With the announcement of a House of Assembly election on 19 July 2025 comes new opportunities.
Any federal contender who performed well, built a strong profile, or established a robust campaign infrastructure in the May 2025 election could potentially translate that into a state bid, particularly in electorates with significant geographical overlap.
For independents or minor party candidates, who often face challenges with name recognition and funding, such immediate succession offers an invaluable head start.
The political landscape of Franklin, both federally and within the Tasmanian state parliament, has been significantly stirred by the emergence of Peter George.
A seasoned journalist turned impassioned independent, George has rapidly become a prominent voice, challenging established parties and championing a platform centered on environmental protection and community advocacy.
“Liberal and Labor have signed a suicide pact by forcing Tasmania to an expensive, unnecessary early election that neither of them really want and will drive them like lemmings over the political cliff,” said Peter George.
“Both of the old parties have long since run out of ideas, talent and common sense to run the state.
“They’ve become creatures of the corporates, captured by the big end of town.
“Now’s the time for independently minded, publicly spirited people to step up to the plate and fill the leadership vacuum that Labor and Liberal left behind a long, long time ago.”
George said his priorities would include repairing the state’s health and education systems along with fixing a budget deficit that threatens to sink the state.
His journey from a federal election hopeful in May 2025 to a current contender for the Tasmanian parliament in July paints a picture of a committed individual seeking to reshape the political narrative.
Peter George’s foray into the political arena is rooted in a distinguished career that saw him traverse the globe reporting on critical issues. As the first ABC Middle East Correspondent and a respected reporter for Four Corners, George honed an acute understanding of governmental processes, societal challenges and the power of effective communication.
This journalistic background, he asserts, provides him with a unique perspective and an invaluable skillset for political office. He understands how systems operate, how decisions are made, and critically, how to hold power to account.
Beyond his media credentials, George’s political awakening is deeply personal.
He serves as the President of Neighbours of Fish Farming (NOFF), a role that has propelled him to the forefront of the environmental debate in Tasmania. This passion, he explains, is driven by a fundamental desire to safeguard the planet for future generations. “I want to leave this place better for my children and grandchildren,” he often states, encapsulating the core motivation behind his political ambition.
His deep-seated concerns, particularly regarding the environmental impact of the salmon industry, have become the cornerstone of his political identity and his most prominent policy platform.
George’s initial significant foray into electoral politics came with the May 2025 Australian federal election, where he stood as an Independent candidate for the Division of Franklin.
The federal election results in Franklin were a testament to George’s grass-roots appeal and the potency of his message. Against the backdrop of established party machinery, Peter George secured a sizeable 21.69% of the primary vote, accumulating 16,586 first preferences. This tally meant he out-polled the Liberal Party candidate in Franklin, a remarkable feat for an independent in a traditional two-party stronghold.
In the two-candidate-preferred result, he secured a substantial 42.22% of the vote against the Labor incumbent, Julie Collins, demonstrating his ability to draw significant support from across the political spectrum.
Adding another layer of intrigue to his federal campaign was the Liberal Party’s recommendation to voters to place Peter George behind Labor but ahead of the Greens in Franklin.
Having made a significant impact on the federal stage, Peter George has swiftly transitioned his focus to the Tasmanian state parliament. With the state election for Tasmania scheduled for July 19, 2025, George is once again throwing his hat into the ring for the electorate of Franklin.
As he campaigns for the state parliament, George’s core message remains consistent. The environmental impact of the salmon industry, including issues of water quality, marine ecosystems and sustainable practices, will undoubtedly continue to be a central pillar of his platform.
However, his experience as a journalist, will likely to bring a critical eye to government policy, a commitment to holding power accountable, and a dedication to representing the diverse interests of the Franklin community.
At the last election Franklin returned three Liberal Members (Eric Abetz, Nic Street, Jacquie Petrusma), two Labor (Dean Winter, Meg Brown), one Green (Rosalie Woodruff) and one ex-Labor independent (David O’Byrne)
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Ted Mead
June 13, 2025 at 20:28
Peter George is a man of integrity and he’s exactly what Tasmania is crying out for! He has a clear vision and will contribute strongly to the state’s political constitution.
Owls are also renowned for their vision, and a collective of them is called a parliament. What an oxymoron that seems in this state because Tasmania’s parliament is as visionless as it comes.
The only saviour for Tasmania is the increasing number of Independents into the House of Assembly, and I predict Peter George will be elected on primary votes come July 19. This will notably be at the expense of the Liberals in the electorate of Franklin despite the Libs and Labs swapping preferences.
Unfortunately, the Macquarie Point stadium has dominated the state’s politics and much of the lower-house deliberations over the past 15 months. I’m confident Peter won’t get misled into that meaningless mire.
Even the state Greens have been drawn into the shenanigans by parading before the media with their AFL t-shirts and caps at a time when any true visionary party from the left should be focusing on other matters. This clearly demonstrates that the Greens are now just another ineffective mainstream party driven through lame leadership.
The days of political party integrity in this state are truly on the wane, and the forthcoming state election will be a testament that Independents within a minority governance in Tasmania is the neo future!
Go, Peter!
Chief Editor TT
June 14, 2025 at 14:19
In Franklin last time the Greens had about 1 and a half quotas and Labor 2 and a half, which elected 1 Green and 2 Labor, so there’s about another quota of progressive vote there that could well get PG over the line. I suspect at the expense of either Nic Street or Meg Brown. So I am expecting Abetz, Petrusma, Woodruff, Winter and O’Byrne to get home fairly easily as the first five and leave George, Street and Brown* scrapping for the last 2 seats. The big asterisk is ‘depending on who else is on Labor ticket’. If Jessica Munday runs then it’s harder to read. Also Street may retire seeing as he’s a wuss.