Independent and minor party candidates can fly a little ‘under-the-radar’. We chose one from each electorate and asked them some questions so we can find out a bit more about them. Their answers are reproduced ‘as is’ with no editing.
Bass – Jack Davenport, independent
We’re a few weeks into the campaign, how’s it been going? What sort of campaigning have you been doing?
This campaign has been energetic, and consistently fulfilling. Having little time to prepare and a shoestring operation has been oddly liberating. It’s pushed us to good old-fashioned voter outreach: getting out to community and speaking to people on the doorstep. We’ve got the word out about integrity, improving child safety, and delivering on housing rights and healthcare access, and people have warmed to that message.
What are the best and worst things about campaigning?
Best thing – meeting people, having genuine conversations about the issues that matter to them.
Worst thing – it would be good to get more state focus on environmental and climate action. On the doorstep people are concerned about these issues, but the larger parties are keen to avoid.
What feedback are you getting from voters? How would you describe the ‘mood’?
People are really interested in hearing about an independent, so there’s a natural curiosity when I speak to people. Our campaign messages resonate, and nobody has a good word to say about the stadium. People at the doorstep really appreciate seeing a candidate face to face, and that’s been a big factor in positive conversations and persuading them to make the change to an independent.
What do you think about the campaigns of the two bigggest parties – Liberal and Labor – so far? What are the best and worst ideas?
Banal. Avoidant. Unaccountable. It’s the same old same old. Maybe there’s some good spending commitments out there, but the lack of wider strategy and vision is now the norm. We can do much better than this.
If it came to the crunch, which of those parties would you be most likely to support to form government? Who would be your preferred
Premier? (can be other than Rockliff or White)
I made it clear from the outset that I won’t support any future government unless they give an ironclad commitment to closing Ashley Children’s Prison early, the answer to first question is their power. My preferred premier is one that acknowledges the diversity of a likely thing parliament, and embraces the positive opportunity it brings rather than bemoans the decision of the voters.
What’s your most important policy position? How would it benefit Tasmania?
In honesty, reform of child safety and to close Ashley. when we look at the failure of state agencies and government bodies, we see how improving child safety feeds into improving integrity and accountability. These things are connected. As a long term vision, delivering a state where every child and family is supported, and agency priority is to their wellbeing rather than treating people as commodities, is the benefit. It builds for the future.
What was your strongest motivation for standing as a candidate? What have you learned about yourself as a person by standing as a
candidate?
Back in June 2022 I gave testimony to the Commission of Inquiry. From there I can trace a path to standing as an independent. The opportunity to offer a clear and uninhibited voice on improving integrity, keeping children safe and delivering on housing rights and health access has been very motivating. I realise how much I value this chance as an independent to speak out on the issues that matter, and how much I want to make this work for everyone in Tasmania.
Here’s your free swing: why should voters vote for you?
This is the community’s chance to make the change they want to see in the Tasmanian Parliament, to deliver accountability and to build a safer future for children. I bring a wealth of experience as a social worker, policy advisor, a husband and a father. I will bridge the gap between Parliament in Hobart, and community in Bass, working with all people across the division delivering the independent voice for your interests and wellbeing.
Braddon – Andrea Courtney, independent
We’re a few weeks into the campaign, how’s it been going? What sort of campaigning have you been doing?
Being a working mum, I have to stick to the budget I can afford, which is nothing. That’s the reality. I’ve been very fortunate, that there are community members who are helping get out there who I am and what I stand for. I have a very basic Facebook page. who shows people who I am and what I stand for. Hopefully, the small town word of mouth campaign style will work.
What are the best and worst things about campaigning?
I am enjoying the knowledge sharing that’s happening right now. We had a community candidates forum in Wynyard last week, and it was good to hear from the other candidates, to see what common ground there is. It was good to see transparency and accountability were a common priority. Just to listen to the community questions, understand what’s important to them as well. Being informed on current concerns, by really informed community members. It’s just been a really educational experience right now.
The negative, is that I’m hearing a lot of the personal journeys of the public under the government.
What feedback are you getting from voters? How would you describe the ‘mood’?
I hear a lot of Advocate fatigue. People are in real cost of living stress. But the community are also much more aware of what’s going on politically, because of the constant flow of crisis in so many port folios.
Far too many people have expressed the same frustration. They aren’t being heard, and there’s nowhere else to go. There’s a real insight into the lack of accountability from our representatives, and how that impacts the service provision capacity of the public departments. The community are becoming more aware that they hold them accountable, with their votes and preferences.
What do you think about the campaigns of the two biggest parties – Liberal and Labor – so far? What are the best and worst ideas?
I’m always disheartened and disgusted by the anti-Labor / Green ads that come out each year from the Liberal Party. It should be about policies. Not political point scoring. I understand the pubic becoming apathetic, when there’s no real positivity in governing in the public interests anymore. I loathe the sledging the opponent approach. It’s such a puerile approach. Gives the public no light on the hill to look for in our representatives.
The worst ideas today are a toss up between a chocolate fountain, and a dodgy Lambie website, reportedly linked to one of the opposition parties.
If it came to the crunch, which of those parties would you be most likely to support to form government? Who would be your preferred premier? (can be other than Rockliff or White)
I’ll work with anyone. We just need to ensure integrity, and genuinely work towards transparency and accountability in our public departments. These are essential key ingredients in good governance and healthy democracies.
If it came down to the 2 party preferred. I would need to see some real change from Mr Rockliff. We’d have to start with a really tough conversation on the failings I’ve seen in the systems. Particularly so, in the health system.
No matter how it goes. It’s paramount that the communities interests be put above party interests, individual interests or corporate interests. Communities first.
What’s your most important policy position? How would it benefit Tasmania?
I’ll be blunt on this one. It’s public money. We deserve to know what’s going on. Even if it brings the government into disrepute. We have to stop persecuting whistleblowers, when it’s their own behaviour bringing them into disrepute,
Self regulation in identifying breaches, and assessing if it’s a public interest disclosure is an abysmal failure. How many inquiries do we need to fund ? How many legal proceedings do we need to have, before we realise it saves money to fix the problems it costs money to cover breaches up or ignore them. Whistleblower protections need to genuinely work.
What was your strongest motivation for standing as a candidate? What have you learned about yourself as a person by standing as a candidate?
I’ve seen the systemic failures first hand. There has to be a massive shift back to transparency and accountability. I don’t want anyone else, to be through what i’ve been through. The culture needs to change. There’s ample evidence, that won’t happen without intervention.
Tasmania is 750% more likely to reject FOI’s. Our legislations are failing to be adhered to. Our government have failed to deliver a state of the environment report for 15 years. What I’ve learnt about myself, is how determined I am to help fix the issues. What I’m willing to put on the line for my communities interests.
Here’s your free swing: why should voters vote for you?
I will speak up for others. I havn’t been part of the problem, however I am willing to be part of the solution.
People should vote for me, because I can’t be bought, bribed, bullied or influenced in any way. And my foundational personality traits are a true belief in justice. in fairness.
I don’t have the reputation of a party to protect. I don’t have donors to appease. I’m a fiercely independent candidate for stronger whistleblower protections, so the systemic issues can be identified, and fixed. That will save the public millions, which we can reinvest in community funding.
Clark – Casey Davies, Animal Justice Party
We’re a few weeks into the campaign, how’s it been going? What sort of campaigning have you been doing?
It’s been going well so far. we’ve put a few thousand flyers in letterboxes, been putting out media releases, putting ads out on social media, and recently starting some radio ads as well. I recently signed the native forest pledge and attended the fish farms out now flotilla event. There will still be plenty more to do before the election period is over.
What are the best and worst things about campaigning?
The best thing by far is all the wonderful people I get the chance to meet and chat to. Hearing a variety of perspectives and opinions is always refreshing as well as just getting to know more people. I’ve really enjoyed learning more about what campaigning involves and more of what the Animal Justice Party’s specific policies and position statements are. The worst part is mostly the lack of time I have to attend events since I work full time.
What feedback are you getting from voters? How would you describe the ‘mood’?
So far the feedback I’ve gotten in person is almost all positive. People are happy with our policies and the level of commitment we have for the animals. Online is a bit different. we have a wide variety of commenters on our social media posts that range from praise for the work we’re doing to hatred towards our entire party. That sums up social media though, very divided, and I’d say that the ‘mood’ from in person encounters is a very positive one.
What do you think about the campaigns of the two bigggest parties – Liberal and Labor – so far? What are the best and worst ideas?
The worst thing I have seen by far is that both major parties are in support of continuing and strengthening the racing industry, something that the Animal Justice Party would like to see phased out as soon as possible. As for the best ideas, I think its great that Labor has taken on board the idea of allowing companion animals in rentals, a policy that the Animal Justice Party has in place. Unfortunately, I can’t find a whole lot of positive in the Liberal campaign.
If it came to the crunch, which of those parties would you be most likely to support to form government? Who would be your preferred
premier? (can be other than Rockliff or White)
As indicated in my above answer, I would prefer a Labor government over Liberal, though that may only be marginally better overall. We need the smaller parties and independents to rise up and have more say in parliament if we want to see any positive change, especially when it comes to the environment, ecosystems, and non-human animals.
What’s your most important policy position? How would it benefit Tasmania?
Our most important policy position in this campaign is our policy to reduce roadkill on Tasmanian roads. We have heard from both residents and tourists that the amount of roadkill here is saddening and disgusting, and we need to do something about it. By reducing the amount of roadkill, Tasmanian roads will be less covered in carcasses, potentially more attractive tourists, and Tasmanian wildlife will be able to flourish and thrive more freely.
What was your strongest motivation for standing as a candidate? What have you learned about yourself as a person by standing as a
candidate?
Having seen the positions that current members of parliament have on issues that are important to me, I realised that there would be no change unless we could get someone from the Animal Justice Party elected. We need someone who can actively put forward bills and motions that benefit the animals since they can’t speak for themselves, and I would be happy to be that person. I have mostly learned that I’m not as confident in public speaking as I though I was, but that’s something I need to keep practising as and continue to better myself.
Here’s your free swing: why should voters vote for you?
Firstly, it’s important to note that a vote for a smaller party or independent is never a wasted vote – it sends a message to the major parties of what your priorities are, and then your vote will flow onto them. Secondly, we as a party will always uphold our core values of kindness, equality, rationality, and non-violence. Lastly, a vote for me is a vote for animals, and the Animal Justice Party pursues a better world for all animals.
Franklin – Tony Mulder, independent (no photo supplied)
We’re a few weeks into the campaign, how’s it been going? What sort of campaigning have you been doing?
Mostly door to door and signage
What are the best and worst things about campaigning?
Best, meeting people hearing their concerns, most are polite even if we disagree.
Worst – obnoxious angry people who hate everything and everyone, regardless of who you are.
What feedback are you getting from voters? How would you describe the ‘mood’?
Tired of vacuous promises, the only difference seems to be the talent to govern. Annoyed by internal faction fighting, oppositional politics and power games with loss of talent on both sides.
What do you think about the campaigns of the two bigggest parties – Liberal and Labor – so far? What are the best and worst ideas?
Tweedledee and tweedle-dum. Time for some hard decisions on public transport and social housing. Attractive as Labor’s deposit idea is, the history of stimulating demand during a supply crisis only pumps up the price. Need government owned and built social housing.
If it came to the crunch, which of those parties would you be most likely to support to form government? Who would be your preferred
Premier? (can be other than Rockliff or White)
Depends on a combination of voter support, policies and talent to deliver.
What’s your most important policy position? How would it benefit Tasmania?
Housing is a human right. Return to post war housing boom where 27% of houses were built and owned by the government and reted out based on income, not what the market can bear.
What was your strongest motivation for standing as a candidate? What have you learned about yourself as a person by standing as a
candidate?
Long standing experience in senior government roles, parliament and local government. I am always impressed by the ideas that come from ordinary people, rather than experts and advisors.
Here’s your free swing: why should voters vote for you?
Minority government requires a cross bench of stable, experienced and sensible members with a proven record of negotiating compromises, not radicals who destabilise government and hold it to ransom over a pet idea
Lyons – Tabatha Badger, Greens
The candidate provided neither answers nor photo.
