The Nationals ‘have entered the chat’, promising to stand candidates at the next state election “whenever that may be.”

The party is already registered with the Tasmanian Electoral Commission.

In a statement, reproduced below, the party outlined some of their pillars. Notably they support a Team Yes Stadium No position regarding the proposed AFL stadium at Macquarie Point.

The statement did not elaborate on their relationship, if any, with the Tasmania Liberals. The Nationals’ presence could potentially cause problems for the Liberals by fragmenting the primary vote for conservatives, particularly in northern seats.

State Secretary Christine Ferguson is a former Federal President of the National Party of Australia. Spokesman Carl Cooper is a retired pharmacist with a rural property in Tasmania.

A previous incarnation of the party ran 13 candidates across four divisions at the 2014 House of Assembly election.

Collectively the party polled 2.16% in Braddon, 1.13% in Lyons, 0.50% in Frankling and 0.29% in then Denison (now Clark).

Media release – Nationals Party of Tasmania, 5 June 2025

TASMANIANS DESERVE BETTER

The Nationals Party of Tasmania have vowed that “our state deserves better government” and have committed today to standing candidates at the next state election, whenever that may be.

The Nationals will campaign on pro-Tasmanian policies that support the state’s key industries, more state-based nurses and doctors, and sensible economic policies that will improve the state’s poor financial position.

The Nationals have also officially declared their opposition to the Macquarie Point stadium, while supporting the establishment of a Tasmanian-based ’Devils’ AFL team.

State Secretary Christine Ferguson said the Tasmanian Nationals will be a party of hyper local members who will support jobs, better services and fight against any policies that harm local forestry, salmon, mining, agriculture and small business.

“We have a positive plan for Tasmania and voters are very disillusioned by the behaviour of the major parties at the moment,” she said.

Earlier this year the National Party of Australia – Tasmania was officially registered with the Tasmanian Electoral Commission.

At a meeting of the party’s executive in Longford today, the Nationals have announced that they will be standing candidates for the state election – whenever this is held.

Carl Cooper, spokesman said the policies that the Tas Nats believe will underpin the state’s economy including:

• Oppose the tendering of state-owned Tasmanian timber plantations

• Support locally trained Tasmanian based nurses and doctors

• Support for the state’s salmon industry, mining and agriculture.

• Support a Tasmanian-based AFL team but oppose the construction of the Macquarie Point stadium.

The Nationals have a long history of being focused on their local communities’ interests in state parliaments across the country.

“It’s time Tasmanians have a party that puts them first and fights for their interests in Hobart,” Mr Cooper said.

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