Media release – Jane Howlett MLC, 25 February 2022
Statement from the Hon. Jane Howlett MLC
Yesterday afternoon, I spoke to the Premier and tendered my resignation from the Cabinet.
This was an incredibly difficult decision to make, but the correct one for my family and myself, following the loss of my dear brother last week.
I am proud of my record as Minister and I would like to thank the Premier for the opportunity to serve in his Cabinet, and to my colleagues, staff, stakeholders and the Liberal Party – I thank them for their friendship and encouragement.
Above all, I would like to thank my family for their support. This has been a very challenging time and now it is time for me to return that support to them.
Being a Minister is an incredible honour and privilege which deserves and requires a 100 per cent commitment which I simply cannot provide at this time.
I intend to remain in Parliament serving the people of the electorate of Prosser as a backbench member of the Gutwein Liberal Government.
Media release – Peter Gutwein, Premier, 25 February 2022
Statement on Jane Howlett MLC
Today I can confirm Jane Howlett MLC has resigned as a Minister, for personal and family reasons, following the very sad loss of her brother just last week.
This has been a very difficult decision for Jane, and she has my wholehearted support during this challenging time.
Jane has been a valued member of my Cabinet for just over two years, and she has achieved great outcomes for her stakeholders and the broader Tasmanian community during this time.
Jane strongly advocated for small business during the COVID-19 pandemic, and under her leadership of that portfolio, this Government provided nation leading support and stimulus programs.
During Jane’s time as Minister for Sport and Recreation, Tasmania has seen more elite sporting content than ever before, including hosting a record 14 AFL games, including two historic Elimination Finals last year, and making significant progress towards a Tasmanian AFL licence, and seeing the Tasmanian Jack Jumpers commence in the NBL.
As Minister for Women, Jane focused on addressing the barriers that prevent women from entering traditionally male-dominated fields of work, including her work towards a Women in Building and Construction Strategy, and Girls in Property Pilot Program.
Jane was also highly regarded and achieved a lot in the racing portfolio, including regular stakes increases, and the formation of the Next Generation Racing Committee.
Jane will be taking a two week break from work, before returning to continue in her role as Member for Prosser in the Legislative Council.
Having accepted Jane’s resignation, I have been sworn into her portfolios in the interim (Small Business; Hospitality and Events; Disability Services; Women; and Racing), and I will be announcing a new Minister in coming days.
I want to thank Jane sincerely for all that she has achieved, and I know that she will continue to serve the Tasmanian community with her high level of commitment and passion.
Congratulations to Lara Alexander
Congratulations to Lara Alexander on successfully contesting the recount to represent the electorate of Bass, following the resignation of Sarah Courtney earlier this month.
Lara is a passionate advocate for the region and is well known for her tireless work supporting our most vulnerable, having served as CEO of the St Vincent de Paul Society in Tasmania since 2018.
Lara will be a fantastic addition to the Liberal team and I know she will hit the ground running and be a strong advocate for the Bass electorate.
I look forward to working with her as part of our majority Liberal Government as we deliver the strong plan we took to the election to secure Tasmania’s future.
Media release – Tasmanian Electoral Commission, 25 February 2022
Bass Recount completed
The recount to fill the vacancy in the House of Assembly created by the resignation of Ms Sarah Courtney MP has been completed.
Lara Alexander has been elected as a member of the House of Assembly for the division of Bass until the next general election.An abstract of the count can be found on our website.
Statement on website – Tasmanian Liberals, 25 February 2022
Lara Alexander is your member-elect for Bass
Lara served as the Chief Executive Officer of St Vincent de Paul Society in Tasmania. Through this role, Ms Alexander was involved in extensive community engagement with several organisations around the state. She is a certified accountant with CPA Australia, and has previously completed an Bachelor Degree in Economic Studies with Honours. Ms Alexander previously held the role of General Manager of Presbyterian Care Tasmania for 8 years before becoming CEO of St Vincent de Paul Society in 2018. She has also been involved in several charity and community organisations, including the South Launceston Rotary Club.
