Media release – The Australia Institute Tasmania, 21 July 2025
Election result shows Tasmanians want a power-sharing government
This weekend saw Tasmania’s second election in just over a year, and the result means whoever forms government will need to work with the Greens or Independents if they want to govern.
Recent polling commissioned by The Australia Institute shows more Tasmanians agree than disagree that the major parties should seek to form a power-sharing government with Greens and Independents if they cannot form government in their own right.
The Australia Institute studied 25 power-sharing governments, and the results showed that most see out a full term, and can help enforce ministerial responsibility.
“This election returned another power-sharing parliament for Tasmania,” said Eloise Carr, Director, The Australia Institute Tasmania.
“One thing this election result should do is dispel the notion that power-sharing governments are punished by the Tasmanian electorate.
“The Rockliff government has faced its second election as a minority government and is arguably in a better position now.
“The narratives that the Liberals and Labor have been pushing do not hold up. Polling – and now this election result – show that voters of the major parties prefer power-sharing governments.
“Indeed, more than twice as many Labor voters support Labor forming government with the Greens and Independent crossbench members as oppose.”
YouGov conducted a national survey of 842 Tasmanian voters on behalf of The Australia Institute between 12 and 16 June 2025, using an online survey polling methodology. Full details are provided in the methodology statement. The poll is compliant with the Australian Polling Council’s requirements.
Media release – The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, 19 July 2025
Election shows representatives must unite to support Tasmanians’ access to GP care
Following the second Tasmanian election in two years to require the major parties to form minority government, the Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) has called on all parties and candidates to unite behind initiatives that will support strong general practice access for all Tasmanians.
Counting on election night shows no party will govern in majority, requiring independent or minor party support.
RACGP Tasmania Chair Toby Dr Gardner said all parties had recognised health is a vital priority for most voters and urged parties to prioritise policies that will support all Tasmanians to access care through a GP who knows them.
“This was not an election anyone wanted – our patients’ priority is getting the care they need, when they need it, from a GP who knows them and understands their health needs,” he said.
“We’ve seen positive moves on access to ADHD assessment and care, filling a gap in our vaccination schedule, and attracting more GPs to practice in Tasmania. These should be a top priority for the next government.
“Allowing Tasmanians to access ADHD assessment and care through a GP is an excellent move. The clear support for this will make a big difference in many Tasmanians’ lives.
Too many kids and adults been missing out on care.
“We still need more GPs to serve our communities, and both parties should incentivise GPs to practice in Tasmania. We’ve seen some good initiatives, and this should be a priority.
“The support from both parties to make meningococcal B vaccinations free for babies will help young families stay safe and is a great example to follow, but it should be expanded to teens.
“We should be providing free booster vaccinations for whooping cough too. The $40–50 cost can make that a decision patients weigh against other costs they’re facing, and lead to dangerous infections for babies who are too young to have completed their vaccinations.
“Tasmanians have higher rates of chronic disease than patients in other states. We need general practices to be strong to support our patients to get well and stay well.”
But Gardner warned against approaches that sound appealing on the campaign trail but will lead to a less effective, less efficient, and more fragmented healthcare system.
“Too much emphasis has been put on finding substitutes for quality medical care and announceable quick fixes that don’t help most Tasmanians or address the underlying issues in our health system,” Gardner said.
“The biggest issue that’s stretching our hospitals and adding to costs in our health system is patients being admitted and re-admitted into hospital, often due to chronic conditions.
“Our next government should invest in initiatives to give Tasmanians access to a GP who has the time to keep them well. That’s where the best cost savings are.
“That means every Tasmanian having a usual GP who they see when they need to. The research clearly shows that’s how you get the best health outcomes, but it’s also exactly what our patients want.
“Realistically, expanding pharmacy prescribing isn’t going to make much of a difference for GP access. But it will add strain to a stretched pharmacy workforce and mean that when a health issue is more complex, the patient sees a GP later than they should – potentially leading to them needing hospital care.
“There’s no substitute for care from a GP who knows you, and attempting to substitute that by routing people who need care to disconnected services just adds to costs by fragmenting our health system further.”
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) is the peak representative organisation for general practice, the backbone of Australia’s health system. We set the standards for general practice, facilitate lifelong learning for GPs, connect the general practice community, and advocate for better health and wellbeing for all Australians.
Media release – Environment Tasmania, 23 July 2025
Tasmania Needs to Act in Face of Risk of Algal Bloom Disaster
Environment Tasmania is urging the newly elected Tasmanian Government to heed the alarming lessons from South Australia’s recent algal bloom disaster, warning that similar conditions could take hold in Tasmanian waters without swift action to protect marine habitats.
Scientists have flagged that Tasmania could face a similar environmental crisis if ocean conditions align. The absence of strong protections for vulnerable ecosystems—such as Tasmania’s iconic giant kelp forests—leaves the state dangerously exposed to risks like algal blooms, invasive species, and the accelerating impacts of climate change.
“We need a Marine Plan for Tasmania—an integrated, whole-of-state approach to managing our marine environment,” said Rebecca Howarth, Marine Campaigner for Environment Tasmania. “Tasmania is the only coastal state or territory in Australia without one. That needs to change.”
Environment Tasmania is calling on the new government to work collaboratively to develop a Marine Plan and urgently expand Tasmania’s marine reserve network to include endangered habitats such as giant kelp forests in accordance with our national and international commitments.
“Our oceans are central to who we are as Tasmanians. From fishing and diving to tourism and culture, we all rely on a healthy marine environment.
“Without adequate protection, we risk losing the very things we love—and depend on.”
Environment Tasmania is urging immediate steps to prioritise marine health and resilience, ensuring Tasmania can avoid the environmental and economic costs now unfolding in South Australia.
Media release – Equality Tasmania, 21 July 2025
ADVOCATES OPTIMISTIC ABOUT KEY REFORMS IN WAKE OF TASMANIAN ELECTION
Equality Tasmania says it is optimistic there will be progress on key LGBTIQA+ issues including a ban on conversion practices following Saturday’s state election.
Spokesperson, Dr Ash Russell, said, “All three parties gave positive commitments on some key reforms, including a ban on conversion practices, so we’re optimistic there will be progress whichever party forms government.”
“Our optimism is boosted by the fact that the cross-bench elected on Saturday is more determined to achieve LGBTIQA+ equality than during the last parliamentary term.”
The governing Liberal Party received an increased vote but does not have the numbers to govern in its own right.
Labor’s vote went down slightly and it would also need the support of the Greens and cross-benchers to govern. Meanwhile the Greens maintained their vote.
Prominent independents who strongly support LGBTIQA+ equality, including Kristie Johnston, Peter George and David O’Byrne, were easily elected, as were long-time LGBTIQA+ allies in the major parties, including Labor’s Ella Haddad and the Liberals’ Bridget Archer.
The National Party again failed to make any inroads.
Russell said, “We are pleased to see that long-term allies of the LGBTIQA+ community received a strong vote.”
“In contrast, Julie Sladden, who signed an open letter against gender affirming care in June, currently has the fifth lowest vote of the seven Liberal candidates in the Launceston-based seat of Bass.”
“It’s clear from the vote tally that Tasmanians value leaders who stand up for equal rights.”
Russell went on to note, “This state election was the third in a row without local, targetted anti-LGBTIQA hate campaigns, in contrast to the previous half century which saw such campaigns at every state election.”
“Equality Tasmania will advocate for any agreement to form government to include urgent LGBTIQA+ law reforms and health initiatives,” said Russell.
Media release – The Cradle Coast Authority, 18 July 2025
Cradle Coast Authority welcomes State funding election commitment for Regional Partnership Agreements
The Cradle Coast Authority today welcomed the announcement by the Tasmanian Labor Party that if elected it would work with local government to establish Regional Partnership Agreements between local governments and the State Government.
Chair of the Cradle Coast Board Hon. Sid Sidebottom said, “The Cradle Coast Authority has been advocating for similar Agreements for some time, and this formed an important component on its election priority wish list on behalf of its Council members and the region.”
“We welcome the announcement and look forward to a tri-partisan approach,” he added.
The Tasmanian Labor Party proposes an initial 3-year pilot would commence in the Cradle Coast region between the nine regional Councils, the Cradle Coast Authority and a Tasmanian Labor Government.
The partner Councils will identify key focus areas and opportunities to work together, which could include regional planning, health, education, renewable energy, industry development and economic development.
Cradle Coast Authority Regional Development Manager Veronica Terry said, “The Cradle Coast region deserves a Roadmap, not short-term fixes in isolation.”
“The Cradle Coast is a region of problem solvers and doers. We look forward to working alongside government, community and industry to shape our own future – one that puts community wellbeing at the centre. For our region to thrive economically, we need our community to thrive,” she said.
“Through the Regional Partnership Agreements, we hope to develop a Roadmap which will build on the great work already underway across our region. We will draw on our collective know-how, insight and understanding to enable the delivery of essential services such as healthcare, education, housing and infrastructure. We are deeply committed to delivering a cohesive and impactful plan to support the Cradle Coast region.”
The Cradle Coast Authority expects the Regional Partnership Agreements will enable all levels of Government to deliver more impactful services which are tailored to the priorities Cradle Coast region, supporting productive industries and future development opportunities.
The Cradle Coast Authority thanks the Tasmanian Labor Party for their support and hopes tri-partisan endorsement of the Regional Partnership Agreements will be secured ahead of the July 19 State election.
Media release – Dean Winter MP, Labor Leader, 20 July 2025
Tasmanians demand a new approach
Tasmanians have delivered another hung Parliament and a clear message that they want their politicians to work together.
As I made clear last night, Jeremy Rockliff will have the first opportunity to demonstrate he has the support of enough of the crossbench to secure a working majority.
I’d love to see a Labor government, but more than anything I want to see something that works for the Tasmanian people.
Jeremy Rockliff needs to show that he can form a stable government. Given how the Parliament has operated – I’m sceptical that he can do that.
Tasmania cannot go to another election and someone will have to find a way to make this new Parliament work.
I will not trade away long-term Labor policy and support for industry, and I will not be entering into any deals with the Greens.
My commitment is to work across the Parliament to deliver better outcomes for Tasmanians, in line with the promises we made and the values we stand for.
Media release – Jeremy Rockliff, Premier, 18 July 2025
Investing in the world game in Tasmania
A Tasmanian Home of Football is a step closer under a re-elected Liberal Government, paving the way for more Tasmanians to be active and social within their communities.
A re-elected Liberal Government will partner with Football Tasmania to progress their vision for a Home of Football, including six full-sized soccer pitches, four five-a-side pitches for all levels of community and elite football, as well as state-of-the-art women’s and men’s changerooms and training facilities.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff said the $350,000 investment would help progress the vision to ensure there are enough pitches available to meet the growing number of grassroots and elite football players.
“We know that growth is currently outpacing pitches, and this grassroots investment will ensure that not only do we meet current demand, but we future-proof soccer facilities in Tasmania for years to come, Rockliff said.
“More and more, we are seeing our young people put down their phones and iPads, and pick up a ball – keeping active and healthy, while creating social networks that will carry them through life.
“Over the past year, participation in the sport has grown 5 per cent, with 31,278 football players across Tasmania.
“We want to build on this momentum, continue the growth and ensure football-loving Tasmanians have the opportunity to get involved in the sport.”
The investment in the Home of Football Blueprint will enable a site-specific feasibility study into Wentworth Park and initial design to proceed.
A re-elected Liberal Government will engage with the Clarence City Council and the community on the proposed site and design.
This election comes down to one choice: a strong Liberal team with a real plan or another merry-go-round of chaos.
Media release – Jacquie Petrusma, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, 18 July 2025
Delivering better outcomes for Tasmanian veterans and their families
A re-elected Tasmanian Liberal Government will partner with RSL Tasmania to build additional crisis and transitional housing for veterans, right across the State.
Our $1.8 million investment, matching the Commonwealth’s $1.8 million commitment under the Veterans’ Acute Housing Program, will provide RSL Tasmania with $3.6 million to deliver additional homes that meets the needs of veterans and their families experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness.
The new homes will be delivered under RSL Tasmania’s Veterans’ Acute Housing Program, which provides transitional accommodation for veterans for up to two years.
Homes Tasmania will work with RSL Tasmania to deliver the new homes, which will be funded from their existing Budget.
Importantly, it will also be supported by wraparound Veteran services provided by VeteranHub, further supporting our veterans and their families and allowing services to be delivered where they are most needed.
This builds on the commitments made in our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future – at last year’s State election and reiterated in both our 2024-25 and 2025-26 Budgets, which Labor and the Greens did not support.
In addition to this $1.8 million investment, our 2025-26 Budget locks in more than $4 million to better support Veterans around Tasmania with commitments including:
Funding for RSL Tasmania, as the peak body for Veterans;
Funding to continue delivering our Veterans Employment Strategy 2023-27, to promote positive employment outcomes for veterans and to ensure their skills and experiences are valued by the wider community;
Funding to continue the Frank MacDonald Memorial Prize, and the Cameron Baird VC MG Scholarship.
Funding to continue the Teddy Sheean VC Memorial Grants program, which provides funds to Tasmanian ex-service organisations and clubs for works, equipment purchases and welfare initiatives for veterans;
Our Veteran Wellbeing Voucher Program to support veterans’ health and wellbeing across the State; and $240,000 for Hobart and Launceston Legacy.
The Tasmanian Liberal Government is more committed than ever to supporting our Veterans and RSL Tasmania, and this will bring our total investment to almost $6 million, more than any other Tasmanian Government in history.
We will also work with RSL Tasmania as a strategic partner in the implementation of the recommendations from the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, to ensure Veteran-led and community-informed approaches.
Only a re-elected Liberal Government will implement a practical, meaningful package of veteran support that will deliver measurable benefits to thousands of veterans and ex-serving personnel, to deliver better life outcomes for them and their families.
Media release – Guy Barnett, Treasurer, 18 July 2025
Budget better under Tasmanian Liberals
The Tasmanian Liberal Party’s costings of the 2025 State Election confirm that all its policies can be implemented within existing expenditure commitments, without new or increased taxes and without adding a single dollar to debt.
“I am pleased to advise that 90 per cent of our election commitments can be met through initiatives that were already funded in our Budget,” Treasurer Guy Barnett said.
“Further, we have found savings through the campaign, meaning the Budget bottom line will be better off coming out of the campaign under the Liberals.
“Unlike Labor, we won’t be relying on any Budget blackholes to show our commitments.
“Dean Winter admitted in a recent Advocate interview they had no plan to return the Budget to surplus sooner than what is already forecast.”
Our election commitments to improve areas like healthcare, childcare and education, housing, and community services have not impacted the Tasmanian Liberal Government’s sensible pathway to surplus by 2029/30, as previously stated.
In addition, the Tasmanian Liberal Government will implement a range of savings initiatives, allowing all our new commitments to be fulfilled while achieving an overall improvement in the net operating balance.
Table 1 shows our opex commitments, together with Budget Savings totalling $168 million over the Budget and Forward Estimates.
Table 1 – Liberal Party Opex Commitments and Savings
Table 1 also outlines several savings initiatives that will be implemented by a re-elected Liberal Government, allowing commitments to be fulfilled within existing expenditure commitments while still improving the net operating balance.
Capital expenditure commitments are shown below in Table 2.
Table 2 – Liberal Party Capex
In relation to savings measures outlined above, in addition to our existing fiscal strategy, the following additional savings measures will be implemented to further improve the State’s fiscal position:
- reduce expenditure on agency marketing and media costs through centralising media and communications;
- reduce the Treasurer’s Reserve;
- simplify Government procurement processes and arrangements, to reduce waste and costs for businesses; and
- implement office and leasing improvements to ensure that the State Service can work in a contemporary environment.
As committed during the 2024 State election, a re-elected Liberal Government will also continue to reform the superannuation liability that the Tasmanian community inherited after Labor raided and then closed the Superannuation Provision Account.
Tasmanians now pay close to $400 million per year due to this ongoing cost, and the Tasmanian Liberal Party will continue to seek to mitigate the ongoing burden to the State we inherited from the Labor Party’s raid of this account.
Labor’s financial mismanagement is a continuing legacy, and this election is no different.
After a $300 million blackhole was identified in Labor’s costings, it has also now been revealed that Labor’s election commitments will have a significant negative impact on the Budget’s net operating balance over the Budget and Forward Estimates Years.
Table 3 – Labor Party Opex
The Labor Party’s capex commitments similarly did not properly account for their public commitments, including those set out in their own media releases. The capex for their announcements far exceeded the amounts that Labor had specified in their own costings.
Table 4 – Labor Party CapEx
The difference between the Liberal Party’s and Labor Party’s operational expenditure commitments is shown below in Table 5.
Table 5 – Opex Comparison: Liberal vs Labor
Note: $215 million of the Liberal Party’s commitments were outlined in the 2025-26 State Budget Papers, meaning that the net expenditure is $23 million.
Media release – Jeremy Rockliff, Premier, 16 July 2025
Supporting our seniors – living and ageing well
Older Tasmanians will receive more support to live enriching and healthy lives at home or in assisted living, under a re-elected Tasmanian Liberal Government.
Our Government will ensure Tasmanians can age in their own home, in assisted living, and in all aspects of our community.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff said supporting our seniors is all about giving people more choice, more support and better care as they age.
“Everyone deserves to age with dignity and support, regardless of their age, income or location,” Rockliff said.
“By partnering with aged-care providers, we will deliver much-needed, additional care options for Tasmanians who are in need of extra support, and are transitioning from hospital back to home, or from hospital to an assisted living facility.
“Three new facilities will provide older Tasmanians with more choice in aged care, so there is no need for long waits in hospital.
“Expanding our successful Care@home service will ensure older Tasmanians can remain closer to support networks and receive treatment in the comfort of their own home.
“Our Ticket to Wellbeing Program has seen great success with the first round of the program exhausted in just 10 weeks, supporting nearly 9,000 vouchers.
“We want to see this continue, and expanding this program means more Tasmanians can take part in activities that enrich their lives.
“Finally, a new Minister for Ageing will work to make Tasmania a national leader in positive ageing and deliver more age-friendly communities.”
Under the four-point plan, a re-elected Liberal Government will:
Undertake an EOI for aged care providers to construct and operate three assisted living facilities in the North, North West and South on greenfield Government-owned land;
Invest $16 million to expand our successful Care@home service, ensuring older Tasmanians can receive expert care in their own home;
Double the Ticket to Wellbeing Program from 2026-27, and extend it a further two years to 30 June 2028, meaning more Tasmanians keep active, connected and healthy; and
Appoint a Minister for Ageing to ensure that our older Tasmanians have a strong presence and are advocated for around the Cabinet table.
Media release – Josh Willie MP, Shadow Treasurer, 18 July 2025
Guy Barnett MIA as Liberals deliver sham costings
After delivering the worst budget in Tasmania’s history, Treasurer Guy Barnett has been completely absent from the election campaign.
And it’s no wonder why.
The costings the Liberals submitted to the TCCI are a complete sham – and Barnett is clearly too embarrassed to defend them.
The Liberals are claiming they’ll only spend an extra $2 million on health over the next four years. That’s not just wrong – it’s a deliberate lie because they have committed to matching part of Labor’s TassieDoc program, which alone is an $18 million operational spend.
On top of that, they’ve made a long list of additional health promises, including:
- Tasmanian Breast Care Centre (costed by Treasury at $45 million in operational funding)
- IVF Treatment Rebate ($5 million)
- The Bubble ($3.8 million)
- Expansion of mammogram sites
- Meningococcal B vaccination program
- Pharmacy subsidies to extend hours
- Nurse practitioner scholarships and private practice support
- Bicheno Medical Clinic expansion ($500,000)
- Medical transport solution
Not to mention more than $400 million in health infrastructure commitments. Yet somehow, the Liberals expect Tasmanians to believe they’re delivering all of this with no additional debt.
Buried in the fine print of their submission is the real plan: more hidden cuts they won’t reveal before Tasmanians go to the polls.
“Further, a re-elected Liberal Government remains committed to ensuring the public service is efficient and productive while being the right size and delivering the right services. It is noted that many efficiency, productivity and other measures are not included in the current savings profile.”
That’s Liberal code for slashing services and hiding the details until it’s too late for Tasmanians to know the truth.
The Treasurer’s management of the state’s finances has been so dire that Jeremy Rockliff is working to bring Michael Ferguson back into his cabinet.
While the Liberals are dodging scrutiny and hiding cuts, Labor has put forward a fully costed, responsible plan that invests in Tasmania’s future without cooking the books.
Media release – Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, 18 July 2025
Update on election commitments
The Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TCCI) says budget repair and fiscal responsibility is the key focus of tomorrow’s state election.
Michael Bailey, CEO of the TCCI, said Tasmania’s business community expects the next Government to show real discipline when it comes to managing the state’s finances.
“The next Government needs to make sure every dollar spent by government delivers real value for the community,” Mr Bailey said.
“The Government also needs to ensure it’s creating the right environment for the business sector, because it’s the private sector that drives economic growth.”
The TCCI has written to both major parties requesting details of their election commitments. Responses from both parties are attached.
“The next Tasmanian Government must stick to its budget and ensure its spending is responsible and sustainable,” Mr Bailey said.
The TCCI’s key priorities for the 2025 Tasmanian election are:
Budget Sustainability
Restore the budget to surplus through disciplined spending, fully costed savings, and backing the private sector.
Energy Policy
Deliver Marinus Link on schedule, invest in renewable energy, and ensure affordable power for households and businesses.
Governance
Introduce a Government-Business Charter to prioritise local contracts, ensure stability, and reform the public sector.
Cost of Doing Business
Review business costs and develop a cost index to address rising expenses like power, insurance, and taxes.
Education and Skills
Increase workforce participation by addressing barriers (education, transport, health) and supporting the TCCI’s Participation Taskforce.
GBEs and Public Entities
Reform Government Business Enterprises (GBEs) and State-owned Companies (SOCs) to align with commercial principles and review TasWater’s regulations.
Health System Review
Establish a Commission of Inquiry to improve efficiency and sustainability in Tasmania’s health system.
Infrastructure
Develop a priority infrastructure list to guide investments and secure federal funding.
Letter to Michael Bailey from Jeremy Rockliff here.
Letter to Michael Bailey from Josh Willie here.
Media release – Tabatha Badger MP, Greens Member for Lyons 17 July 2025
Tasmania’s Wilderness World Heritage Area Needs Expansion And Attention
The Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area (TWWHA) is Tasmania’s greatest intergenerational asset, in both an environmental and economical capacity – it’s time for a state Government to acknowledge this fact and properly safeguarded this significant landscape.
For the last 11 years the Liberal government has eroded protections, seen management plans abandoned or neglected, and directed funding into the privatisation of our public lands instead of upgrading conservation efforts.
It was the work of the Greens and conservation groups over many decades that achieved world heritage status for the Tasmanian Wilderness – the most significant site on the planet. It’s past the old parties stood aside and let the Greens fix this mess.
In the climate-biodiversity crisis, now is the time for an urgent, strategic expansion of the TWWHA, to safeguard currently under protected globally unique ecosystems found nowhere else on the planet.
The Greens will progress World Heritage recognition for Takayna/Tarkine, the Spero-Wanderer Wilderness, the West Coast Range including the Tyndalls, the Vale River Catchment, Granite Tor Conservation Area, and Recherche Bay.
The required protection of this environment must extend beyond terra firma to also include sky country. Southwest Tasmania is home to the Creation story of the Palawa, and the Greens will protect the sacred Southwest Sky Country by declaring it a dark sky sanctuary, and work towards certification of the rest of the TWWHA.
We must redirect funding from non-essential projects such as the $40m Tyndall Range lodge complex walk proposal, into hiring more Parks staff to undertake core conservation works, walking track maintenance and interpretation.
The Greens plan will see more park rangers employed alongside, aboriginal rangers, field officers, fire crews, and a fully staffed Threatened Species Unit.
The Greens will scrap the flailing Liberal policy to privatise our national parks. We will tear up the lease over Halls Island and see that Lake Malbena is returned to all Tasmanians. We will invest in the neglected walking track network, as well as landscape restoration to ameliorate the degradation caused by invasive species.
Expanding the TWWHA to encompass other areas of outstanding universal value is overdue and will elevate Tasmania as the global leader in environmental management and conservation that our state deserves to be.
We must see the new state government finally step up and protect Tasmanians magnificent wild places in perpetuity.
Media release – Rosalie Woodruff MP, Greens Leader 17 July 2025
Come On Down: AFL CEO Should Front Up and Listen to Tasmanians
Since the beginning of the stadium saga, the AFL has spent all their time talking to Liberal – and more recently Labor – politicians and ignoring the Tasmanian community. That needs to change. The AFL CEO should front up and listen to Tasmanians.
Hundreds of thousands of Tasmanians are set to vote on Saturday. This is the perfect opportunity for the AFL CEO Andrew Dillon to come down and hear community views on the project for himself as people head to the ballot box.
To make it nice and easy for Mr Dillon, we’ve booked him a flight for Saturday morning.
The AFL CEO can come down, head out to some polling booths, and hear for himself what people think about the stadium. He could even head along to the Hawks vs Power game in the afternoon and remind himself of just how good a place York Park is to play football.
We know Andrew Dillon is a busy guy, but given the huge turmoil the AFL’s insistence on a stadium has caused for Tasmania, surely the least he can do is show up? While he might not be used to flying Jetstar, we’ve bought him extra leg room to make the trip a bit more like what he’s probably accustomed to.
Talking to Tasmanians across the state through this election campaign, there’s one thing that’s clear above all else: most people do not want a stadium. The AFL CEO needs to stop talking to Liberal and Labor politicians and hear this for himself.
Our message to Andrew Dillon is – take up our offer, get on the plane, and have the guts to listen to what Tasmanians have to say about building a new Hobart stadium.
Media release – Rosalie Woodruff MP, Greens Leader 16 July 2025
Liberal and Labor Pokies Donations Revealed
The donations from the pokies industry are once again flowing to Labor and Liberal politicians in an election campaign. The Electoral Commission’s donations’ register tells the story of grubby political money in real time.
Thousands of dollars have been handed over to Labor, the Liberals and even the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party after the 1 July disclosure date. Of course, we don’t know what money changed hands before 30 June.
The influence of the pokies lobby over the major parties has been clear again in recent times, with both abandoning the desperately needed pokies pre-commitment card.
Once again, we are seeing the Liberals and Labor raking in donations from this damaging industry. It’s appalling.
Tasmanians deserve better than politicians accepting cash in return for policy outcomes. Far better.
This is exactly why we need to ban political donations from vested interests like the gambling industry, property developers, and liquor and tobacco companies.
The only reason Tasmanians are actually seeing these donations when it matters most – before they vote – is because the Greens’ donations reforms passed in the last parliament. When we go back into Parliament, we will be moving to ensure this is the last time gambling interests can buy political favours at an election.
Media release – Clubs Tasmania, July 16 2025
Clubs Tasmania Welcomes Expansion of Ticket to Wellbeing Program
Clubs Tasmania has welcomed today’s announcement that the successful Ticket to Wellbeing program will be extended to 2028 and doubled in funding from 2026–27 if a Tasmanian Government is re-elected.
Clubs Tasmania Project Manager, Tom Darke, said the program has already made a significant impact across the state by helping older Tasmanians stay active, connected and engaged in their communities — often through their local club.
“The Ticket to Wellbeing program has been a game-changer for community clubs,” Darke said.
“We’ve seen firsthand how the vouchers bring people back through the doors — whether that’s for a fitness class, a social bowls session, a community lunch, or just to reconnect with others in a safe, familiar space.”
Clubs Tasmania has been a strong advocate for the continuation of the program since its launch. Demand was so strong that the first round of vouchers was exhausted within just 10 weeks.
“Many clubs across Tasmania are already the social heart of their towns and suburbs, and this program provides another way for them to offer real health and wellbeing outcomes,” Darke said.
“To see the Government not only extend the program but double its funding shows they recognise the important role clubs play in ageing well and staying connected.”
Clubs Tasmania will continue to work with the Government and its member clubs to ensure strong participation across all regions, and support the goal of creating more age-friendly communities.
Media release – Craig Garland, Independent for Braddon, 16 July 2025
Right to Information System Broken – Garland Calls for Urgent Reform and Transparency
Independent MP for Braddon, Craig Garland, has slammed the State Government’s ongoing secrecy and failure to reform Tasmania’s broken Right to Information (RTI) system.
Mr Garland pointed to the recent case involving the ABC’s RTI request for documents about the treatment of children in adult remand facilities as a clear and disturbing example of the system’s failure.
“What better reminder of the desperate need for reform of this system than the Government’s handling of this request,” Garland said. “The redactions were completely unjustified – and it’s not an isolated case.”
Quoting the Integrity Commission’s damning 2024 assessment of the RTI system, Mr Garland said Tasmania’s RTI regime is “marred by noncompliance with the letter and spirit of the law” and suffers from “an over-reliance on exemptions, unnecessary delays and general poor practices in RTI administration.”
The Commission highlighted how these deficiencies can give rise to the risk of government misconduct and made five recommendations for improvement, which the Government has done little to action. Meanwhile, the Office of the Ombudsman – responsible for policing RTI compliance – remains critically underfunded, with a backlog of reviews and delays that stretch into months.
Quoting from the Ombudsman’s Annual Report 2023-24, Mr Garland said “Last year, appeals against decisions to redact, or refusals to disclose documents resulted in the Ombudsman overturning or varying 80% of government decisions to withhold information. That tells you all you need to know – this broken system is protecting Ministers and agencies, not informing the public,” Garland said.
Mr Garland also criticised the State Government for sitting on a comprehensive independent review of the RTI Act by Professors Rick Snell and Tim McCormack. Their report was due to be received more than two weeks ago by the Government.
“This report was a chance to show some leadership and commit to real reform. Instead, the Government have kept the report hidden from the public during the election campaign – just like they have done with the Marinus whole-of-state business case” Garland said.
In support of his call for greater government transparency and accountability, Garland today launched his Integrity Policies, including calls for:
Reform to the Right to Information Act and the Public Interest Disclosure Act
- Legislation for a binding Lobbying Code of Conduct
- A ban on political donations from property developers, the liquor and gambling industries, and the salmon industry
- Implementation of the long-overdue Cox Review recommendations to strengthen the Integrity Commission
- Proper funding of the Integrity Commission and the Office of the Ombudsman
“If the major parties want my support in forming the next government, if Im re-elected, they need to commit to implementing real integrity reforms in the next term of Parliament,” Garland said
Media release – Craig Garland, Independent for Braddon, 15 July 2025
Garland Demands Stronger Protection for Tasmania’s Marine Environment
Independent Braddon MP Craig Garland has announced a bold plan to better protect Tasmania’s oceans and coastal communities, calling for a complete overhaul of marine environmental management.
“As a fisherman, the ocean is everything to me,” Garland said.
“Our lives and livelihoods depend on a healthy marine environment. We need to start managing our waters like our future depends on it—because it does.”
“I ran for parliament because the Government ruined my fishery. They failed to listen to me and take any action during my first term. This time, I want to make my policies crystal clear, so that if I’m re-elected, the Government and the community know exactly what I want to achieve.”
BAN ON NEW FISH FARMS IN THE NORTH WEST
Mr Garland is demanding an immediate ban on new salmon farms in the North West, pointing to the 2017 moratorium on the East Coast as precedent.
“If it was good enough to protect the East Coast, it’s good enough for us. Our communities deserve the same safeguards.”
TRANSITION TO LAND-BASED SALMON FARMING
He is also calling for an independent, evidence-based study into transitioning salmon farming onto land.
“With climate change and salmon farm pollution threatening our coastal waters, its time to look seriously at alternatives. We need an independent feasibility study that combines the science and the economics, so we can plan for the future of this industry. Instead, the Government still has its head in the sand, pretending there wasn’t a catastrophic mass salmon die off summer and that wild fisheries aren’t depleted.”
COMMERCIAL FISHING LICENCE BUY-BACK
To support struggling wild fisheries, Mr Garland is proposing a targeted buy-back of inactive commercial fishing licences.
“Too many unused licences are putting unnecessary pressure on the system. A buy-back would reduce this burden and help secure the future of both existing and emerging fisheries.”
NEW MARINE ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT ACT
Citing the recent mass salmon die-off in the South East and the Government’s failure to act on major reviews, Mr Garland wants to introduce a new Marine Environment Management Act if re-elected. “For too long decisions about our marine environment have been made with limited information and with questionable objectives. We need a modern, science-driven approach that monitors the health of our marine environment, listens to the community and puts sustainability first.”
Modelled on legislation from New South Wales and Victoria, the new Act would:
Establish a whole-of-government framework for marine management
Protect the marine environment while supporting sustainable use
Recognise Tasmanian Aboriginal connection, knowledge, rights and aspirations for our marine environment.
Create an independent marine authority to oversee data collection, planning, policy, and efforts across departments and agencies.
Embed principles like ecosystem-based management and the precautionary principle.
Promote transparent decision-making and genuine community consultation
“I’m not here to try and shut things down—I’m here to make sure development happens in the right way, in the right places,” Garland said. “Tasmania can be a global leader in marine sustainability, but only if we have the courage to fix a broken system.”
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