Media release – Local Network, 27 October 2023

Well known Transgender rights advocate, Martine Delaney, to announce her run for the state seat of Franklin

Martine Delaney will today announce her intention to run for the seat of Franklin at the next state election.

All quotes attributable to Martine Delaney:

“The return of the House of Assembly to 35 seats can be a turning point, a huge moment, in the state’s history.”

“It is unlikely Tasmanians will vote for more of the same old, same old – the occasional swap of the baton between Liberal and Labor, it’s failed all of us. I believe there’ll be a big vote for independent candidates who represent their electorate – not their party. “

“With the election of more independents into our state parliament, all MPs will have to act like adults and work cooperatively and transparently for the benefit of all Tasmanians.”

“Next election, our votes offer us the chance to put an end to governing in the interest of donors, cronies and factions. An end to governing by creating divisions in communities. A beginning to governing in the interests of all Tasmania.”

“If elected I will advocate for:

  • Tighter donations laws, so we are not the least regulated state in the country when it comes to donations;
  • Greater transparency; an example – it doesn’t matter whether you’re for or against the stadium, we – Tasmania – shouldn’t still be wondering how five-plus years of community consultation and planning suddenly turns into, “We’re building an AFL stadium there.” How does that happen in this day? We deserve much better from an elected government.
  • I’ve a number of issues I believe are important for lutruwita/Tasmania, but I believe we can’t sort any of these until Parliament begins doing Parliament way better and more equitably. This is the important first step.”

“Because I’m trans, me getting elected is about more than me. It will send an incredibly strong message – to the rest of the country, and all trans and gender-diverse people – that the people of Franklin are inclusive, and trans and gender-diverse people are truly valued.”

“I’m independent, so any voter wanting to know where I stand on an issue can contact me and I’ll tell them – I don’t need to check with any party official or member before I open my mouth.”

“Independents aren’t going to govern, but they can ensure better government.”

Martine is running as an independent with the support of the Local Network – a network, registered in Tasmania to help progressive independents get elected.

Martine’s Bio 

Over the past twenty years, Martine’s experienced life as an LGBTIQA+ advocate, manager of an internationally successful Aboriginal singer-songwriter, a stand-up comic, being briefly dead, a ghost tour guide, a book in a Human Library and a federal election candidate. All while, with her partner, raising a child left in their care sixteen years ago.

Prior to her current screen industry career, Martine’s working life had largely centred on community development and social justice in child protection, youth justice and – for some thirteen years – within the Tasmanian Aboriginal community. Since 2003, she’s been a very active advocate and lobbyist for LGBTIQA+ rights – playing a significant role in the founding of the major marriage equality organisation, Australian Marriage Equality, a successful campaign for passport reforms affecting trans and gender-diverse Australians (nationally) and leading a successful 15-year campaign for Tasmania’s world-leading birth certificate law reforms.

In 2016, frustrated by a lack of employers wanting an outspoken transgender employee, Martine tried writing a feature film. It was optioned but is currently in hibernation. However, it led to her inclusion in Screen Australia’s inaugural Develop the Developers initiative and, later, to work with Hobart’s Roar Film on a range of documentary, educational and drama projects. She’s since created, written and co-produced a documentary on SBS and written for an Emmy-nominated TV series.

As a result of her work for change, in many different areas, Martine has received the following recognition –

  • The only transgender woman, to date, included on the Tasmanian government’s Honour Roll of Women;
  • Her image appears in a gallery of “Movers, Shakers and Troublemaker Women” at the recently refurbished Cascades Female Factory;
  • The first person in the world to have played both men’s and women’s Div. 1 football;
    and
  • At the 2018 Commonwealth Games, she was one of a handful of sportspeople featured in the Australian LGBTIQA+ Hall of Fame exhibition.

In addition, Martine was recently quite flattered to discover she now has a Wikipedia entry!