, extensive community contacts and will represent the people of Rosevears with honesty, integrity and passion. >I have lived most of my life in this electorate and as an independent with a lifetime of diverse experience, I am the most qualified candidate to represent the people of Rosevears.
www.vote1davidfry.com

Jack Davenport

I have been a member of the Tasmanian Greens since 2017. Prior to this I was a member of the Labor Party, but left due to their policy on offshore detention, refugees, and fossil fuels. Between 2093 & 2010 I was a member of the UK Labour Party, being a local councillor between 2004 & 2010.
I live with my partner Nancy, and our beagle Bella. I have lived in Australia for nearly 10 years. I am Australian on my father’s side. I’ve lived in South Australia, Western Australia and now settled in Tasmania. I work in child safety, currently as a consultant for Child Safety Services. My past positions have included social worker, team leader and senior leadership roles. I have degrees in international studies, social work and international business.
Our key focuses are on; delivering climate action, particularly through protecting old-growth forests; building sustainability by promoting a green recovery and rejecting austerity; safeguarding democracy by minimising the influence of vested interests in politics. Climate change is a global crisis with local consequences. Without a wide ranging strategic approach, incorporating climate action in every facet of government, the negative impact on local people will be immense.  We need long economic planning, creating jobs and opportunities in a sustainable fashion. There is too much short-term thinking by the mainstream. We can not afford to borrow from Peter to pay Paul when it comes to jobs; there is no point creating a job now, only to lose it as climate change and its effects begin to bite. Sustainability is about building jobs that will last, and invest in industries, such as renewables, with a long term future.
I’ve been vocal in my support for the Voluntary Assisted Dying bill, increase in raising the smoking age, and renaming of monuments such as Batman Bridge. I’ve also highlighted my opposition to the Major Project bill and the influence of pokies.
I will be a Climate Champion for Rosevears. When we look at the influence in our politics from vested interests, it underlines why we need the Greens in the Legislative Council. People know our integrity; we can’t be bought, and we won’t sell out.
https://m.facebook.com/JackforRosevears/

Janie Finlay

I have never been a member of any political party. Throughout my time in local government I have demonstrated my ability to have an open mind and assess matters on a case by case basis. I have also been able to demonstrated my ability as an Independent to connect and work with the community and people from all sides of politics.
I studied Furniture Design at the University of Tasmania and operated a successful furniture studio in Sydney until my mum passed away in 1997. I worked for the Beacon Foundation and Ashley Youth Detention Centre. I was elected to the Launceston City Council in Nov 2000, and elected Mayor in Feb 2002. I served as Mayor until November 2005 and stood down as an Alderman in 2007. During my time away from Council I operated two award winning cafes and an award wining commercial real estate business. I have been a director of the TSO and Metro and served former Deputy PM John Anderson on his Regional Women’s Advisory Council. I have served as Chair of the Launceston Tornadoes for seven years. I was re-elected to the City of Launceston in Nov 2014. I am active, adventurous and diligent in everything I do. I am strong and clear and confident.
The single most important issue is keeping the Upper House Independent. A party candidate will always be directed by their party and act as a rubber stamp or a secondary opposition.  Only an Independent can genuinely act in the best interest of the community. I am focused on supporting our businesses and industry, our farmers and their families, our community organisations and our school communities. I work hard to connect across all aspects of our region and am always happy to hear from people I do not know and am always open to learning about their particular needs or concern. I have a strong interest in the River Health Action plan and making sure the projects that have been committed to are delivered. I also have a strong commitment to see our public transport system in Tasmania is radically improved. I am committed to working with and for our community.
I have sound knowledge of the complexities of our community at both an economic and social level. I am focussed on supporting our businesses and industry, our farmers and their families, our community organisations and our school communities. I have a strong interest in the River Health Action plan and making sure the projects that have been committed to are delivered. I also have a strong commitment to see our public transport system radically improved in Tasmania. There is still much that needs to happen for current services to serve the needs of and support our community both socially and economically. I am keen to hear from the community about the condition of our highway, traffic congestion and what your current thoughts are around the additional bridge across the River. That’s a start. I’m about keeping the upper house independent. I’m about strong leadership. I’m about hardwork, skills and experience.
I have never been a member of a party and believe the Upper House must be Independent. The Upper House is the independent house of review, the place to keep the government to account. I have the skills, ability and experience to serve our community.  The LegCo must remain Independent.
www.janiefinlay.com

Jess Greene

Political background: It’s a big step to put your hand up to serve your local community. I nominated for Rosevears as a long time party member, a proud unionist and an advocate for our community. I have also just been elected to serve on West Tamar Council.
About you, personally: I live in Riverside with my husband Nathan who has a fibre-glassing business. We have a 5-year-old son, Archie. I work as a public sector Union Organiser, working each and every day to improve the lives of working people, and protecting the public services we all rely on. There is nothing more important to me than the health and wellbeing of children- that’s why I volunteer my time serving as the President of Laurel House (Sexual Assault Counselling and Support Service), and on the Boards of both Playgroup Tasmania and the Child Health Association of Tasmania.
Your electorate and its key issues? Rosevears is a great place to live. Our region is full of potential, especially in the tourism and agriculture sectors. The health of the Tamar River is of critical concern to me. We must prioritise the upgrading of Launceston’s sewerage treatment plants to improve the health of the Tamar River. Growth in this region has put pressure on sewerage infrastructure and at times of heavy rain raw sewage flows into the river. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on our community. What is clear is that we need both an economic and social recovery package. COVID-19 will have lasting impacts on people’s mental health, particularly our young people who require targeted support. Many of our local support services have seen an increase in demand, particularly those seeking support for homelessness and to escape family violence. We must adequately resource these services and support those who need it.
In the LegCo: I support the Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill as drafted. There has been widespread community consultation on the legislation and I’ve taken the time to listen to the community and medical professionals to form my view. On issues as important as this, sitting on the fence is not an option. I’ll always be upfront with you about where I stand. I care deeply about our community and I’m passionate about our region. I will do everything I can to hold this Government to account.
Why you, why now? Over 20,000 Tasmanians have lost their jobs since March. Tasmania is a state where everyone should be able to get a job. This is what I strive for every day as a unionist. I would like to work for the people of Rosevears to achieve this.
Your website or preferred page: https://www.facebook.com/jessgreeneforRosevears/?ref=br_rs

Vivienne Gale

Political background: I am independent. I am an independent thinker. Over my life I have reviewed various parties and philosophies, however I believe that every view is valuable. Every voice is valid and should be heard. I believe that it is a fundamental freedom that everyone can present a view. This is what Independence stands for, allowing all to access Parliament through their elected representatives. Party politics is just rubber-stamping of the views of one section of the community.
About you, personally: I am the only candidate with high level legislative and business skills. I have a lot to offer the people of Rosevears and the Legislative Council. Currently there is no lawyer in the Upper House. My legislative knowledge and legal perspective would help produce better Bills and make a difference in the Legislative Council. This would be a unique advantage for the Rosevears electorate. I have just completed my Master of Laws, and hold a Bachelor of Laws (Hons), a MBA and a GradDip Psychology, as well as governance and mediation qualifications. GAICD. My husband and I have been married for 34 years. We have two adult sons. One completed a Bachelor of Applied Science – Marine Engineering at Australian Maritime College UTAS, and is also a Master 4. The other son completed a Bachelor of Business focussing on economic modelling and statistics. He is currently an Actuarial Analyst.
Your electorate and its key issues? I am committed to being an advocate for community. The key issues that they have identified are: • End-of-life choices legislation. • Liveability issues: such as safety on the West Tamar Highway, Bus services, and the effective management of the Tamar Estuary. • Economic Growth: Tourism and small business. • Improving Education and Health services.
In the LegCo: The role of an MLC is to review legislation, research, canvass the views of the electorate and then to informatively debate the legislation and then either support, suggest amendments, or not support the legislation. After canvassing the views of the electorate I have the following positions: • I am in favour of Mike Gaffney’s End-of-Life Choices (VAD) Bill. People with serious, incurable and irreversible medical conditions should have the right to choose. • I am in favour of Ivan Dean’s Public Health Amendment (Prevention of sale of smoking products to underage persons) Bill. The bill is exclusively for the protection of our youth. It does not encroach on the rights of current smokers. • Major Projects Legislation: This Bill seeks to improve and replace the current process. I would be generally in favour of the Bill, however amendments maybe necessary for transparency and community safe guards.
Why you, why now? This is an exciting opportunity to use my business, legal and governance talents. Having a keen interest in legislation, governance and administrative review, I can skilfully read Bills, identifying and understanding the consequences hidden within. My skills, knowledge and abilities and would be advantage for Rosevears in the Legislative Council.
Your website or preferred page: Viviennegale.com

Jo Palmer – submission not received

Electoral Commission information: Liberal Party, Journalist, West Launceston.