Election Round-Up

Here’s a roundup of the latest election statements on key issues.

Craig Garland MHA (independent, Braddon) is calling for more scrutiny on the troubled Marinus Link project, noting that the Tasmanian Government’s expect4ed contribution appears to have ballooned from $115M to $400M.

The Mental Health Council of Tasmania has called on all candidates to affirm their commitment to the mental health and wellbeing of all Tasmanians as it outlined priorities for Tasmania’s mental health system

Bec Thomas MLC (independent, Elwick, not up for election) wants a focus on youth justice and has put forward a 10 point plan for which she is seeking broader political support.

Technology industry body TasICT is seeking the greater use of responsible artificial intelligence to reduce red tape, make faster decisions and build cheaper and more efficient government services and believe their should be a minister for AI

Labor and Liberal both announced candidates and took pot shots at each other over the lineups.

Health continues to be a theme with various promises and announcements being made, from cancer services funding (Liberals), enhanced roles for paramedics and nurses (Liberals) to expanded radiology and pathology at Launceston Hospital (Greens)

The Greens speculated about Labor’s unclear position on the controversial Macquarie Point stadium project after comments by Labor Leader Dean Winter on a television program last night. They also promised to legislate for public land sales to be approved by parliament.

Labor is promising to establish “RenewTas – a new government business charged with one mission: getting development moving.”

Notably, the Liberals continue to use the word ‘strong’ about themselves despite governments they lead having collapsed twice in 15 months.

Labor are no longer talking about ‘Labor majority government’ and their messaging is focussed on ‘fresh start’ as a concept.

Rebekah Pentland MHA (independent, Bass) is urging the Labor and Liberal parties to commit to funding safety upgrades for Flinders Island airport.

Kristie Johnston MHA (independent, Clark) expressed her disappointment that “Tasmania’s Integrity Commission has without explanation dropped important reforms around lobbying and lobbyists.”

Electoral statements are reproduced below.

Media release – Craig Garland Independent for Braddon, 17 June 2025

Public Scrutiny Needed on $5 Billion Marinus Link Project

The decision on whether to proceed with the Marinus Link project was expected to be made by the Tasmanian Parliament in July or August this year based on a whole-of-state business case commissioned by Treasury. However, with the announcement of an early state election, this timeline will again be delayed.

Initially proposed as a two-cable project at a cost of $3 billion, the most recent publicly available estimate has ballooned to $5 billion—for a single cable. This figure also includes the mandatory Northwest Transmission Developments (NWTD).

Treasury has commissioned a comprehensive, whole-of-state business case assessing the current costs and impacts of Marinus Link, NWTD, the Battery of the Nation projects, broader renewable energy developments, and forecast load growth. This business case—critical to understanding the true implications of the project—has been with the Government since the end of last month.

Despite the enormous cost, which dwarfs the highly controversial stadium proposal, Marinus Link is unlikely to receive the serious public scrutiny it deserves during the upcoming election campaign.

Why? Because both major parties appear to be on a unity ticket, much like with the stadium. And with the backing of powerful business interests like Hydro Tasmania and foreign owned windfarm proponents, there is little incentive for them to break ranks. While the business lobby celebrates the promise of jobs and growth, it will be Tasmanian and Victorian electricity consumers who will pay for this $5 billion dollar behemoth—through higher power prices over the next two decades.

In September 2023, Minister Guy Barnett told Parliament the state’s equity contribution would be limited to $115 million. Yet last year’s budget allocated $100 million, and a further $300 million appeared in this year’s now-abandoned budget. This amounts to yet another broken commitment—one that has largely escaped attention amid the self-serving politics of the last few weeks.

Today, I call on the Government to release the whole-of-state business case before the end of the month. Tasmanians deserve a genuine debate on the merits of this $5 billion project. If the major parties are prepared to lock in higher power bills for Tasmanians, they must explain why.

I urge the public to demand clear answers from all current and hopeful members of Parliament around whether they support Marinus Link—and on what basis.

Media release – Mental Health Council of Tasmania, 19 June 2025

MHCT Calls on Candidates to Prioritise People Over Projects

Ahead of the state election, the Mental Health Council of Tasmania has called on all candidates to affirm their commitment to the mental health and wellbeing of all Tasmanians.

On Thursday MHCT outlined three priorities for Tasmania’s mental health system which would help people access timely mental health support, provide necessary funding certainty, and reduce the pressure on a health system at breaking point.

MHCT CEO, Dan Vautin, said, “We know all the candidates will say that the mental health and wellbeing of Tasmanians is important to them and one of their top priorities. We’re calling on all candidates: commit to funding certainty for our members, commit to allocating 5% of the mental health budget to mental health prevention and promotion, and prioritise improvements in service coordination across the system”.

Mr Vautin emphasised that community managed mental health organisation are the backbone of Tasmania’s mental health system, helping people manage their mental health and live independently in the community.

“The supports provided across our sector lead to significantly better mental health outcomes for the people that receive them. But too many Tasmanians are missing out on the support they need, when they need it. We need to transition funding to support prevention to take the pressure off our hospitals and GPs, while also implementing systems that improve access and coordination across services.”

He added, “For too long the conversation has focussed on our system’s struggle to keep up with people in crisis. We should be asking why people are reaching crisis point in the first place. The standard response continues to be about increasing the capacity to respond to crisis – and this must change.”

Psychosocial and other community-based supports lead to better mental health outcomes and reduced hospital admissions, readmissions and homelessness, while increasing quality of life, productivity, education and employment prospects.

“These supports aren’t just ‘nice-to-have’ – they are essential,” Mr Vautin said. “We have to start measuring the success of our mental health system by the number of people we can support to stay out of our hospitals, not by the number of people we can fit into them.”

Media Release – Bec Thomas, independent MLC for Elwick, 13 June 2025

COMMUNITY SAFETY MUST BE A PRIORITY THIS ELECTION

Independent Member for Elwick, Bec Thomas MLC, has called on the major parties to present their plan to address community safety and youth offending — warning that Tasmanians are tired of inaction and political games while real issues continue to people every day.

Her comments come following another violent assault involving a young person at the Glenorchy bus mall recently, reigniting concerns about antisocial behaviour, youth crime, and the erosion of community confidence in public safety.

“I am calling on those contesting this election to put forward serious, evidence-based plans to address the very real concerns about youth offending that our communities are facing every day,” Ms Thomas said.

“For too long, governments have been reactive at best and negligent at worst when it comes to early intervention and support for young people. They have ignored growing community concern that the consequences for violent criminal behaviour are neither adequate nor effective. It’s not good enough — and the public is fed up.”

Ms Thomas said that over the past decade, key youth programs like the Pulse Youth Drop in Centre, the U-Turn Program, the Wilderness Program and Chance on Main have been cut or defunded, with no meaningful replacements. These programs provided safe spaces, trusted relationships, and pathways out of trouble for at-risk young people.

“Rather than reinvesting in proven solutions, we’ve been met with silence, political spin, or polarising debates over extreme responses.

“In the face of the recent surge in violent youth crime, the Liberal Government has defaulted to a punitive ‘adult time for adult crime’ stance, the Greens have leaned toward overly idealistic responses that overlook community safety, and Labor has offered little clarity or direction at all.

“What’s needed is a mature, evidence-based conversation and a balanced path forward.”

Ms Thomas also criticised Tasmania’s bail laws and elements of the judicial system for prioritising the historical trauma of offenders over the right of people to feel, and be, safe in their local community.

“Of course trauma matters, and its impacts must be acknowledged and addressed — but it cannot be used to excuse repeated acts of violent and harmful behaviour without adequate consequences. We need a justice system that supports rehabilitation but also protects the public and meets community expectations.”

Three weeks ago, Ms Thomas wrote to the Premier outlining practical suggestions to address youth offending and improve community safety, in a ten-point plan. She is still waiting for a response.

“I know the government has been distracted by the instability in the House of Assembly, but this issue cannot wait. Patience in the community is wearing thin.”

Ms Thomas urged all parties to listen to local communities and commit to long-term, bipartisan investment in community-led solutions that strike the right balance between supporting young offenders and ensuring public safety.

“One of the fundamental responsibilities of government is to ensure public safety and maintain order — without it, trust in institutions and community wellbeing quickly erode.

“This election should be about trust, accountability and leadership — and Tasmanians are watching closely to see who is serious about delivering safer communities.”

10 Point Plan to Address Youth Offending

1. Commitment to a proactive police presence on the beat in Glenorchy, Claremont and Moonah
2. Urgent legislative change to provide security guards with more powers and training to intervene – the expansion of Metro Transit Officer powers to shopping centre guards
3. A central CCTV monitoring system and 24/7 security monitoring and control room for Greater Hobart – all levels of government have invested in increased surveillance technology, but it’s only used reactively, as evidence of crime, rather than to prevent or respond to crime in a timely manner
4. A review of youth justice sentencing and diversion program outcomes – as consequences aren’t meeting community expectations and young people are choosing court over diversion options
5. A review of youth bail laws – as currently it is not an offence for youth to breach bail (s.24C Youth Justice Act)
6. Legislation providing for workplace protection orders – as ban notices are not an effective deterrent
7. Minimum packaging standards for knives and other sharp objects and a ban on the importation of knives and sharp objects by minors
8. Case study research into the 30 youth offenders with 50 or more police charges in 2024 – to properly define the problem, to identify the specific social and systemic factors contributing to recidivism
9. Increased investment in early intervention programs, to address generational disadvantage and stop this crime before it starts – including the establishment of a youth hub in Glenorchy and the reintroduction of interagency support teams
10. A review of the Tier 4 schooling system and the exploration of parental responsibility contracts

Statement – TasICT, 19 June 2025

State Election 2025 – Call for more A.I. after Tasmanian Election

Tasmania’s tech sector has called on all candidates and parties to develop election policies to transform Tasmania’s economic base into a smart economy and save money by embracing Artificial Intelligence.

TasICT, the peak body for Tasmania’s Information, Communication and Technology sector, said Tasmania’s budget was made worse by the failure to invest in innovation, new technology and digital literacy.

“Tasmania has failed to create the vibrant, diverse digital economy we are seeing prosper in other states, and we are now paying the price of limited economic opportunities,” TasICT CEO Russell Kelly said.

“The next Tasmanian government must urgently invest in innovation to unlock savings and provide cheaper and faster ways of providing government services.”

“That includes investing in digital literacy education so that Tasmanians can use new technology with confidence.”

An urgent priority is the greater use of responsible Artificial Intelligence to reduce red tape, make faster decisions and build cheaper and more efficient government services.

TasICT has called on the next Tasmanian Government to create new whole-of-government programs to upskills public servants in the use of responsible AI, while establishing innovation programs to massively develop the tech business ecosystem.

“The Tasmanian Government can play a vital role in encouraging innovation through targeted programs for enterprise and startups. These include accelerator programs for early-stage ventures, and a funding program for established firms pursuing generative AI integration.”

“The next State Government should create a Minister for AI and the Digital Economy with a dedicated funding portfolio to drive innovation including leveraging Federal Government sources and private funding to grow the tech industry and jobs in Tasmania.”

TasICT has outlined areas that need policy action in industry and workforce development:

Minister for Artificial Intelligence and the Digital Economy – the need for an integrated cross-sectoral Digital Economy policy with dedicated ministerial oversight and budget allocation that delivers tech innovation.

Innovation Support for Business – introduction and expansion of programs that provide start-up, scale-up, research and development support for businesses, especially in the use and integration of AI, as well as support for building capacity and capability in ICT for Tasmanian businesses.

Connectivity – prioritising investment in communications infrastructure, including sub-sea data cables, recognising the digital economy is dependent on excellent data connectivity.

Workforce Development – encouraging employment growth and employee diversity in the ICT sector through mentoring and networking programs as well as encouraging regional migration of ICT professionals and incentivising businesses to offer workplace placements for graduates and entry-level ICT employees.

STEM Campus – supporting the proposed STEM campus at the University of Tasmania and encourage tech industries to begin lifting capability to support the precinct.

Jeremy Rockliff, Premier, 18 June 2025

Liberals announce full ticket of Franklin candidates

Premier Jeremy Rockliff has today announced the seven Liberal Candidates for Franklin. Tasmanians are sick of the politics. They want action. They want stability. And they want it now.

“I am proud to announce our seven Liberal Candidates for Franklin,” the Premier said. “We have assembled a strong, united team with the experience to finish the job for Tasmania.

“I am proud to announce that Eric Abetz, Jacquie Petrusma and Nic Street are seeking re-election. Eric, Jacquie, and Nic bring decades of experience, having achieved great things for Tasmania and strong community service records.

“A safe pair of hands that many in Franklin know well, Dean Young, jumped at the chance to serve the people of Franklin once again. Dean brings extensive small business experience to the table and knows firsthand how to deliver for the local community.

“Joining the team, we will also have Natasha Miller, Michele Howlett and Josh Garvin, nominating to serve the Franklin community. Natasha has served her community for many years, forming strong connections across the business and logistics sector. Josh has proven he has plenty of fight in him – a new dad who is passionate about ensuring young Tasmanians get a go. Michele has a successful small business background and understands exactly how hard they work to put food on the table for their families.

“This election wasn’t our choice. Labor forced the election on Tasmanians because they are more interested in political games than Tasmanian families. “And the only way they can govern is with the Greens and independents. That means more deals, more delays, more politics.

“While Labor and the Greens argue, we’ve been delivering better healthcare, more housing, and responsible cost-of-living relief. This election comes down to one choice: a strong Liberal team with a real plan or another merry-go-round of chaos and compromise.

“Let’s get on with it. Let’s finish the job for Tasmania.”

Media release – Felix Ellis, Liberal Member for Braddon, 18 June 2025

Desperate Labor: Dean’s D team with no plan

After forcing Tasmania to an early election, Labor’s campaign has stalled at the starting line with Dean Winter unable to fill full tickets across the state.

Nearly a fortnight after Mr Winter forced Tasmanians to an early election, it’s become clear Labor has no plan for Tasmania. The growing sounds of rejection of Mr Winter from potential candidates are becoming deafening across the state.

Labor has cobbled together a second-rate, undercooked stew of Young Labor members to prop up the most inexperienced Shadow Cabinet in history.

The group also includes a dumped gaffe-prone Federal MP who has previously posted appalling sexist social media material, a serving secretary of the Jacqui Lambie Network who has been a strong critic of Mr Winter, and a former tourism boss who has been a long term supporter of slashing workers’ penalty rates.

Mr Winter forced this election for one reason – himself. He has no plan and would need the Greens to govern, and that means more deals, more delays, more politics. This election comes down to one choice: a strong Liberal team with a real plan or another merry-go-round of chaos and compromise.

Media release – Jeremy Rockliff, Premier, 18 June 2025

Continuing new era of health care: Paramedic Practitioners, Nurse Practitioners

More Tasmanians requiring urgent health care will be treated in their own homes, reducing ambulance and hospital time, as the Tasmanian Liberal Government continues its plan to provide new and innovative health care.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff announced in a Tasmanian-first, that a re-elected Tasmanian Liberal Government will introduce Paramedic Practitioners roles and change the law to allow them to prescribe certain medications.

“This will mean more Tasmanians can receive immediate treatment on the spot in their own homes, and not require an ambulance transfer to hospital,” the Premier said.

“This change will not only save our paramedics time on the road and reduce pressure on our emergency departments, but it will mean Tasmanian families receive the care they need, sooner.

“A re-elected Tasmanian Liberal Government will also support Registered Nurses to upskill by providing scholarships to gain their Master of Nurse Practitioners qualifications, boosting capacity within the Tasmanian Health System.

“We will also increase employment opportunities for Nurse Practitioners by incentivising private practices to grow their workforce, particularly in rural and regional areas.”

Nurse Practitioners are qualified to provide early intervention for acute and chronic conditions, decreasing hospital admission and readmission rates, and improving follow-up care by providing services close to where patients live and work.

“Upskilling our paramedics and nurses is a vital step forward for our health workforce and supports our plan to improve access to health care for Tasmanian families, no matter where they live,” the Premier said.

“Not only will it improve recruitment and retention but it provides a rewarding career path for our health professionals in their own State so they can operate at the peak of their scope of practice.”

While Paramedic Practitioners and Nurse Practitioners are not substitutes for doctors, they are able to practice autonomously at an advanced level, including diagnostics, referrals and prescribing, and will become a complementary and important addition to our Tasmanian Health Service.

The Liberal team is offering: a clear plan, a united team and the leadership to get on with it.

While Labor and the Greens argue, we’ve been delivering better healthcare, more housing, and responsible cost-of-living relief.

A Liberal majority Government is the only way to keep Tasmania moving forward with certainty, stability and efficiency.

This election comes down to one choice: a strong Liberal team with a real plan or another merry-go-round of chaos and compromise.

Media release – Jeremy Rockliff, Premier, 19 June 2025

Liberals announce Clark candidates to complete ticket

Premier Jeremy Rockliff has today announced the seven Liberal Candidates for Clark, completing the Liberals’ full suite of 35.

“This election wasn’t our choice. Labor forced the election on you because they are more interested in political games than Tasmanian families,” Premier Rockliff said.

“While Labor struggled to scrape together their full ticket, we’re standing here proudly announcing our final seven candidates for Clark.

“Madeleine Ogilvie and Simon Behrakis are dedicated to their community and have been delivering in Parliament for their local communities. Maddy and Simon are valued members of our Liberal team, and I’m excited to see them running again in Clark.

“Marcus Vermey and Marilena Di Florio are eager to serve Clark and have worked hard in the community. Marcus, a well-respected local butcher and business owner, is a familiar face in his community for many reasons. He gives young people a go in the shop, he coaches local sport and he does all of it with a smile.

“Marilena is a veteran of the Australian Defence Force; it would be fair to say she knows what it takes to perform under pressure. She has also had a stellar 17-year career in the Department of Health.

“David Wan, Edwin Johnstone and Jess Barnett are three Tasmanians who are driven to finish the job for Tasmania. David and Jess are both enthusiastic advocates for the needs and future of all young Tasmanians. Edwin has been a passionate advocate for small businesses and understands how important it is for Government to back our hardworking small business owners, and ensure they have the confidence and conditions they need to thrive.”

Media release – Jeremy Rockliff, Premier, 16 June 2025

Boosting access to life-saving breast screening across Tasmania

Four brand new BreastScreen clinics will be delivered under a re-elected Liberal Government, making it easier for women across Tasmania to access life-saving screening closer to home.

The permanent clinics will be located in Kingborough, Devonport, Triabunna and Glenorchy, providing free breast screening for eligible Tasmanians, prioritising those aged 50 to 74.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff said the Tasmanian Liberal Government is getting on with the job, ensuring women have access to high-quality health care and critical preventative screening.

“We know that early detection of breast cancer significantly increases the chance of recovery and survival,” the Premier said. These four new clinics will ensure more women can access these important services, when and where they need them.

“Just yesterday, we announced funding to expand women’s health services in Launceston, reducing the need for women and girls to travel to get the health care they need. We have a plan to boost women’s healthcare right across Tasmania, and it’s working. That’s what our Liberal team is offering: a clear plan, a united team and the leadership to get on with it.”

The four new clinics add to the permanent clinics already available in Hobart, Rosny Park and Launceston, along with mobile units that visit rural and remote locations.

In addition, the fit-out of our brand new $15 million Tasmanian Breast Care Centre at the Royal Hobart Hospital’s Liverpool Street Clinics will get underway next month and is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

The new Centre will be home to the state’s public diagnostic breast imaging services and include a range of diagnostic, treatment, and support services for patients with or at risk of breast cancer.

Media release – Jeremy Rockliff, Premier; Jo Palmer, Minister for Women, 15 June 2025

Expanding access to women’s health care in the north

More access to women’s health services will be available under a re-elected Tasmanian Liberal Government, reducing the need for women and girls to travel to get the health care they need.

The Tasmanian Liberal Government will invest in a specialist women’s health clinic, The Bubble, to expand services available to Tasmanian women in the north.

The expansion follows the recent investment in a new state-of-the-art surgical robot at the Launceston General Hospital (LGH), which will deliver better quality health care.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff said the Tasmanian Liberal Government is getting on with the job, ensuring women, girls and their families in the North and North West of Tasmania have access to world-class health care without having to travel.

“Our partnership with The Bubble will enable them to expand the services they provide Tasmanian women, as well as attract more doctors and staff to the region,” the Premier said.

“This critical clinic provides essential services to women and girls of all ages, from antenatal care to pelvic health services and treatment of gynaecological conditions, as well as management of menopause symptoms.

“While Labor and the Greens argue, we’ve been getting on with delivering better health care. And we’ve got more to do. But here’s the truth: we can’t finish the job without a majority Liberal Government.”

Minister for Women, Jo Palmer, said a re-elected Government has already committed to, and funded, a new surgical robot at the LGH, which will enable gynaecological and other precision procedures.

“Endometriosis affects one in seven women, and the impact can be devastating, from crippling pain right through to infertility,” Minister Palmer said.

“A new surgical robot at the LGH will enable specialists to perform complex procedures with more precision, flexibility, and control than is possible with conventional techniques, which means better outcomes for Tasmanian women.

“We have a plan to boost women’s healthcare right across Tasmania, and it’s working. That’s what Jeremy Rockliff and the Liberal team are offering: a clear plan, a united team, and the leadership to get on with it.”

The surgical robot is expected to be installed and operating at the LGH later this year.

As part of our commitment to women’s health in Tasmania, we’re already delivering funding to boost endometriosis awareness and diagnosis, building a new Tasmanian Breast Care Centre at the Royal Hobart Hospital’s Liverpool Street Clinics and extending prescriptions for the oral contraceptive pill.

Editor’s note: we asked for the following questions to be answered.

Why is the Tasmanian government giving $3.8 million to a private, for-profit clinic?
Is it an equity investment or a gift?
Can we see the specifics of the deal that you are proposing between the Tasmanian government and Bubble?
What do the people of Tasmania receive in return for this investment?
Given that public health is generally considered to be underfunded, shouldn’t state funds go to expanding services everyone can access, not private for profit services?

Response received: 

As with any commitment, if elected, this will be funded appropriately and further details will be available at that point.

Media release – Dean Winter MP, Labor Leader, 18 June 2025

A Fresh Start for Tasmania

Today, I’m proud to announce the talented list of candidates who will run for Labor in Franklin, Clark, and Lyons this election and help deliver the change Tasmania needs.

Tasmanians have a choice this election between a Fresh Start under Labor, or more of the same from a Liberal government with a record that speaks for itself.

Our Labor team is already full of passionate Tasmanians from all walks of life – and I couldn’t be more excited about the candidates we’re putting forward to join them in the Parliament.

They are nurses, teachers, community leaders, small business owners, union advocates and everyday Tasmanians.

Together, we’re offering Tasmanians a real choice between a Fresh Start with Labor – or more of the same from a tired Liberal government that’s had 11 years and failed to deliver.

Jeremy Rockliff is sending Tasmania broke, believes in selling our assets and stuffed up our Spirits of Tasmania project.

Labor will keep assets and our public services in Tasmanian hands – to help keep profits onshore and pay for our schools and hospitals.

Labor’s candidates:

*Labor will be running a full team of seven in every electorate. Remaining candidates will be announced in due course and as their work permits.

Media release – Sarah Lovell MLC, 19 June 2025

Rockliff’s pick Sladden not only anti-vac and anti-trans, she’s also anti-Liberal

Pressure is mounting on Jeremy Rockliff to cut his controversial candidate Julie Sladden loose.

Fresh comments have emerged from Ms Sladden lamenting the public silencing of her dangerous views on vaccines and medical science and comparing it to the treatment given to climate change sceptics.

“I think this is part of a broader problem that we’re seeing, a broader silencing of heterodox views and people who have different opinions. We actually, and climate science is a great example of that. The jury’s not in, the science isn’t settled, and it never will be because we learn stuff all the time,” Ms Sladden told Quadrant Magazine two weeks ago.

But if being anti-Tasmanian, anti-vaccination and anti-trans wasn’t enough – it turns out Ms Sladden is anti-Liberal too.

Sladden was employed by and worked on the campaign of independent Russell Broadbent – who is famous for also being anti-vaccination and pro-ivermectin – against the Liberal Party until last month’s federal election.

“Actively assisting a candidate” other than one endorsed by the Liberal Party is grounds for the withdrawal of party membership, as Clarence Mayor Brendan Blomeley found out when all he did was to not rule out running as an independent last year.

MAGA sympathiser Sladden tweeted she only joined the Liberals in 2022 because she was disillusioned with the direction of the party and wanted to “make the Liberal Party Great Again”.

Jeremy Rockliff has form in losing members to the crossbench and it is obvious Sladden is a flight-risk.

It speaks volumes to Rockliff’s weak leadership he would allow someone who is anti-vaccination, anti-Tasmanian, anti-trans and anti-Liberal to be preselected.

Media release – Ella Haddad MP, Labor Member for Clark, 19 June 2025

Has Lib HQ taken Ogilvie’s advice on Clark team?

Madeleine Ogilvie’s extraordinary request to Liberal Campaign HQ to only preselect two candidates for the seat of Clark seems to have gotten an audience, with the Liberals way behind the 8-ball announcing their Clark ticket.

Liberal and political insiders know how vulnerable Ms Ogilvie is electorally and it appears she’s putting herself ahead of the broader campaign.

Ms Ogilvie recently took to social media to undermine the campaign of Marcus Vermey in Nelson, now a possible rival in Clark, and she’s scared he might take her job.

Labor has a full ticket of 35 candidates who are already on the campaign trail – the Liberals in Clark are too busy trying to undermine each other to get their divided team on the same page.

And that’s before Ms Ogilvie has even had time to properly worry about the impact Elise Archer’s inclusion will have on her own hopes of being re-elected.

If the Liberals were as focused on the budget as they were on saving their own jobs, we wouldn’t be having a fourth election in seven years.

Media release – Dean Winter MP, Labor Leader; Shane Broad MP, Shadow Minister for Housing, Shadow Minister for Planning, Shadow Minister for Building & Construction, 19 June 2025

A Fresh Start for development in Tasmania

A Winter Labor Government will give development in Tasmania the fresh start it desperately needs by establishing RenewTas – a new government business charged with one mission: getting development moving.

After 11 years of the Liberals, development has stalled in Tasmania. Prime development sites have sat dormant for too long. Land that has been ‘fast-tracked’ through Land Supply Orders years ago still sits empty.

Backed by $20 million in capital seed funding and modelled on successful interstate examples like RenewalSA, RenewTas will get results where the Liberals have failed.

It will unlock housing and urban renewal projects by cutting through red tape, de-risking developments, and delivering on long-stalled plans.

RenewTas will:

Identify and activate suitable public land for housing and urban renewal.
Acquire dormant strategic sites where private sector investment has stalled.
Develop area masterplans for these sites with local community and Council input.
Have planning powers to allow it to undertake any necessary rezonings.
Establish pre-approved housing and development area plans.
Perform preliminary infrastructure works to prepare the sites for development.

Whether its releasing land directly to market or partnering with public and private builders – RenewTas will do what it takes to get homes built and our cities moving.

After more than a decade of delay and dysfunction, it’s time to change. RenewTas will not only deliver urban renewal and more homes, it will produce revenue over the long-term. Labor is ready to get Tasmania building again and deliver the Fresh Start we need.

Attributable to Shane Broad MP, Shadow Minister for Housing, Planning, Building & Construction

“For too long, Tasmanians have watched prime development land sit idle while the Liberals do nothing and the housing crisis worsens. RenewTas will finally get Tasmania building again.

“We’ve seen this model work in other states. RenewTas will bring that same common-sense approach to Tasmania – activating land, creating jobs, and delivering Fresh Starts for Tasmanians.

“Whether its cutting through red tape or coordinating infrastructure, RenewTas is the circuit-breaker Tasmania desperately needs to stimulate the building industry and unlock more housing.”

Media release – Cecily Rosol MP, Greens Health spokesperson, 19 June 2025

Greens Announce Investment in Launceston Health Services

On behalf of the Tasmanian Greens today I’m proud to announce our plan to expand radiology and pathology services at the Launceston General Hospital to operate 24/7, and to expand the capacity of the planned new Kings Meadows renal unit to 24 chairs.

Health is such a crucial issue for every Tasmanian. But despite the very best efforts of staff, it is obvious to everyone that our existing health services simply aren’t meeting community need.

Making sure people can get access to healthcare in a timely way should be a top priority for any government, not building a billion-dollar stadium. That’s why the Greens are announcing our investment to expand diagnostic services at the LGH, and to increase the size of the new renal unit planned for Kings Meadows.

Our plan invests $3 million per year into making sure radiology and pathology is available on-site at the LGH 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The ANMF has made clear this is an essential step, including again in their 2025 election requests. And the previous Health Minister promised Stella Jennings – whose mother died at the hospital due to a failure in the current on-call services – this would be done, before reneging on his commitment.

We’re also investing $4 million into expanding the capacity of the new renal unit that is set to be built in Kings Meadows. The current plan for 18 chairs at the new facility is clearly inadequate, which is why we’re announcing an extension to 24 chairs.

We know from patients and staff that these are critically important measures for healthcare in Launceston and all of northern Tasmania. With a new government and the Greens in balance of power, we’ll fight to stop the stadium and to fund the health services our community needs and deserves.

Media release – Vica Bayley MP, Greens Deputy Leader and Member for Clark, 19 June 2025

Stadium Position 9.0? Have Labor Moved Goalposts Again?

Dean Winter is either trying to mislead Tasmanians on the stadium, has no idea what he’s doing, or has once again changed Labor’s view on the project to Stadium Position 9.0.

Asked about Stadium 2.0 yesterday, Mr Winter said his party is “not considering any other proposals other than the proposal that is in front of Tasmanians.”*

But in an interview aired last night, he didn’t rule out undertaking a review of the Macquarie Point stadium, and said specifically he is “open minded to other proposals if the first one couldn’t operate.”**

What? Which is it? Labor have to explain this immediately.

Option A – Dean Winter is trying to mislead Tasmanians by using weasel words and tricky language. He’s trying to get through the election campaign without truly committing to anything, then after the election plans to come up with pretence for switching support to Stadium 2.0. This would explain why Labor won’t choose between the POSS process and special fast-track legislation for the current project.

Option B – Dean Winter changed his position on the stadium between whenever the 7.30 interview was shot and his press conference yesterday. This would be the second change for Labor’s stadium position in this campaign, with the party also admitting they’re no longer committed to special fast-track legislation and will consult on the way forward.

Option C – Dean Winter is an inexperienced leader who is way out of his depth and has no idea what he’s doing

It’s hard to know which of these explanations is more concerning, but one thing is for sure – the Labor Leader has some serious explaining to do today.

If Labor has changed their position to now rule out Stadium 2.0, Dean Winter must clearly so and definitively rule it out.

If he won’t, Tasmanians will know he’s either trying to pull the wool over their eyes, or is completely lost on the biggest infrastructure project in our state’s history.

Tabatha Badger MP, Greens spokesperson for National Parks and Public Lands, and Member for Lyons, 18 June 2025

Public Land Sales to Require Parli Approval Under Greens Plan

The Liberals want to sell off public land to try to fund a billion-dollar stadium in Hobart. This is completely the wrong priority for Tasmania.

That’s why today the Greens are announcing that we will move to require parliamentary approval for the sale of our public land.

Already the Liberals have been generating a modest income from subtle public land sales, and they recently announced they want to ramp up sales to try and plug the stadium-sized hole in the budget.

Allowing parliament to disallow the sale of public land would provide an important check and balance on any future government that wants to try to put a band-aid on the budget by selling off Tasmania. This measure would bring the State Government more into line with local councils, who have strict requirements for land sales.

We know the Liberals will have no hesitation in opposing this policy – they’ve made their intentions clear. But where does Labor stand?

Labor have backed the Liberals on so many big issues, and so far we’ve heard crickets from them on leasing land in our National Parks for a peppercorn rent. It’s good to see them standing alongside the Greens in opposing the privatisation of public assets. What about public land, land which is for all Tasmanians?

Last week Dean Winter said “we can’t grow our state by selling it off”.* We couldn’t agree more. Does that mean Mr Winter opposes the Liberals’ plan for selling public land too?

Parliamentary oversight for public land, land which belongs to everyone, is a basic and common sense measure. If Labor won’t support this policy it will be a clear admission they want to follow the Liberals down the public sell-offs road

Media release – Independent MHA for Bass Rebekah Pentland, 18 June 2025

REBEKAH PENTLAND SHOWING SUPPORT FOR FLINDERS ISLAND

Independent Member for Bass Rebekah Pentland MP is calling on state Liberal and state Labor to support Flinders Island with a pre-election commitment to fund the remaining shortfall for vital safety upgrades at Flinders Island Airport.

“Flinders Island Airport is more than just a runway, it’s a lifeline,” Mrs Pentland said.

“It supports medical evacuations, the Royal Flying Doctor Service, search and rescue, and everyday transport for locals and visitors. But it’s been operating under safety exemptions for decades. That has to change.

Federal funding of $2.68 million has been secured for Stage 1 of the upgrade, but a $320,000 shortfall remains. Stage 2, which includes major works to the main runway and apron, still requires full funding.

“Now it’s time for both major parties to step up and support Flinders Island. This is not about politics, it’s about safety, reliability, and fairness for regional Tasmanians.

Mrs Pentland has also thrown her full support behind the Island’s push to secure a long-term solution to the island’s childcare crisis.

“I’m backing Flinders Island Council’s call for a new early year’s facility to ease growing childcare pressure on the island.

“With over 25 new infants in recent years, the island is growing, but the infrastructure hasn’t kept pace. The current centre, ‘Duckpond’, is beyond capacity, and families are stuck on long waiting lists. That’s not good enough.

“This proposal for a purpose-built facility next to the school is a smart, local solution. It will make life easier for families, support jobs, and provide a seamless learning journey from birth to Year 12.

“It also makes the island more attractive for new families, vital for keeping the community vibrant and strong.

“I urge the major political parties to get behind this. This is about more than childcare, it’s about securing the future of a resilient island community.”

Media release – Kristie Johnston, independent MHA for Clark, 19 June 2025

Integrity Commission processes under question after dropping the ball on lobbying code of conduct

It’s deeply disturbing Tasmania’s Integrity Commission has without explanation dropped important reforms around lobbying and lobbyists.

The introduction of a code of conduct for lobbyists – due on July 1 but abandoned this week without a word – would have shone a light on the activities of those industry and corporate influencers who for decades have captured Tasmanian governments with their vested interests.

It follows the Premier late last year, abandoning a promised review to improve the Commission.

And it’s the second election where we don’t know the outcome of key investigations into elected representatives.

The public deserves answers.

The Integrity Commission must itself be open and transparent about its processes.

Tasmanian Times (TT) is a community-based news and current affairs service covering the island state of Tasmania. It exists to provide a diverse view of Tasmanian issues. TT creates and supports independent media content utilising the best of modern technologies and tried-and-true practices of public-interest journalism.

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