Media release – Dr Charlie Burton, 8 December 2023
Community advocate Dr Charlie Burton determined to keep Hobart independent
Community advocate and not-for-profit leader Dr Charlie Burton has announced he is standing as an independent candidate for the Legislative Council seat of Hobart in May 2024.
As the independent Member for Hobart Dr Charlie Burton will advance solutions that address the real needs of Tasmanians – such as ensuring everyone has a safe and affordable roof over their head, enough food on the table and access to affordable and timely healthcare.
“I was raised in a family that believed we all have a responsibility to make the world a fairer place for everyone,” said Dr Burton.
“I’ve committed myself to this for the last 30 years through research, policy development and advocacy, and I will continue advocating for the real needs of all Tasmanians as the independent Member for Hobart in the Legislative Council.
“I’m excited by the challenge and opportunity to bring my values and experience to the Legislative Council to ensure our kids inherit a Tasmania that boasts a thriving ecology and economy and a rich social and cultural life.”
Major parties currently dominate the Legislative Council, despite its historical record of being the house of independents, and Dr Burton is concerned by the political parties manoeuvring to contest the seat of respected independent Member for Hobart, Hon Rob Valentine MLC, who is retiring.
“The independence of the Legislative Council must be restored and I am determined to keep the party politics out and ensure the interests of the electorate of Hobart continue to be represented by an independent.
“Strong independents are crucial in the upper house because they make decisions based on their publicly-stated values and the public interest, not according to party ideology or the interests of wealthy donors seeking political influence. It also means they work more collaboratively with all members of the Parliament for the public interest – something rarely seen between political parties,” said Dr Burton.
Dr Burton is a respected researcher, policy advisor and advocate on social issues, including in the federal and Tasmanian parliaments. He has also been a small business owner and board director in the arts, education and LGBTIQA+ communities.
