Statement (via Facebook) – Dean Ewington, 31 March 2021
Withdrawal of candidacy for Franklin
The major reason I agreed to stand for parliament after being encouraged to do so by the Premier last week, was the ability to have some input into the development of an innovative preventative health agenda that would help reduce not only the financial, but personal toll that chronic disease has on our state.
This has been made even more important due to the financial impacts of COVID and the impact health has on government budgets, and the fact that chronic disease is the main risk factor in COVID, and many other illnesses that clog our hospitals.
This has been a passion of mine for over 3 decades now and I was genuinely looking forward to doing that, as an extension to the work I have done through Industry and personal advocacy, and more recently in my time on Clarence City Council.
We certainly need to change direction in our preventative health agenda, as what we are doing at present is not working.
My other reason for agreeing to stand was my concern over the poison which is cancel culture and the stifling of free speech by the left of politics and the media. This is a major threat to the exchange of good ideas and development of better public policy.
No none benefits from digging up old comments made years or even weeks ago, often before you even know you are going to stand for higher office. They are mostly taken out of context or judged against standards that don’t apply to the present.
The other negative impact is this creates an environment that makes some people think twice about putting their hand up for public office. That is not a good thing.
While the Premier and I did have a difference of opinion in relation to the effectiveness & appropriateness of lockdowns after a discussion today, I also appreciate that party politics requires unity and I do not want to do anything that might compromise the re-election of a majority Liberal government.
I know that both I & the Premier would have been hounded until I publically committed to support lockdowns, which I would not have been able to do. So in the best interests of the party and myself, it was best that I withdraw.
If the video on my personal page in Melbourne or my alderman’s page re concerns over other aspects of Covid policy had not attracted interest at this time, by those who saw me as a threat, this issue would most likely not have been raised.
My views on a range of issues are well known and I stand by all of them. I also know many in our community hold similar views, which was evident by the support I have received since announcing my candidacy. The offers of financial and other support has been overwhelming and very humbling.
We unfortunately now see a pattern in public debate where the threat of being attacked or called a racist, homophobe, denier or misogynist, stops many from speaking out. But I will always say what I think and stick to the values I live by.
It was absurd for Labor and the Greens to suggest I am an unsuitable candidate because of my views within a day or 2, and shows how low they will go to attack someone who doesn’t follow their narrative on climate change, race or gender relations, or lockdowns, which is not helping the development of good policy, or unity in our society.
The reality about the Facebook lockdown video is that I was in Melbourne 2 weeks ago waiting for my fiancé outside Myer when a rally came past that was mainly calling for the resignation of Dan Andrews and no more lockdowns. Both of which I agree with. But a light hearted video is now used as a political weapon.
The absurdity of this, is that the media & chattering classes don’t care if a Labor or Green politician participates in an extinction rebellion rally that disrupts people’s lives, or attends a black lives matter protest during a pandemic, and in many cases they are hailed a hero, and I’m an unsuitable candidate. Double standards of the left on show once again and an example of the weaponisation of speech.
It’s only ever one side calling for resignations on such flimsy issues. I won’t even get into the ever present unearned moral superiority by those on the left.
In hindsight I don’t need this sort of drama in my life. I’ve got a successful business career, a very fulfilling personal life and I and am more than happy to continue to focus on the work I am doing in the sport and recreation areas at Clarence City Council for the next 18 months.
I support 99% of the Liberal party policies and believe Premier Gutwein has done a great job in many ways and should be re-elected but I would struggle to accept that mass lockdowns are the way to go, which was a sticking point when we talked today
The other consideration is that I am getting married in 8 weeks and I have a few other things on the drawing board. So life is great, and I can now say I gave it a go, for 3 days anyway.
Thanks to all who have reached out to wish mne all the best at the start and since my resignation. Cheers Dean Ewington.
ABC: Tasmanian Liberal candidate who attended anti-lockdown rally resigns
….
In a since-deleted Facebook post, Mr Ewington posted a video from the Worldwide Rally for Freedom in Melbourne on March 20, a protest against coronavirus restrictions whose organisers accused Victorian Premier Dan Andrews of crimes against humanity.
The gym owner was also vocal about the state government’s handling of the pandemic last year, saying Premier Peter Gutwein had done “a reasonable job” but that “no politician, no bureaucrat has the right to treat us like mugs and keep us in the dark as they are at the moment”.
Media release – Tasmanian Liberals, 31 March 2021
James Walker To Join Franklin Liberal Team
Well known Clarence Alderman James Walker was this afternoon endorsed by the State Executive of the Liberal Party to join the Franklin Liberal Team.
James lives in Lindisfarne and is a podiatrist by profession.
He has been an Alderman on Clarence City Council since 2012.
I warmly welcome Mr Walker to our team, joining our existing Franklin Liberal candidates Jacquie Petrusma MP, Nic Street MP, Bec Enders, and Dean Young.
Mr Walker’s addition to the Franklin team follows the withdrawal earlier of Dean Ewington from his candidacy to run in the state election.
I would like to thank Mr Ewington. He is entitled to his personal views and I genuinely wish him all the best in his future endeavours.
About James Walker:
• 45 years old, married to Alison, two children
• Grew up in Lindisfarne, lives in Lindisfarne
• Health Professional – Podiatrist
• Bachelor of Health Science (Podiatry); Grad Cert Health Services Management (UNSW) Masters of Health Administration (UNSW
• Alderman on Clarence City Council since 2012
