Rebecca White MP, Tasmanian Labor Leader, 17 February 2024
Tasmania’s Australian of the Year for 2023 John Kamara stands for Labor
Tasmania’s Australian of the Year for 2023 John Kamara will stand as a Labor candidate for the seat of Clark at the state election.
John is an outstanding Tasmanian, humanitarian and advocate for migrants, refugees and culturally diverse communities, and I am delighted to welcome him to the Labor team.
John started his life in Tasmania in 2004, after escaping war-torn Sierra Leone 19 years ago, and since then has committed his life to helping others.
John sits on multiple boards and is involved in many community groups, using his position to highlight systemic disadvantages for migrants such as racism, labour exploitation and the lack of recognition of overseas qualifications.
John co-founded the Culturally Diverse Alliance of Tasmania to support education and promote social cohesion, as well as the first ever African Communities Council of Tasmania, which aims to cement relationships among African Australians and the wider community.
John and his wife, Mavis, have also since established Kamara’s Heart Foundation, a charity to assist children in Sierra Leone.
With the number of Tasmanians born overseas increasing by more than 50 per cent over the past 20 years, John is exactly the type of person we need in Parliament.
The growth of our cultural diversity should be reflected in the Parliament that represents Tasmanians, and John would be a fantastic addition.
I am excited to welcome John to the Labor team and look forward to campaigning with him in the seat of Clark.
Quotes attributable to John Kamara:
“As the 2023 Tasmania Australian of Year, and travelling around the state and having conversations with many Tasmanians I have seen firsthand the level of need that is in our communities.”
“Labor is the party that looks after people and communities first, and I am proud to be part of the team who will take real action on health, housing and cost of living for all Tasmanians.”
Editor’s note: the other Labor candidates for Clark are Ella Haddad (sitting MHA), Josh Willie (currently MLC for Elwick, thus attempting a move to the House of Assembly), Rebecca Prince, Simon Davis, Stuart Benson, Susan Wallace.
It is probably also worth noting that John Kamara organised a candidates’ forum for the multicultural community during the last election campaign in 2021.
