Article
Election Roundup – Second Last Week
With prepolls already open for the Tasmanian House of Assembly elections, prisoners are also voting. Custodial Inspector Richard Connock has commended the work of the Tasmania Prison Service and the Tasmanian Electoral Commission to enable prisoners to cast their votes.
Meanwhile lobby groups are still calling on candidates for policy support. Men’s Resources Tasmania has added their voice to the Coalition of Community Service Peaks’ move for better recognition of and financial support for social services.
The Liberals are being accused of backtracking from implementation of Commission of Inquiry findings regarding youth justice, as they announced a ‘tough on crime’ policy, including “new bail laws for serious repeat young offenders.”
Jack Davenport (independent candidate, Bass) commented: “Instead of targeting young people with punitive measures that don’t work, and restricting their rights, there needs to be more emphasis on community-led solutions.”
Health in general continues to be an election theme. Labor announced policies for midwife and doctor training and retention, plus five 100% free regular doctors’ clinics. The Greens are backing expansion of allied health, while the Liberals say they will extend services at Bicheno Medical Centre and develop at health hub at Legana.
The Liberals continue to bandy about a figure of 20 per cent savings on insurance from a new government insurance agency but despite a direct request have provided no financial modelling.
Bec Thomas (independent MLC, Elwick, not up for reelection) lamented the Liberal promise of more basketball courts for the north of the state when there is greater need in the south.
John Hawkins (independent candidate, Lyons) argued that health and education in Tasmania “are classic examples of collapse under poor governance and incompetence and a badly affected by the government’s tidal wave of debt.”
Phillip Bigg (independent candidate, Lyons) released a “long-term plan to address what he calls ‘a looming crisis’ for Tasmania’s future growth, stability and sustainability.”
The Bob Brown Fuondation sees the election as an “opportunity to save forests and end taxpayer-subsidised destruction.”
The Nationals released a five-point agricultural policy as they seek to win rural and regional votes.
Jiri Lev (independent candidate, Lyons) presented a novel approach to low-cost housing.
A new website, https://ielect.com.au, claims to be tracking the mood of the electorate by a rolling series of online opinion polls.
“Traditional surveys and polls often have limited reach and can carry inherent biases, painting an incomplete or even misleading picture,” said Stephen Reid, founder of iElect. “Our goal is to empower every Tasmanian voter with the most accurate and up-to-date information, cutting through the noise and allowing them to make informed decisions that genuinely align with their values. The result is a clear, constantly refreshed picture of what truly matters to Tasmanians, delivered directly by the community itself.”
Reid did not elaborate as to how the site achieves a representative sample.
Media releases and statements on these issues are reproduced below.
Media release – Office of the Custodial Inspector, 7 July 2025
CUSTODIAL INSPECTOR PRAISES EFFORTS TO FACILITATE PRISONER VOTING IN STATE ELECTION
Custodial Inspector Richard Connock has commended the work of the Tasmania Prison Service and the Tasmanian Electoral Commission to enable prisoners to vote in the upcoming State Election.
“This is the first time in more than a decade that prisoners who are eligible can cast their vote in an election for the House of Assembly, which is a great step forward in enabling their democratic rights,” Mr Connock said. “This follows a successful trial of mobile polling in the recent Legislative Council elections.
“Democracy is about public participation. Being able to vote on who governs us – our representatives at the local, state and federal levels of government – and proposed changes to the Australian Constitution are core features of that participation.”
In the Office of the Custodial Inspector’s Overcoming barriers to voting in prison – review report 2025, released earlier this year, Mr Connock made “seven recommendations designed to improve people in custody’s ability to engage in the democratic process and the community as, ultimately, this is where they will return on their release”.
Mr Connock said while mobile polling in the state’s prisons was a positive step forward, more still needed to be done.
“People in custody still face barriers to exercising their right to vote and, for some, their participation is restricted throughout their term of imprisonment. While the TPS has made some inroads into making voting easier and more available to people in custody in Tasmania, there are still some significant challenges that need to be overcome,” Mr Connock said.
“While the right to vote is unlikely to be a primary concern for some in custody, with far more basic conditions not being consistently met such as access to the open air, every right deserves to be upheld.”
“Importantly, the right to vote does ensure people can have a say on the delivery of government services, which include prison services. Removing barriers to voting will likely mean people in custody will be more able, as well as willing, to have a say.”
Mr Connock also called for changes to the laws on the eligibility of people in prison to vote to reduce disenfranchisement.
“People with a sentence of three years or more are ineligible to vote in Tasmania in local, state and federal elections,” he said. “The disproportionate incarceration of Aboriginal people makes these voting restrictions essentially discriminatory.”
“We believe sufficient factors exist to review the current restriction at state and local government levels and have made a recommendation to state parliament related to this.”
Voting in Tasmanian prisons for the upcoming State Election will occur this week.
Media release – Men’s Resources Tasmania (MRT), 7 July 2025
Can we get serious about taking action in support of men and boys?
Men’s Resources Tasmania (MRT) is an organisation representing several key men’s health initiatives in Tasmania, and we are adding our voice to support the Coalition of Community Service Peaks (see video below), and adding our own call to action.
We believe men play important roles in the community, and that we need our next government and parliament to support men to create the changes that many are calling for.
Some of these changes include the male suicide rate, boys’ educational outcomes and violence in our community.
One of the initiatives we are leading is Men Against Violence.
Another of the ways we are taking action against violence in our work is through our Building Pathways program, where we work with incarcerated men.
Jonathan Bedloe, CEO says, “There are men in our community wanting to take action to improve health outcomes for our whole community, through our focus on men and boys. Real and sustainable funds will enable us to engage more volunteers, deliver more meaningful programs and activities, and help men’s organisations do their bit to improve outcomes for the whole community.”
“Men are on the bottom of the ladder in most areas of funding from government to community. If we want to change outcomes, we need to change the support our community offers everyday men. MRT is calling on all political candidates to allocate meaningful funding to a sector working hard to support men and boys,” says Mr Bedloe.
MRT is operating as a peak body for Tasmen, the Tasmanian Men’s Sheds Association, Manup Tasmania, Directions Tas. and others; and is a community-based, not-for-profit organisation that supports and promotes the wellbeing of men and boys in Tasmania.
Media release – Tasmanian Liberals, 6 July 2025
Tough on crime, and tough on the causes of crime
Premier Jeremy Rockliff said Tasmania is one of the safest places in the world, but we’ve seen concerning rises in crimes committed by young people over recent times.
“Community safety must come first, and we won’t be letting a small portion of criminals take hold in our state, as it has in others,” the Premier said. A re-elected Liberal Government will tackle this head-on.
“We will continue to focus our efforts on diverting young people from the youth justice system and stopping them from offending in the first place.
“That includes continued investment into diversionary programs such as JCP Youth, the creation of a statewide Divert and Connect program, and the establishment of a new Youth Hub in Glenorchy.
“We’ll be working to make the Divert and Connect program court-mandated, with a strong focus on early intervention and mental health support. This program will begin immediately.”
The Liberals will also seek to update the Youth Justice Act with a view to adding diversion options, sentencing provisions, aggravating factors in sentencing and options for the practical application of doli incapax.
Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management, Felix Ellis, said Tasmanians were fed up with serious, repeat young offenders in their communities.
“Our Police do an amazing job every single day, but they’re often let down by weak bail laws allowing serious repeat young offenders to continue their crime sprees,” Minister Ellis said.
“A re-elected Liberal Government will bring this to an end, introducing new bail laws for serious repeat young offenders.
“We will be making breach of bail an offence for youths who flout the law, and this will include a bail test that puts community safety at the forefront.
“And we will continue our design work on a $3 million assisted bail program, including transition from the detention system and accommodation options.
“We’ll also continue to address growing concerns of knife crime by banning the sale of certain knives and other edged weapons to young people under the age of 18, unless there is a lawful reason for the purchase, such as being an apprentice.
“This follows the Liberals’ strong new knife crime laws, Reid’s Law, which allows police to detect and remove knives using metal detection wands, with increased penalties for those caught with these life-ending weapons.
“A re-elected Liberal Government will continue to deliver an increased police presence to tackle anti-social behaviour in hotspots.
“We’ve seen promising results from Taskforces in Glenorchy and Launceston, and I look forward to building on this momentum.
“Tasmanians have told us they want a Government that keeps them safe, and by being tough on crime, and the causes of crime, that’s exactly what a re-elected Liberal Government will deliver.”
Media release – Jeremy Rockliff, Premier, 7 July 2025
Expanding access to GPs on the East Coast
A re-elected Tasmanian Liberal Government will invest $500,000 to expand the Bicheno Medical Centre, in another much-needed boost to healthcare on the east coast.
This investment is part of our plan to expand the centre, delivering additional rooms for GPs, more appointments for locals, and expanding opportunities for doctors to work in the region.
Importantly, it will also allow the centre to welcome more GP trainees, along with allied health workers and nurses, further boosting our health workforce.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff said this is another example of how a re-elected Liberal Government is increasing access to primary healthcare for Tasmanians living in rural and regional areas.
“The expansion of the Bicheno Medical Centre will provide health care to Tasmanians on the east coast where and when they need it,” Premier Rockliff said.
“This adds to our strong record of delivering better healthcare for residents, closer to home on the east coast, including our commitment to deliver a new CT scanner at the St Helens District Hospital.
“Only a re-elected Liberal Government has a plan to deliver the healthcare Tasmanians need, including expanding community pharmacies, backing a new Urgent Care Clinic at Legana, and delivering five new GP clinics under the TassieDocs program.”
Construction will begin on the Bicheno Medical Centre once the necessary planning approvals are received.
New Legana Health Hub to become a reality under the Liberals
A much-needed boost to health care in the north will be made possible with a re-elected Tasmanian Liberal Government to invest in an Urgent Care Centre in Legana.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff announced that a re-elected Tasmanian Liberal Government will partner to deliver more health services, closer to home, with the Legana Health Hub.
“We are stepping in and getting more GP services closer to home,” the Premier said.
“Tasmanians deserve quality care wherever they are, and our Government has stepped up to get more GPs services right across the state.”
Discussions are also underway to provide co-located radiology services (CT/X-ray/USG), which will boost health services in the north and further relieve pressure on the Launceston General Hospital and our ambulance services.
“This comprehensive, multidisciplinary health precinct will support the growing communities across Legana, Riverside and the wider West Tamar region,” Premier Rockliff said.
“With more than 50 per cent of presentations to our emergency departments more appropriately assessed by a GP, providing more urgent care access ensures we can reduce pressure on our hospitals and provide care to those who need it sooner.
“Delivering an urgent care option in the West Tamar region will mean around 30,000 Tasmanians can get much more convenient health care, closer to home, and for free.
“We will work with Dr Reddy to deliver this service, and meet the health demands close to Tasmanians’ homes.”
Subject to achieving the necessary planning approvals, construction is expected to commence in the next 12 months.
Statement – Jack Davenport, independent for Bass, 7 July 2025
Response to Liberal Party announcement to weaken the children’s rights
‘The announcement by the Liberal Party that it wants to review youth justice laws are a typically weak response to crime.
‘These types of punitive measures are politically driven, not based on evidence. If elected I absolutely will oppose any attempt to water down the criminal code.
‘Children and young people will always be at more risk of crime from adults than adults will from children and young people.
‘The Australian Child Maltreatment Survey showed two in five children are exposed to family domestic violence abuse, and 28.5% are exposed to sexual abuse. Applying those figures to the state demonstrates the risk thousands of Tasmanian children and young people.
‘Instead of targeting young people with punitive measures that don’t work, and restricting their rights, there needs to be more emphasis on community-led solutions.
‘The real crime fighting in Tasmania is done by a host of under-resourced but dedicated professionals like teachers, teaching assistants, social workers, psychologists, mental health nurses and therapeutic counsellors.
‘It’s undertaken by people in community and families, and even peer-to-peer support. That’s what’s making the difference when it comes to preventing young people coming into conflict the law.
‘There’s a whole group of people that know what needs to happen to stop crime and protect children, and they know it better than the Liberal Party.
‘We need to fight for what matters and focus efforts on improving funding for professional and community supports for young people. That’s how you stop crime and keep children safe.’
The Australian Child Maltreatment Study is available here (stats cited are on main page).
Media release – Cecily Rosol MP, Greens MP for Bass, 7 July 2025
Liberals Abandon COI with Crime Crack Down
The Liberals’ latest move to “crack down” on youth crime is yet more evidence they’ve abandoned their commitment to implementing the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry.
The human rights of children and young people were a central focus of the Commission of Inquiry. Instead of better protecting these fundamental rights, the Liberal Government is moving to strip legal protections away from young people.
The Liberals have committed to raising the age of criminal responsibility to 14, as was recommended in the Commission of Inquiry. Their new “tough on crime” announcements reducing the legal protections for young people are completely incompatible with this.
Jeremy Rockliff needs to be honest with Tasmanians. Has his government abandoned the recommendations from the Commission of Inquiry? Are they still committed to raising the age of criminal responsibility?
Where do Labor stand? Will they implement the Commission of Inquiry recommendations, or will they be following the Liberals’ draconian approach to youth crime? Tasmanians deserve to know before they go to the polls.
It’s important to keep the community safe, but this can only be done with evidence-based solutions. “Tough on crime” approaches just don’t work. If we want to see change, what we need is support for at-risk families to reduce the causes of crime, and therapeutic approaches to justice.
It’s long past time the recommendations from the Commission of Inquiry were implemented. With the Greens in the balance of power, we’ll fight for evidence-based and trauma-informed approaches to youth justice which ensure the safety of Tasmania’s children and community members.
Greens’ Budget Repair Tranche Three
I’m proud to announce the Greens’ third stage of budget repair measures, which will bring in another $380 million. In the balance of power, the Greens will fight to ensure that property developers and the pokies barons pay their fair share.
Tasmania’s budget is in a mess after a decade of the Liberals. Despite expert warnings, the Liberals have been letting their corporate mates profit off Tasmanians.
Meanwhile, essential services like health and education have gone underfunded. It’s resulted in worse results for Tasmanians. But the Greens have a plan to clean up the mess.
With a new government and in the balance of power, the Greens will make the corporations pay their fair share. We’ll stop the pokies barons being the least taxed of their Australian counterparts, raising the rate for Electronic Gaming Machines to 45%.
Our plan includes introducing a 75% tax on property speculators who make windfall profit simply because land is rezoned. We’ll also establish a 1% levy on vacant properties – except for legitimate uses, like shacks.
The Greens understand that the budget needs to be back in a better place so we can ensure basic services can be properly funded for Tasmanians. To date in the campaign, we’ve now announced revenue of $882 million and $362 million in savings – plus we’d scrap the billion-dollar stadium. And we still have more to announce.
The Greens have been transparent with Tasmanians and published all policy costings, unlike Labor and the Liberals. Labor have no published costings, while the Liberal’s six policies they’ve told Tasmanians won’t cost anything, Treasury says will cost almost $800,000.
In the balance of power, the Greens will take the steps the major parties won’t to get the budget back on track.
More information is available here.
Media release – Rosalie Woodruff MP, Greens Leader, 5 July 2025
Greens Announce Crucial Allied Health Investment
Community health services are crucial, but under the Liberals we’ve seen cuts and service reductions become the norm. The community is suffering as a result. That’s why the Greens are announcing our plan to invest $5 million annually in a key pillar of community health – physiotherapy services.
Physios are the unsung heroes of our health system. These critical allied health staff help the community in so many ways. But after a decade of Liberal neglect, demand for physios through the public health system is massively outpacing their availability.
We’re hearing from the union and staff that community physio services in southern Tasmania are stretched so thin that people are waiting six months for support that is meant to happen within two weeks. Patients are suffering in pain, left unable to work, or end up with preventable complications. The toll on staff is huge.
The situation being experienced across at least 15 community health facilities in southern Tasmania is bad enough right now. But even worse, more cuts are on the cards.
HACSU says southern community health services are actively considering cuts to services for key areas like:
- Perinatal pelvic and back pain
- Chronic conditions and persistent pain
- Neurological conditions e.g. dementia, MS, Parkinsons
- Vascular and respiratory conditions
- Preparation for surgery
Our health system is struggling as it is without more “efficiency” cuts to crucial community services. Without proper investment now, those cuts are inevitable.
The Greens are listening to HACSU and to staff about the needs for physio services in southern Tasmania and we’re proud to announce our plan to hire 49.8FTE in staff. These include:
- 20.8 FTE physiotherapists + 3.4 FTE relief factor
- 18.7 FTE Allied health assistants and administration staff + 4.4 FTE relief factor
- 2.5 FTE physio leadership positions
This support would make sure the community can continue to access all current services, bring down waitlists, and support the reinstatement of hydrotherapy services in rural areas.
We know communities are crying out for health services that meet their needs. The Greens understand investment in critical areas like allied health is so much more important than building a billion-dollar stadium.
Media release – Dean Winter MP, Labor Leader; Ella Haddad MP, Shadow Minister for Health, 7 July 2025
A Fresh Start for midwives and doctors in Tasmania
A Dean Winter Labor Government will train and recruit more doctors and nurses to help deliver the healthcare Tasmanians need – where they need it.
This builds on Labor’s commitment to start TassieDoc and ensure Tasmanians who need it can see a regular doctor for free.
After 11 years of the Liberals, Tasmanians are still struggling to see a doctor or get the maternity care they need. It’s time for change.
Labor will give our health workforce a fresh start with new scholarships for midwives and recruitment and retention incentives for doctors.
For midwives
-
Support for the University of Tasmania’s plan to restart midwifery training in 2026 — so we can train and keep more of our own midwives close to home.
-
200 new scholarships for UTAS midwifery students over four years designed to train and retain midwives here in Tasmania.
-
Each scholarship will provide $10,000 to support the cost of training, with an extra $5,000 bonus for those who stay and work in Tasmania for two years after qualifying.
For doctors
-
150 recruitment grants to make Tasmania competitive with the mainland and attract and retain a permanent workforce.
-
100 x $10,000 grants for doctors in urban areas.
-
50 x $20,000 grants for doctors in rural and regional communities.
-
Our government-run TassieDoc clinic that let doctors focus on practicing medicine without having to worry about running a business.
The grants will go to practices to help cover the costs of employing and supporting new doctors—building the workforce needed to deliver Labor’s free, bulk-billed doctor clinics across Tasmania. This plan builds on a successful Federal program and has been welcomed by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners and AMA.
Labor will train more midwives here in Tasmania, and we’ll keep more doctors working in the communities that need them.
It’s in Labor’s DNA to support Tasmanians to get the healthcare they need – that’s what these initiatives will deliver.
After 11 years of the Liberals, it’s time to give our health workforce the support it deserves and they only way to do that is to vote Labor.
Quotes attributable to RACGP Deputy Chair Dr Tim Jones:
“We see it as very attractive to our emerging workforce. We are training a record number of GPs here in Tasmania, but those are doctors who do not have business experience, who are not clinic owners, and we think that working under this model is going to enable them to do what they do best – which is focus on the care of patients in the community.
“We have seen from interstate initiatives that have developed some of these models in the past that they have worked very well to both recruit and retain doctors – and over that time led to a decrease in hospital costs, which is absolutely what we need to see in this state as well.
Labor to deliver free doctor clinics across Tasmania
Right now, there are zero 100% free regular doctors’ clinics in Tasmania. Tasmanians need cost of living relief and more access to the health care they need. This plan from Labor will deliver both.
Our Urgent Care Clinics are great – but they are for urgent care – not regular doctor services. A Dean Winter Labor Government will start TassieDoc – to give Tasmanians a Fresh Start and ensure they can see a regular doctor for free.
We will open five new, 100% free, fully bulk-billed doctors’ clinics across the state. These clinics will be in the north, north-west and south, where there is a clear community need.
They will be supported by Federal Labor’s increased investment in Medicare and the Tasmanian Government will run them and provide extra support.
We’ll provide the clinic and consulting rooms, and they’ll be staffed by doctors who will 100% bulk bill. All Tasmanians will need is their Medicare card.
These clinics will operate with extended hours including evenings and weekends – in person or via telehealth – to ensure Tasmanians can make the most of them.
We know that a doctor shortage is part of the problem, so we’ll also provide incentives for 150 additional doctors to live and work in Tasmania. Practices will receive grants to take on and retain doctors – helping to grow our local health workforce in both urban and rural communities.
The first TassieDoc clinics will be operating before the end of the year – because after 11 years of the Liberals, Tasmanians shouldn’t have to wait any longer to see a doctor for free.
Quotes attributable to RACGP Deputy Chair Dr Tim Jones:
“Every patient, no matter their postcode or income, deserves access to high-quality care from a GP who knows them, and their history.
“We’re throwing our support behind this initiative designed to attract doctors to communities where timely and affordable general practice care can make such a difference. It’s an unfortunate reality that some households have to make impossible decisions between filling up the car, buying groceries and medicines, and seeking healthcare, including from a GP.
“By boosting access to general practice care in these communities, patients can get the care they need, when they need it. GPs relieve pressure on the entire healthcare system; we stop small health problems becoming much larger ones requiring hospital care.
Media release – Josh Willie MP, Shadow Treasurer, 5 July 2025
Ten questions Rockliff must answer about his dodgy insurance deal
Question 1: What modelling are you relying on to claim that households would save $250? Who did the modelling for you and why won’t you release it?
Question 2: The Insurance Council of Australia Estimates the financial loss of a major fire event around Hobart would be $4.1 billion. Do you accept that even if TasInsure only took a relatively small percentage of the market, a major event would send MAIB broke and leave massive liabilities with taxpayers?
Question 3: Do you have, and will you commit to releasing a detailed business case?
Question 4: Do you accept that you plan exposes RACT, which is owned by Tasmanians for Tasmanians, to massive financial risk?
Question 5: Have you examined case studies, such as a US equivalent proposal for Bushfire and Flood insurance which was bankrupted costing taxpayers over $20 billion?
Question 6: How many staff will it have?
Question 7 : What is the annual operating cost?
Question 8: How much equity will TasInsure need? Given the Tasmanian budget is already sinking towards $13 billion in net debt, where will that come from and doesn’t it risk another credit downgrade?
Question 9: Given it’s your number one policy, have you submitted it to Treasury?
Question 10: When will it be up and running?
Media release – Bec Thomas, independent MLC for Elwick, 7 July 2025
SOUTHERN KIDS MISS OUT AGAIN AS LIBERAL GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCES MORE COURTS IN THE NORTH
Independent Member for Elwick, Bec Thomas MLC, has today expressed deep disappointment at the Liberal Government’s announcement of the redirection of $18.8 million in funding to build four more indoor courts at the Northern Suburbs Recreation Hub in Mowbray – taking that facility’s total capacity to 11 courts.
“While any investment in community sport is welcome, the blatant pork barrelling driven inequity in this Government’s allocation of funding across Tasmania is impossible to ignore,” Ms Thomas said.
“Basketball Tasmania’s own facility strategy says the north is nine courts short, while the south is 16 courts short. Yet with this latest announcement, there are now 11 courts planned for construction in the north, compared to just four in the south. It’s time this Government invested where there is evidence-based need, not simply where it needs to shore up votes.”
Ms Thomas said the numbers told the story of a Government that continues to neglect Greater Hobart and its young people.
“In recent years, the State Government has delivered around $99 million in funding for major community sport infrastructure projects across the north and north west — $50 million in the north west and $49 million in the north,” Ms Thomas said.
“In contrast, the south — where almost half of Tasmania’s population lives — has received just $41 million in State funding for community sporting facilities. That’s less than half the funding received by the north and north west.
“This includes just $1.5 million in the City of Hobart itself, Tasmania’s capital city, and $28 million for the long-promised Glenorchy four-court facility that was announced in 2018 but still hasn’t had a sod turned.”
Ms Thomas said it was clear that young people in Clark were being left behind.
“We’ve got kids who’ll be on the streets come May next year when Swisherr closes because this Government cares more about shoring up votes in the north than it cares about the kids in Clark,” Ms Thomas said.
“Volunteers are being worked to the bone to schedule activities across a range of school and privately operated facilities, most which house equipment from the 1980s – meanwhile the Government is tipping almost twice as much into high-performance and elite sports infrastructure — $273.5 million — as it has into community facilities ($150 million).
“That means millions more for the JackJumpers and the Devils through sponsorship, high performance training centres and upgrades at UTAS Stadium, the Silverdome and MyState Bank Arena, while thousands of kids across Greater Hobart continue to miss out.
“This Government talks about the importance of sport and healthy communities, but its funding priorities tell a different story.
“Under this government Hobart will become a place you can watch but not play sport.”
Ms Thomas has been persistently advocating for funding for a new four-court indoor facility at New Town Bay to help address the growing shortfall in the south.
“If it does care about kids in the South, this government will level the score by funding a new four-court indoor facility at New Town Bay and also investing in urgent upgrades to local school facilities so no one misses out while this new facility is developed.
“This is not a ‘nice-to-have’, it’s a must-have and the groundwork is done. There is a shovel-ready project, strong community backing and a clear evidence-based need.
“It’s time the Liberal Government listened to the evidence, and to the people of Clark who are feeling unseen and unheard — and finally invested fairly in the community sport facilities that our young people desperately need,” Ms Thomas said.
Ms Thomas also urged the major parties to commit to developing a Greater Hobart community sport and recreation infrastructure plan.
“The Government needs to plan and budget for the delivery of enough community courts and grounds to cater for increased participation and growing demand across Greater Hobart into the future, so volunteer run clubs don’t have to compete and beg for funding.
“Our young sports people deserve better. Our community clubs deserve certainty. It’s time the Government showed local clubs that they matter just as much as the big guns” Ms Thomas said.
Media release – John Hawkins, independent candidate for Lyons, 2 July 2025
Tassie must get better politicians and sell off stadium site, says Chudleigh independent candidate
International antiques expert John Hawkins will stand as a Lyons independent in July’s state election, claiming that the traditional party system has let down Tasmanian voters.
He also believes Tasmania cannot afford a new Hobart football stadium: “The waterfront site should be sold to the highest commercial bidder with the proceeds propping up the state’s failing Budget to fund hospitals in Launceston and Hobart.
“Tasmanians should not be saddled with so large a debt for our small population,” he said.
Mr Hawkins also believes the current system of sourcing candidates for the Tasmanian Parliament does not work and political parties are outmoded.
“We must legislate to create a talent pool from the retired over 65 citizens who will sit for one term only in the parliament in three years’ time.”
“Even after the return to 35 House of Assembly members the minority Liberal government was struck down again by a chronic failure from within the available talent pool.
“The few parliamentarians with some semblance of intelligence wear a multitude of portfolios, creating a workload well beyond their ability.
“Health and Education are classic examples of collapse under poor governance and incompetence and a badly affected by the government’s tidal wave of debt.”
Mr Hawkins also champions environmental issues such as no fish farming in Macquarie Harbour, no logging in the Western Tiers – and would axe the proposal for a 600-bed prison in the Meander Valley Municipality.
“The State Government should keep the current Ashley Youth Detention Centre and ensure it is staffed by professionals,” he said.
Mr Hawkins believes poker machines should be removed from Tasmania’s pubs and clubs: “That was Rebecca White’s intention before she was foiled by the Farrell family,” he said.
After Mr Hawkins and his wife, prominent artist Robin Mayo, bought the historic Chudleigh property of Bentley more than 20 years ago they restored the damaged landscape and waterways, planting more than 100,000 native trees.
Selling Bentley in 2021, they have now built a new home in Chudleigh and propose to open to the public a native tree arboretum established there by Ms Mayo.
Media release – Phillip Bigg, independent candidate for Lyons, 6 July 2025
Independent Candidate Phillip Bigg Unveils Vision for a Stable and Sustainable Tasmania
Independent candidate Phillip Bigg has today released a bold, long-term plan to address what he calls “a looming crisis” for Tasmania’s future growth, stability and sustainability.
Warning of the risks of what entrepreneur Dick Smith once described as “lazy growth”, Bigg is calling for an end to election-cycle band-aid policies and demanding future-focused action on healthcare, housing and waste management.
“Tasmania is standing on the edge of a slow collapse,” said Mr Bigg. “We cannot continue to rely on short-term fixes and immigration-led growth while our healthcare crumbles, housing becomes increasingly unaffordable, and waste keeps piling up.”
According to 2023 ABS data, Tasmania’s birth rate is just 1.51, well below the 2.1 replacement level needed for sustainable population growth. Bigg argues that without strong investment in health, housing and economic opportunity, Tasmanians will continue delaying or forgoing family life altogether.
Bigg proposes a state-of-the-art teaching and general hospital, inspired by the Gold Coast University Hospital model, to address Tasmania’s acute health workforce shortages and poor regional health outcomes.
“Too many Tasmanians leave the state to train as health professionals and many never return,” he said. “A dedicated teaching hospital could build local capacity and improve care for generations to come.”
Bigg also calls for satellite health hubs in regional areas and paid clinical placements for health students, citing a 33.3% dropout rate at the University of Tasmania in part due to unpaid placement burdens.
With the median income now qualifying buyers for less than 10% of homes sold in the past year, Bigg is advocating for a state-led housing initiative that includes:
- Direct government employment of skilled workers and apprentices
- Government land releases and mass material purchasing
- Fixed-rate home loans at 2% over full term
- Built Home sales at cost plus 5%
“Let’s cut out the middlemen and build homes people can actually afford,” Bigg stated. “This will reduce cost blowouts, generate state income, and give Tasmanians a reason to stay and start families.”
Tackling environmental issues, Bigg proposes a modern waste-to-energy (WTE) plant to reduce illegal dumping and support Tasmania’s green energy ambitions.
Citing Copenhagen’s Amager Bakke facility, Bigg believes a Tasmanian WTE project could complement existing hydroelectric capacity and repurpose landfill waste into renewable power, while recovering metals and repurposing ash for construction.
“We must be brave enough to consider smarter environmental solutions—not just more landfill levies,” said Bigg.
Phillip Bigg’s plan marks a clear departure from the reactive politics of the past, offering practical, long-term reforms built on data and economic reality.
“If we want a thriving Tasmania in 2050, the time to act is now,” Bigg said. “We need bold ideas, not recycled promises.”
Media release – Bob Brown Foundation, 4 July 2025
Tasmanian Government’s new three-year plan to log swiftparrot habitat and some of the oldest forests in Australia
Upcoming election an opportunity to save forests and end taxpayer-subsidised destruction
Bob Brown Foundation is calling on all candidates in the Tasmanian election to save native forests and is lobbying every independent and The Greens, who might be in a position to negotiate government, to secure the protection of all native forests.
“As minority government looms, it’s an opportunity to mitigate the dual extinction crisis and climate emergency by ending native forest logging. It’s time to save taxpayers’ funds that subsidise logging and reap the benefits of a protected native forest estate,” said Jenny Weber, Campaigns Manager with Bob Brown Foundation.
Tasmania’s government logging agency has released its three-year logging plan, outlining plans to continue logging critically endangered swift parrot forests and other old, intact forest ecosystems across Tasmania.
“Our analysis of the forest-killing list shows 39,417 hectares are targeted for logging by Forestry Tasmania. Forests that the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has designated as requiring conservation reserves, including 8,000 hectares of forests that serve as nurseries for the critically endangered swift parrots, are on this logging list.
This area encompasses 120 forests that overlap with important swift parrot breeding areas. Across Tasmania, there are 157 forests on this logging list, with recognised and verified habitat for 49 threatened species. In an extinction crisis, this logging schedule ignores the government’s role in reversing the plight of endangered species,” said Jenny Weber
“In Australia’s largest temperate rainforest, Takayna, there are 23 forests targeted for logging. The ongoing failure of successive governments to nominate and protect Takayna as a World Heritage area is a global embarrassment,” said Jenny Weber.
“Forestry Tasmania has plans to log a Takayna forest rich in leatherwood this month, where our foundation has recorded masked owls and Tasmanian devils. These forests, and all native forests on our island, must be taken off the logging schedule and protected,” said Jenny Weber.
“We will be in the forests defending them against this logging. Forest protection is urgently needed to protect their carbon stores, wildlife, biodiversity, critical role as bushfire buffers and their intrinsic value. Here in Lutruwita / Tasmania, we have some of the last remaining ancient, untouched wild places on Earth,” said Erik Hayward, Bob Brown Foundation Campaigner.
Editor’s note: spelling corrected. Despite the hubris, common names of animal species should be written in lower case.
Media release – Tasmanian Nationals, 7 July 2025
TASMANIAN NATIONALS ANNOUNCE PRIMARY INDUSTRIES POLICY
The Tasmanian Nationals have announced their primary industries policy, with balanced and genuine regulation supporting key Tasmanian industries of farming, fisheries and forestry.
The Tasmanian Nationals primary industries policy released today will ensure:
- That economic and social benefits of new project proposals are included in the decision-making process.
- Greater scrutiny of endless Government red tape, and outdated regulations which are failing to keep pace with contemporary practises.
- Fees and charges should also benefit local communities where the industry is situated rather than to propping up public servants’ wages and operating expenses.
- The scourge of duplication, disconnected decision making and lack of common sense in regulations are wound back.
- Strongly back in the state’s bio-security processes to maintain the state’s enviable international reputation for high quality fresh product.
“The Tasmanian Nationals are backing local industry that create jobs and wealth for the state, this policy framework provides a balanced, commonsense way forward,” State Director of the Party, Brooke de Jong said.
Legislative changes will be considered on the basis for what is best for Tasmanian communities and the Australian way of life, according to the policy platform.
Tasmanian Nationals spokesperson John Tucker said, “Red tape is hurting Tasmanian industry.”
“We desperately need to stop the endless government red tape, which is costing local jobs and hurting production,” Mr Tucker said.
The Tasmanian Nationals will take a principles-based approach to primary production, which will counter the influence of parties like the Greens, whose ultimate objective is to extinguish family and businesses in primary production, including fisheries, forestry and agriculture. The Nationals have also reinforced the “clean and green” international reputation of the state’s primary products.
The Tasmanian Nationals are standing in the seats of Braddon, Bass and Lyons, where much of the state’s primary production businesses are located.
Federal Leader of The Nationals David Littleproud said primary industries are crucial to Tasmania.
“Tasmanians deserve government representatives who will back in the state’s job creating primary producing sectors, not who try to destroy them,” Mr Littleproud said.
Media release – Jiri Lev, independent candidate for Lyons, 8 July 2025
$110K homes a possibility
A recently completed two bedroom house built in Tasmania appeared in a recent Dwell article. The Georgian-inspired cottage boasts all-natural materials and a light-filled interior. The floor plan’s efficiency and the uncommonly high 3 metre ceilings allow its spacious two bedroom interior to fit on just 60 square metres, the maximum for a secondary dwelling in Tasmania. It cost just $110K in permits, consultants, materials and trades and was built by a single person. The best part is that plans are available for download free of charge.
The architect is Jiri Lev, who is also standing as independent candidate for Lyons in the current Tasmanian elections. He says that if a person has access to a $110K, able body and a piece of land, or their family member’s backyard, they “don’t need to wait for the government to get their act together.”
If elected, Lev promises to work to support owner-builders, including simplifying regulation and finance.
“I want to encourage and support, not just tolerate, owner-builders. I want to create a simple-to-use, step-by-step online portal to guide them through the complete process, from conception through permits to completion. I also want to enable owner-builder financing – it is currently impossible, leaving people living in caravans, tents and shipping containers on perfectly buildable lots.”
He says first home owner grants should be carefully targeted, so they result in better homes and stronger communities, not just increased prices as has been the case.
He says “the planning and building process in Tasmania is extremely stringent, yet inefficient and could be among the worst in the country. It needs a serious cleanup.”
His policies, which he describes as environmentally conscious, moderately conservative, cover most aspects of governance, however he says his key platform is housing.
I wants to establish a simple pathway for all, including public housing tenants and applicants to build their own homes and communities, under builder’s supervision, gaining significant equity in their new rent-to-own houses, as well as skills and income potential. “Like in the 50s, neighbours lending each other hand would again build streets, suburbs, villages and strong, cohesive, long-term communities. I want houses to be homes again,” Lev says.
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.
Support us in expanding our coverage and developing new content by and for Tasmanians.
New initiatives on the way include:
-
- a weekly podcast covering current affairs
- a revamped website
- a monthly cartoon competition
- a user-friendly app for both Android and Apple devices
- a weekly roundup of key stories