David O’Byrne Cuts Labor Ties, Will Stand as Independent

Media release – David O’Byrne MP, Member for Franklin, 4 February 2024

Statement from David O’Byrne

Today, I am announcing that I will be standing at the next state election as an independent candidate.

I will run as an independent because the State Liberal Government is failing Tasmania and failing those who rely on core government services such as health, housing, education and public transport.

I believe I can play a role in the next parliament to not only raise the important issues, but also create positive change.

I have, in effect, been operating as an independent in the Parliament for the last few years. I believe that in an expanded Parliament, and a likely hung Parliament, I can use my experience and position to fight for the better outcomes our community deserves.

My vision for Tasmania is a state with a strong and vibrant economy, with growing businesses that deliver good jobs, effective government services, happy and healthy people, and greater opportunities for all.

I want to see our state embrace economic opportunities, not squander them. I want to see the next parliament actually deliver the facilities our state needs to set up an AFL and AFLW team for success, finally realising the dream that so many of us have held for so long.

My political future is now in the hands of the people of Franklin.

Today I have also written to the Tasmanian Branch of the ALP and resigned my membership of the Australian Labor Party.

I still believe in the traditional Labor values of looking after people and making decisions that provide better futures and greater opportunities for everyone in our community.

Finally, I’d like to thank the Party and the labour movement for their support and friendship over the last 30 years.

I am really excited about the future. I look forward to continuing my work and gaining the support and trust of the people of Franklin as an independent.

Media release – Dean Young, Liberal Member for Franklin, 4 February 2024

O’Byrne decision confirms White’s failure

David O’Byrne’s decision to tear up his Labor Party membership after 30 years and run as an independent is a shameful day in the history of the Labor party.

Whatever you think about David O Byrne, he and his family have a long and proud tradition with the Labor Party and it is shameful he has been forced out by Ms White.

Everyone knows that Ms White forcing Mr O’Byrne out is about only one thing and one thing only: Ms White trying to protect her beleaguered leadership.

Ms White’s Caucus colleagues are losing confidence in her, keeping information away from her and conducting fundraisers without her – and even the Prime Minister kept her at a distance on his last visit.

Tasmanian Labor is still hopelessly divided, relentlessly negative, and still administered from Labor overlords in Canberra.

Tasmanian Labor can’t govern their own party, how could they possibly govern Tasmania.