We asked all candidates for the upcoming Legislative Council elections to complete a short survey for us. The order on this page – below the electorate subheadings – is random. We encourage voters to read all profiles.
Candidates were invited to tell us about their:
- political background, principles, what shapes their views
- character, life, employment, community services and so on
- electorate and its issues
- approach to the LegCo upcoming themes and their own agenda
- reasons why you should vote for them
You can click on their photo to go to their website (if they provided a link).
The main polling day is Saturday 24 May with pre-poll centres already open. Please see the TEC website for more information on how to vote.
Division of Montgomery
Darren Briggs – Tasmanian Greens
Political background:
I have run as a Green candidate in state, federal and council elections since 2021 in the NW of Tasmania. I have been spurred on by my clear recollection of first learning about deforestation leading to climate change in year 7 Geography class in the 1980’s. With life experience I have also learnt how the fundamentals of life such as housing, health and education along with intergenerational trauma affect our trajectory as both individuals and a community.
So, I’m here now to carry the baton forward to advocate for a healthier, happier, fairer, safer and cleaner future until my children’s generation take over the role. It’s for my kids that I find myself here as a political candidate.
About you, personally:
I’ve lived in Penguin 14 years, raising 2 kids who are now of voting age. The Dial Range and beaches are my special places I love visiting and exploring, bushwalking, mountain bike riding or kayaking. My working career began as a country Vet. Now a doctor, I completed rural GP training with advanced skills in emergency medicine here in our NW hospitals. I currently work for the Tasmanian Health Service, delivering in home care to reduce hospital visits via tele-medicine. As a doctor I spend much time advocating for and counselling on the importance of a healthy lifestyle. Access to natural and wild places is essential to our health. I am passionate about the power of community to bring change for our future.
Your electorate and its key issues?
• Escalating state debt from proposed new Hobart stadium
• Cost of living increases
• Housing supply shortages
• Health care – waiting times
• Environmental threats – native forest logging and fin fish cages in Bass Strait.
• Loss of connection to community, leading to social isolation and worsening health outcomes.
• Lack of childcare and early education.
In the LegCo:
• Protect our state budget opposing a new Hobart Stadium and Liberals’ legislation to override planning assessment. Fully support AFL teams, playing at York Park, centrally located for all Tasmanians.
• Ensure community continues to have a say in development applications by rejecting the proposed DAP bill
• Support early intervention, diversion and reoffending over the Liberals hard on crime stance which emphasis a lock them up approach.
• Invest in hospitals, preventative health care, education and housing.
• Protect native forests from clear-felling.
• Keep fin fish farms out of Bass Strait, ensure the industry moves existing operations onto land improving effluent management, providing oversite of animal welfare and increasing jobs.
• Provide support for home and business energy efficiency, solar panels and batteries. Improving the cost of living and providing greater resilience in our electricity supply system.
Why you, why now?
Living in the electorate I’m easily contactable and in touch with local issues. My working life has always involved consulting with people. I Cherish integrity, persistence and sticking to facts making me well-placed in the state upper house to advocate for community and scrutinize government decisions affecting our region.
I’m offering new ideas and vision after years of one family representing Montgomery. I’ve become increasingly frustrated government are not addressing root causes of inequality. Health care lacks focus on illness prevention. Not building enough social housing. Ignoring environmental health. Corporate capture of government leading to poor community outcomes and massive business profits.
Adrian Pickin – Shooters, Fishers & Farmers Party
Political background:
Whether it’s through grassroots sport, conservation or protecting rural traditions, I’ve always stood for what connects us—our lakes, land and sea. I’m running with the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party to be a strong voice for Montgomery—one that puts local community first
About you, personally: I’m Adrian Pickin. I believe leadership means listening, showing up, and quietly doing the work that makes life fairer, safer, and more sustainable. With over 20 years in business analysis and now serving as a ranger, I know the value of practical solutions grounded in real community needs.
Your electorate and its key issues?
What I offer the electorate of Montgomery:
Support for tenancy reform to cap rent annual hikes and offer longer, fairer leases for renters and landlords alike.
Support a plebiscite on the AFL Macquarie Point stadium — we believe the people should have their say.
We stand for solution-based principles for lake, land and sea — practical policies to protect what matters most.
We’re straight shooters — committed to integrity, honesty and being a candidate you can trust.
Montgomery faces rising housing stress, service gaps and growing distrust in government. People want transparency, fiscal responsibility and evidence based solutions that put locals—not political agendas first
In the LegCo:
What I offer the electorate of Montgomery:
Support for tenancy reform to cap rent annual hikes and offer longer, fairer leases for renters and landlords alike.
Support a plebiscite on the AFL Macquarie Point stadium — we believe the people should have their say.
Support the introduction of general purpose police dogs. Tasmania is the only state which doesn’t have them
Support a ban on the use of 1080 poison
Don’t support privatisation of essential government services
We stand for solution-based principles for lake, land and sea — practical policies to protect what matters most.
We’re straight shooters — committed to integrity, honesty and being a candidate you can trust
Why you, why now?
Whether it’s through grassroots sport, conservation or protecting rural traditions, I’ve always stood for what connects us—our lakes, land and sea. I aim be a strong voice for Montgomery—one that puts local community first.
Gatty Burnett
No information received.
Casey Hiscutt
No information received.
Stephen Parry
No information received.
Division of Nelson
Meg Webb – independent
Political background:
As a staunch independent I am not beholden to party interests or captured by vested interests, and will put the community interests first every time.
I am driven by the values of compassion, integrity, inclusion and transparency, and a vision of a Tasmania in which everyone can thrive in an equitable and sustainable manner, ow and for future generations.
I work hard to demonstrate a more transparent and honest form of politics, that values informed and respectful debate. I walk the talk when it comes to integrity.
I am proud of my reputation as a representative who is not afraid to speak up on issues that matter, and for having the difficult conversations. For me, it is critical that an inclusive community-oriented lens is placed across all government and parliamentary decisions.
About you, personally:
I am a sixth-generation Tasmanian, and a mother, with public policy qualifications. My commitment to working for a better future for our state is grounded in my Tasmanian community sector experience, gained long before being elected to parliament.
I began working at the coalface in community aged care with the Salvation Army, then moved into managing programs and on to a capacity building role with Volunteering Tasmania.
Completing a post-graduate public policy qualification, I then focused on policy and research at TasCOSS, becoming the Deputy CEO. From 2015, I was manager of Anglicare Tasmania’s Social Action and Research Centre (SARC).
Advocating for change, for social justice and for a better future for our state has never been just a job for me. I’ve lived my values and my passion every day across all my former roles, and currently as an elected representative striving to deliver real change for my community.
Your electorate and its key issues?
There are a diverse range of matters important to the Nelson community which spans areas of Sandy Bay and Taroona, Mount Nelson, Kingston and into Blackmans Bay.
There is a palpable demand for greater integrity and transparency in our democracy. Wherever I am talking with people, a common theme is recognition that the Legislative Council plays a crucial role as an independent House of Review and to hold the government to account.
People also want to see real action on climate change, our local waterways reclaimed from fish farms, and accessible and affordable housing, health and education services.
People are also demanding to have their voices heard on local issues such as the fate of the UTAS Upper Sandy Bay campus and its teaching priorities, and improved public transport options, including an appropriate expanded ferry network.
Protecting our planning system, local council involvement and community appeal rights is also critical.
In the LegCo:
The Upper House has a critical role to play across a range of upcoming issues. I will continue to champion protection of the UTAS Sandy Bay Campus, and I will not support the government’s amendment to allow for the rezoning and sale of the upper campus.
We should not be dictated to by either the Premier or the AFL. I support the Tassie team, but I hear the many community voices raising legitimate concerns and I do not support the wrongly located, and unaffordable AFL-demanded Macquarie Point stadium.
I voted against the controversial DAPs Bill last year, and hold serious concerns about the government’s latest attempt to gut our planning system.
I will continue campaigning for real pokies reform; to strengthen our political donations reforms, as well as making our whistleblower and privacy protection laws worthy of the name.
It is also high time for a Tasmanian Human Rights Act.
Why You, Why Now?
I was first elected on the promise of integrity, and I have a strong track record of delivering on that promise and of holding the government to account.
I intend to continue striving for a Tasmania where we all can live, work and thrive, in a healthy and connected community; a beautiful and valued natural environment; underpinned by a strong sustainable economy.
My priorities and decisions on matters raised in parliament and within the electorate, are informed by working closely with community members, local advocates and independent experts to develop an evidence-based approach by which to champion the Nelson community’s interests.
I look forward to continuing my range of sponsorships and support of local community clubs and organisations.
I also ensure I’m accountable to the Nelson community by placing my parliamentary, media and electorate work on my website, and reporting back to the community via a monthly e-newsletter.
Nathan Volf
No information received.
Marcus Vermey
No information received.
Division of Pembroke
Steve Loring – Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party
Political background:
Active Political Engagement
– Several years of dedicated involvement in politics as an engaged member of a political party.
– Committed to grassroots organizing, policy development, and advocating for community-driven solutions.
Formative Experiences & Political Development
– Early career as a welfare worker, where I developed a strong commitment to social justice, equity, and community support.
– Further refined my political perspectives during university studies, engaging with policy, governance, and advocacy.
Motivation for Public Service
– A lifelong desire to serve my community and state in an elected capacity, driven by the belief that leadership should prioritize people over politics.
Core Beliefs
– Politics should be about fairness, opportunity, and representation for all.
– Strong advocacy for social justice, accessible public services, and accountable governance.
– Dedicated to building a Tasmania that works for everyone, not just the powerful.
About you, personally: I’m a driven Tasmanian with a passion for learning and community. After growing up in Hobart, I spent 16 years on the mainland, where I ran a mechanic business, trained workers on the INPEX Gas Project, and supported remote Aboriginal communities as a Development Manager. Returning home, I worked in real estate while studying via distance education—proving my belief in lifelong learning.
Now, I volunteer with two organizations, witnessing firsthand the struggles of housing affordability and cost-of-living pressures. To stay balanced, I’ve swapped smoking for clay target shooting and keep active paddling Tasmania’s waterways.
My diverse experiences have shaped my commitment to building a fairer, more sustainable community—one that respects both its people and our island’s natural beauty. Whether through service, advocacy, or hands-on work, I aim to help shape a Tasmania that thrives for everyone.
Your electorate and its key issues?
1. Better Public Transport & Traffic Solutions
– Improve public transport reliability and frequency.
– Establish fast-tracked ferry services as a viable alternative to bridge congestion.
– Expand active transport networks, including a dedicated bike pathway on the Tasman Bridge.
2. Fund the Clarence City Deal
– Deliver local jobs, schools, and essential services to reduce reliance on cross-bridge travel.
– Invest in community infrastructure to support growth and ease pressure on transport networks.
3. Fast-Track Proven Solutions
– Break through planning delays on ferries and active transport—cost-effective, ready-to-go fixes for traffic woes.
– The stadium issue needs to be resolved to people certainty.
– Prioritise practical, efficient projects over endless studies and consultations.
By focusing on these priorities, Pembroke can ease congestion, improve liveability, and keep residents moving efficiently.
In the LegCo: Our Plan for a Stronger Tasmania.
1. Support Struggling Tasmanians.
2. Fix Tasmania’s Debt Crisis.
3. Create a Powerful Independent Anti-Corruption Commission (ICAC).
4. Force Government Transparency & Accountability.
5. No Stadium. Public money should fund priorities, not politics.
Why you, why now?
**Vote for me—I’m a straight shooter who fights for fairness.** With honesty and integrity at my core, I’ll tackle cost-of-living pressures and housing affordability to build a stronger community. My strong social justice values drive me to listen, consult widely, and truly represent your voice. **No excuses—just action.**
Tony Mulder – independent
Political background:
Australian Democrats 1990 – 2005
Liberal Party 2005- 2018
Independent since.
Fiscal conservative, stop corporate welfare and support small business instead increase taxes on spending. Socially progressive on issues like the Voice, republic. Housing is a human right and government should return to post-war social housing construction levels with rental based on capacity to pay. I believe a citizen allowance be paid to all providing a safety net and cost of living. An end to negative gearing and business tax deductions.
About you, personally:
Lived on the eastern shore since 1978 where wife Tosca and I raised 5 children, well she did mostly and now have 5 grandchildren. 39 year career with Tasmania Police retiring at rank of commander in charge of Counter-Terrorism.. a home handyman who serves on Clarence Council, and has a modest yacht that I sail in the twilights.
Your electorate and its key issues?
Pembroke is an urban electorate and a satellite city. Predominantly middle class with the usual issues of housing affordability, cost of living. Transport needs to be addressed by reducing employment demand in the city and getting office workers into the suburbs.
In the LegCo:
Oppose DAPs and briefed the LegCo accordingly, and influenced some former colleagues. Both left and right leaning independents to vote them down.
In principle I support Mac stadium, but prefer the Regatta Grounds site.
Why you, why now?
I have a proven record as the independent member for Rumney, 2011-17 having amended both Liberal and Labor legislation. I have the life experience to perform in the house of review whose role is to always review, sometimes amend and rarely reject government legislation.
Carly Allen – Tasmanian Greens
Political background:
I’m the Greens’ candidate for Pembroke because I believe our community deserves a stronger and greener voice in Parliament. I’m not a career politician — I’m a small business owner, mother and a cancer survivor who has raised her children on the eastern shore. I know what it’s like to face real pressures around healthcare, housing and cost of living, and I’ve had enough of decisions being made behind closed doors, without proper scrutiny or community input.
About you, personally:
I’ve raised my family in Pembroke and run a local business here. I’ve experienced our healthcare system as a patient, a parent and an advocate. I care deeply about the environment and our future — and I’m standing because I believe politics needs more integrity, compassion and genuine community voices. I’m not afraid to ask tough questions or speak up when something isn’t right. With so many critical issues facing our community, I couldn’t sit back. Pembroke needs a strong, independent-minded voice — someone who listens, speaks up, and takes real action with honesty, courage and integrity.
Your electorate and its key issues?
Pembroke is facing serious and growing challenges — from rising living costs and worsening traffic congestion to housing stress, limited access to healthcare and the lasting impact of poor planning decisions.
This includes the introduction of Development Assessment Panels (DAPs), the Macquarie Point stadium debacle, and the sell-off and rezoning of the UTAS Sandy Bay campus.
People are rightly frustrated — tired of being ignored while major decisions are made behind closed doors, with little transparency or genuine community input.
We need thoughtful planning, stronger public services, affordable housing and urgent action on climate and nature protection. Let’s protect our beaches, green spaces, reserves — everything we love about the eastern shore, including that iconic view of Hobart — and build a future that is thriving, safe and genuinely connected.
In the LegCo:
The Legislative Council is meant to be a house of review — not a rubber stamp. But too often, that’s exactly what it’s become. Labor votes with the Liberals 90% of the time, meaning critical legislation is rushed through without proper scrutiny. I’m running to bring a clear, ‘greener’ and progressive voice to the Upper House — someone who will stand up for transparency, accountability and decisions that truly serve the public interest.
Major issues are on the table: the $1B+ stadium, DAPs and planning reforms, salmon farming, justice legislation, the Save UTAS campaign, and pressure on healthcare, housing and education. These demand careful, independent-minded review.
I’ll ask the hard questions — especially when the major parties won’t — and work to hold government decisions to account. That’s why I’m standing as the Greens candidate for Pembroke: to bring integrity, courage and community-first leadership back into our Parliament.
Why you, why now?
Pembroke is facing real and urgent challenges — from rising living costs and traffic congestion to housing stress, limited access to healthcare, and the impacts of poor planning decisions, like Development Assessment Panels (DAPs), the Macquarie Point stadium debacle and the sell-off and rezoning of the UTAS Sandy Bay campus.
People are rightly frustrated. They’re tired of being left out while major decisions are made behind closed doors. I couldn’t sit back and stay silent — I had to take a stand.
We need thoughtful planning, stronger public services, affordable housing, and meaningful action on climate and nature protection. Let’s protect our green spaces, beaches, and reserves — everything we love about the eastern shore — and build a thriving, safe and connected community for the future.
This isn’t just about an election — it’s about restoring trust, transparency and integrity to the House of Review.
Allison Ritchie
No information received.
Luke Edmunds – Tasmanian Labor
Political background:
I have been the Member for Pembroke since 2022, and am seeking reelection this year. Prior to being a Legislative Councillor I was a Clarence City Councillor from 2018-2022. I first joined the Labor Party in 2006 when I was 25.
About you, personally:
I’m passionate about representing my local community and working for common-sense outcomes. As a councillor and now a Member of Parliament, I have fought for local people who struggle to have their voices heard.
I rent a home in Bellerive with my wife Anna and our 3 children. We understand the issues facing families in our community, including difficulties accessing affordable housing, the rising cost of living and energy prices. Like you, I want my family to have access to great health and education, and that’s what I and my Labor colleagues are fighting for every day.
Prior to entering politics I worked as a print journalist, predominantly as a sub-editor and on sport.
Your electorate and its key issues?
My priorities are getting more housing built to get more rooves over people’s heads, whether they’re stuck on the public housing list or looking to buy, upsize or downsize. I’ve put forward my own ideas and will support any policy which does this, no matter who came up with it.
Cost of living remains a massive issue which is why I established an inquiry into power prices, and I’ll continue to call out government schemes, levies and taxes which make life harder for people.
People in Pembroke want to see better transport and under this government we’ve seen nearly 300 bus services a week get cancelled. With new ferry services coming online I’ve put forward ideas to better integrate these services with the priorities of eastern shore residents.
And clearly access to health services remains an issue and I’ll continue to support health workers and promote health messaging.
In the LegCo:
If reelected, as Shadow Minister for Finance I will look forward to the Budget and Budget Estimates to scrutinise the government and stand up for our public sector workforce.
I support DAPs because I agree with organisations like Mission Australia, Centacare Evolve Housing and Shelter Tasmania and developers who find it too hard to get housing built in this state.
And I support the Devils stadium because it will secure the club, create jobs and give our young people, especially young workers, another reason to stay in Tasmania. Am I happy with how Rockliff has and is handling this? Absolutely not. Will we continue to scrutinise it just like we did with the Spirits? Absolutely. But if the question is whether I want the transformational impact of the Devils club in Tasmania, my answer is yes.
I want our state to move forward and offer hope to our young people.
Why you, why now?
I’ve represented this community for nearly seven years on council and in Parliament.
There’s a lot of unfinished business and positive work to do. If elected I will continue to be available to my community, to advocate on residents’ behalf, help people out and work on long-term solutions to make our state as great a place to live as it can be.
Pembroke should be represented by a progressive voice, who will stand up for our area and fight for common sense outcomes. That’s why I do my work in the community to ensure that the feedback I am getting is reflected in the Parliament and I’m proud of my record and hope my community will agree with me and return me as their strong, local voice in the Legislative Council.
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