Media release – Rebecca White MP, Labor Member for Lyons, 12 February 2025

Statement from Rebecca White

I want to thank the people of Lyons for the trust they have placed in me to represent them in the Tasmanian Parliament and extend my heartfelt thanks to all those who have contributed to the work we have done to strengthen our community over that time.

I am proud of the infrastructure improvements I have helped to deliver across the electorate, including irrigation projects, school upgrades, regional hospital upgrades, new child and family centres and road improvements but I am most proud of the way my office has been able to assist thousands of people and help to make their lives a little easier.

However, the time has come for me to step aside and focus my energy on the upcoming Federal election campaign, where I hope to continue my service to our community of Lyons in the Australian Parliament.

Today I have written to the Governor to inform her that I will be resigning from the Tasmanian Parliament, effective from today. It has been the honour of my life to represent Lyons in the Tasmanian Parliament and I hope that I have done my community proud.

The timing of my announcement allows the Tasmanian Electoral Commission the opportunity to conduct a re-count for the seat and enable the new Member for Lyons to join the Tasmanian Parliament for the first sitting week in March. I wish Dean Winter and the Labor team every success as we move closer to a change of government in this state.

It is with great excitement that I now dedicate myself to the task of winning the support of my community to represent them in the Federal Parliament. I look forward to the important work ahead as we build Tasmania’s future with the re-election of a Labor government and prevent Peter Dutton and his cuts to Medicare and mainland nuclear power prices from leaving Tasmanians worse off.

Media release – Dean Winter MP, Labor Leader, 12 February 2025

Statement from Dean Winter

Rebecca White’s contribution to Tasmanian state politics and the labour movement over the last 15 years has been enormous.

Even before she was elected, Rebecca showcased her tenacity and commitment to her community in Lyons, setting the tone for her time as a State Member defined by hard work and persistence.

In her valedictory speech, Rebecca said that she owes the Labor Party a lot. But the Tasmanian Labor Party owes Rebecca a lot more.

When we needed her, Rebecca stepped up to lead the Tasmanian Labor Party through an incredibly difficult time and set us up for success.

The qualities that made Rebecca exceptionally effective in State Parliament will continue to serve her community as she officially starts her campaign for the federal seat of Lyons. We will miss her, but our loss is Prime Minister Albanese’s gain.

Following Rebecca’s resignation, I have asked Ella Haddad to re-take the role of Shadow Attorney General and Shadow Minister for Justice. Ella will continue in her other roles except for Community Services, which will be taken on by Meg Brown MP.

Quotes attributable to Duncan Kerr AO, SC, Former Labor Member for Denison, Attorney General and Minister for Justice, and Justice of the Federal Court of Australia

“Rebecca White worked with me when I was in the Federal Parliament. Rebecca thrived on helping constituents. Her smile and warm manner is coupled with a down to earth manner that made light of the hardest challenges.

I was immensely proud of Rebecca when she became a member of the Tasmanian House of Assembly. She then rose to leadership in the most challenging of times.

Those tough experiences have given Rebecca White the courage and confidence to contest the federal seat of Lyons.

Rebecca is still the same kind and caring person she was when we worked together, but since then she has demonstrated a toughness needed for leadership. If Rebecca White is elected, she comes ready to serve in a Labor cabinet as a strong voice for our state and her community.”

Quotes attributable to Michael Polley AM, Former State Labor Member for Lyons, and Speaker of the House

“In 60 years of involvement in state politics, I consider Rebecca White to be one of the most outstanding members ever elected to the House of Assembly – in the same league as Jim Bacon and the late Eric Reece. Always prepared to do what is right, not just what is politically popular.”

Quotes attributable to Michael Aird AM, Former State Labor Member for Franklin/Derwent

“Rebecca is extremely intelligent and capable. She has great compassion and is a tireless worker for her community. The people of Lyons could not ask for a better representative in the Federal Parliament.”

Media release – Tasmanian Electoral Commission, 12 February 2025

Recount to fill Lyons vacancy

Her Excellency the Governor has advised the Electoral Commissioner that Ms Rebecca White MP has resigned as a Member of the House of Assembly for the division of Lyons.

A recount will be conducted, in accordance with the Electoral Act 2004, to fill this vacancy.

A public notice will appear in the three daily newspapers on Saturday 15 February 2025, inviting all Lyons candidates who were not elected at the 2024 State election to nominate to contest the recount. The Electoral Commissioner will also write to these candidates.

Nominations must be received by 12 noon on Monday 3 March 2025. The recount will commence shortly after this time. Depending on the number of candidates contesting the recount, a final result is expected in the days to follow. Progressive results will be published on the TEC website.