We focused on the independent and minor party candidates for the upcoming House of Assembly elections and asked them to complete a short survey for us. The order on this page – below the electorate subheading – is random. We have not received responses from all candidates despite contacting them several times.
We encourage voters to read all profiles.
Candidates were invited to tell us about their:
- political background, principles, what shapes their views, key beliefs and what kind of politician will they be
- education, job, family and community work
- main issues in their electorate and their proposed solutions
- key upcoming issues such as the stadium, DAP’s and justice related legislation
- whether they will provide confidence and supply to a party that is proceeding with the stadium as its policy position
- reasons why you should vote for them, will they make a good MHA and what skills will they bring to parliament
You can click on their photo to go to their website (if they provided a link).
The main polling day is Saturday 19 July 2025 with pre-poll centres already open at various locations around Tasmania. Please see the TEC website for more information on how to vote.
For major parties (5 MHAs or more), their candidates can be found here: Greens, Liberal, Labor.
Jack Davenport – independent
Political background:
I am an Independent candidate for Bass. My political beliefs were heavily shaped growing up in the UK, within a family deeply committed to traditional labour values of social justice. As awareness of the climate crisis grew, so too has my commitment to ecological sustainability.
My experience as a local councillor in the UK helped develop skills in the practical application of these principles, such as improving housing, environmental protection and supporting residents with issues like flooding.
More recent dangers, such as the growth of far-right movements and the deliberate industrially led undermining of democratic governance, has reinforced to me the global nature of problems we face. Seeing these issues manifest in Tasmania, like the culture of secrecy in government, and the child safety crisis, illustrates how the global becomes local.
I have previously been a member of the Greens, Labor and in the UK Labour Party at different times.
About you, personally:
I am a husband and I am a father. I grew up in the UK, and moved to Australia in 2011. Educated as a social worker in the UK, I entered the child protection discipline and have worked in South Australia, Western Australia and Tasmania in that field.
Aside from a stint as a policy advisor, I have maintained my social work career, nowadays in education.
The last few years has seen me dedicate effort to reforming children’s rights, safety and protection in Tasmania, against the backdrop of the recent Commission of Inquiry. Win or lose at this election, that commitment will continue.
I hold a BA (Hons) in International studies and along with my MA Social Work, hold a Masters in Diplomacy and Trade.
My wife and I moved to Tasmania in 2017. We live with our daughter in the Tamar Valley.
Your electorate and its key issues?
Stuff the stadium. Fight for what matters. I don’t intend to engage with the stadium debate – I oppose it. Period. My focus is on critical issues people consistently identify as their main concern – health, housing, cost-of-living, mental health and climate change.
My main and most defining, burning issue, is the reform of children’s rights provision in Tasmania, including child protection, education, health and advocacy. So much of what matters to people rests in the way we deliver services for children and young people.
Key issues in Bass extend to protecting native forests, community safety on our roads, and safeguarding jobs and developing a sustainable localised economy (especially given crisis issues like Bell Bay, for example).
Issues like the condition of Kanamaluka/Tamar River regularly come up, but I am committed to safeguarding the community and environmental interests (they go hand-in-hand) of this beautiful part of the state.
In the House:
The budget is in tatters.
I am quoting a TV show here when I say to the Liberal and Labor parties: Everything you’ve done is wrong, and all your gods are dead.
We need a radical change of the economic philosophy of the major parties that has consistently failed to deliver sustainability.
We must reinforce long term investment as the key to reducing long term debt. Build more housing now for the people that need it, so that the high financial cost of housing shortage reduces. Don’t cut jobs, cut inefficiencies in the way the government operates.
And refusing to sugar coat this, we need to raise taxes for the biggest companies that take a lot of profit, but pay little back. They can afford it.
I am also committed to driving forward legislation on transparency – give bodies like the Integrity Commission real teeth. Secrecy enables abuse, truth empowers justice.
Will you provide confidence and supply to a party which is proceeding with a stadium as a policy position?
In short, yes, but the real question is whether the major parties will accept that they cannot govern alone and realise that being the largest party is not a mandate to be the sole decision-maker? That’s about their choices; willingness to negotiate and come to the table. Arguing otherwise treats voters with contempt.
A stronger, independent-led crossbench, can wield real, meaningful power to rein in the excesses of the major parties, while cooperating to achieve progress for the Tasmanian people.
People cooperate everyday in normal life. Only the major parties seem to struggle.
The issue of governing can be separate from the process of the stadium. I don’t see why one must depend on the other.
Legislation or policy towards the stadium can be rejected in Parliament, without the need to deprive the poor, majority-starved major parties of being in government. The odds of that increase with more independents.
Why you, why now?
Why now? Why not now? We didn’t ask for this election, but like it or not the choice is here. The ego of the major parties caused this; their arrogance remains. Without forcing change on them, nothing will change.
Why me? Because all the others haven’t worked.
I can point to a bedrock of life experience and skills; a successful career as social worker, borne out of educational achievement and hard work. The courage and resolve I’ve seen, working with children, families and community, drives me to give back.
I’m neurodivergent, living with autism and ADHD. I’m a survivor of child sexual abuse.
There’s privilege there, as a middle-class, white male. I try to have humility before that fact, but it doesn’t mean I’ve lived in a bubble.
Using the rough and smooth of everything I have experienced, done, and can do, I can succeed as independent representative for Bass.
Fenella Edwards – independent
Political background:
Previously a member of the Liberal party (my dad signed me up when I was 16) where I was elected to positions such as branch vice-president, senate selection committee member and Federal Council delegate for Tasmania. I felt the Liberal party really only protect the interests of the wealthy, so I left.
More recently I joined the Sustainable Australia Party and was elected to the national committee and for a while, their lead Senate candidate. I was particularly attracted to their core policies and that individual members were allowed to have their own views on other issues. This turned out not to be the case when I espoused my views that men cannot be women and shouldn’t be in women’s sports.
I’m done with parties, independent is the best way to be – only answerable to God and my constituents! I will always act in the best interest of Tasmania.
About you, personally:
Born and bred Tasmanian with 30 years experience living in Launceston, Fenella has deep roots and hidden Aboriginality (among Irish convict lineage) from the north west coast on her mother’s side.
Educated at Launceston Grammar, UTAS (Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Fine Arts), University of Malta (Masters in Innovation) and ANU (Graduate Diploma in Science Communication).
Fenella has worked as a statistician for 5 years in Canberra, in hospitality, at call centres, as a poet and rapper, filmmaking and was a lady tradie, Metro bus driver, tour guide and receptionist among other things.
As a lyricist Fenella loves improvised and written rhymes, she has produced around 10 music videos and won rap battles and performed all across the eastern states of Australia.
Fenella is about to publish the second edition of her oracle cards, through her sole trader business Zen Dragon.
Your electorate and its key issues?
Bass has some local issues, as well as shares concerns for statewide issues. I’m standing as an alternative to Liberal and Labor – who both want the new stadium.
NO NEW STADIUM!!
I’d also like to end old growth logging.
In the House:
NO NEW STADIUM!
Let’s legalise marijuana so people can grow their own medicine free, and enable new small business to emerge in producing edibles and oils.
More housing availability – building new houses and using the ones that are otherwise vacant.
Will you provide confidence and supply to a party which is proceeding with a stadium as a policy position?
No, I do NOT support the stadium at Macquarie Point going ahead because it will bankrupt our state, ruin theatre shows and we have 2 good football playing stadiums already!
Why you, why now?
I’m old enough to know life before before internet & young enough to have the energy to work for change.
I come bringing honesty, integrity, authenticity, flexibility, compassion and intelligence to all I do. I vow to work for a better Tasmania, free from corruption and where the little guy gets a good Aussie go!
Caroline Larner – independent
Political background:
I stand in tradition of early Labor Tasmanian MP, King O’Malley – responsible for founding the first common-wealth Public Bank in 1912 which literally built ‘The Lucky Country’ of Australia. We can do it again by breaking the stranglehold of foreign-owned banks over government debt and economy.
I stood as Federal Bass candidate for ACP in 2004, same principles: to ‘Rebuild the Country with a People’s Bank’.
Credit-issue of State and Federal government-owned bank to fix the budget long-term, lend to small businesses, boost the productive sector; bank income revenues returned to communities for local facilities.
About you, personally:
Former Registered Nurse.
Mother of five, grandmother to twelve; I want to see a hopeful future for the next generation.
Current small business owner/manager and Owner Builder of rental housing. Political activist for 24 years.
Your electorate and its key issues?
Fund Hospital facilities and staffing; older residents’ access to health care services; support medical practices and their GPs.
Boost-build public housing availability.
Tas AFL team possible without Macquarie Point Stadium.
Marinus Link and wind farms here will cripple Tasmanian industry and Tasmanians’ cost of living crisis by increase in electricity prices by 30 percent.
Fix the budget deficit and business banking long-term with self-funding power of a government owned public bank. Bank profits returned to local community facilities.
In the House:
Cost of living crisis to be exacerbated by 30% increase in electricity prices due to MarinusLink project, not in Tasmania’s best interest.
Tassie AFL team is possible without Mac-Point.
Action plan to address older Tasmanian’s access to health care and hospital.
Stop economic rationalist Privatisation of essential Promote solution to debt-based system – a new State government owned bank modelled on the old Common-wealth Bank of Australia founded in 1912 which was privatised in 1990s.
Will you provide confidence and supply to a party which is proceeding with a stadium as a policy position?
I will scrutinise all documentation on the Macquarie Point Stadium proposal, demanding the government’s transparency in this matter.
I do not support the project’s classification as of ‘State Significance’ as means of bypassing proper planning processes.
Without proper process, I categorically do not support the Macquarie Point Stadium proposal and will not provide confidence and supply to a party proceeding with this stadium policy position.
Why you, why now?
I would make a good MP as a true independent and thus representative of the People’s Interest: I am a leader and change-agent, not a manager of an existing failed system.
I have a deep understanding of why this economic rationalist privatising corporatised system is not working for the people who live here. I have the key policy solution to this cost of living and essential services crisis: to set up the self-funding power of a government owned public bank. The Liberal and Labor parties will not do it due to their conflicted allegiance per funding from the Banking Association and/or corporate vested interests in this State.
I am happy to educate other independents on this key policy solution and also work with the Greens who support the policy of a public postal bank. I may encourage the best people in the Liberal Party to ‘cross-the-floor’ in support.
Tim Walker – independent
Political background:
Current Councillor at Launceston City, former Greens member and political advisor to Senator Peter Whish-Wilson.
Former ABC journalist, I have been a councillor for the past 6 years and also ran as an independent in the 2024 state election.
About you, personally:
Bachelors degree, worked in a variety of jobs from teaching to political adviser, journalist, musician, writer, woodworker and theatrical set builder on the Sydney Olympics. I have 3 children, two adults and a 5 year old. I have a long time passion for politics and finding a way forward that will unite, rather than divide the community.
Your electorate and its key issues?
Bass is on the crossroads of political expediency. York Park should remain the home of AFL in Tasmania, our regional towns need infrastructure and services. The beautiful Tamar Valley must become a regional centre for health, education, industry and tourism in Northern Tasmania.
In the House:
No stadium, a statewide energy forum to address the myriad of issues and plan for a reliable and affordable electricity supply that does not damage Tasmania’s environment, support the development of passenger rail, beginning with the Hobert Northern suburbs corridor. Hold the parliament of the day and government to account regarding budget,
Will you provide confidence and supply to a party which is proceeding with a stadium as a policy position?
No. We already have a stadium in Launceston that has been developed to host AFL games. Tasmania must stand up to the AFL to stop the blackmailing of the state.
Why you, why now?
I have the experience and skills to navigate parliament and negotiate outcomes with political parties. We need independents who have a good understanding of government to make significant contributions on behalf of the community, and have the ability to stand up against party political machines.
I will continue to stand up for the community without fear or favour, do not accept donations, and will not be captive to lobbying from controversial industry such as salmon farming or forestry.
Daniel Groat – independent
Political background:
I ran as a candidate in the 2018 state election with JLN and it opened my eyes to a lot in regards to the running of the state. I have always had a keen interest in following all levels of government.
About you, personally:
I am married with 3 children living in Kings Meadows. I worked in the transport industry for 20 years starting as a van driver moving to medium and heavy rigid vehicles in a refrigerated transport company owned by my cousin until he sold the company. I later went to customer service and pallet control before moving to a different industry.
I was then Branch Supervisor for Ullrich Aluminium for 10 years until I started in my current role as a sales representative for Wurth. I have also been umpiring cricket for 10 years with Cricket North at 1st grade level even holding the roles of secretary and vise president of the umpires association.
Your electorate and its key issues?
The main issues I see in Bass is the housing shortage which is being compounded by the cost of living pressures everyone has faced since COVID.
Another key issue is health with the lack of GPs that offer bulk billing which is also not only putting families under financial stress, it’s also putting extra strain in the LGH. This then leads to the ramping of ambulances and the over crowding in the waiting room there. When patients are waiting on a bed in emergency for 2 days and with waiting times to see a doctor over 6 hours with only being seen once for observation is not good enough.
Education is also another area which should be given more attention and not keep having their budgets reduced. We also need to look at the child care system as a lot of families have both parents working and can not afford.
In the House:
I say no to privatisation of public assets as once they are gone, the state can no longer benefit from the business. The stadium is good in theory but at the moment in the current climate, not essential as other issues, like education and health, should take priority. Let’s get a team here first and make that successful and something for future generations to aspire to without having to leave our state then look and reevaluate in 10 years time.
Will you provide confidence and supply to a party which is proceeding with a stadium as a policy position?
I would have to see what other promises and commitments that party has before making a decision. Although I oppose the stadium in its current plan and at this point in time, I have to look at what that party can do to make this state better in the long run and see what their position is on things like health, education and housing to name a few.
Why you, why now?
After running in 2018, my wife then found out she was pregnant with our 3 child so I took a step back and decided to wait until my children were older and spend quality time at that crucial stage of their development.
With all the issues facing state parliament, I just couldn’t sit back anymore and believe now is the right time to throw my hat in the ring and try and bring common sense to parliament, something that has been missing for a long time. Over the time I have been discussing with people and been listening to them over the years.
No information received on other independent and minor party candidates.
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