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.
Louise Cherrie – independent
Political background:
I have no previous political affiliations nor aspirations. I stand in support of Peter George because I believe our only path forward is a strong crossbench of smart independents with integrity. I believe our environmental and economic goals are compatible.
We have amazing untapped opportunities, but a dire lack of hope and vision. Tasmanians are suffering needlessly. I want to see politics put aside for the sake of all Tasmanians.
About you, personally:
BSc UTAS, following by a 25-year career in heavy industry, across mining, metals processing, energy and ports, including working for two state-owned companies where I learned what waste and lack of accountability looks like. I now run a successful consultancy, with clients around Australia. They hire me to help them solve problems and move forward with confidence and positivity. I am a former member of the Tasmanian EPA Board, Waste Advisor Committee, and Marine Farming Review Panel. Above all I am a passionate and proud Tasmanian. What we have is too precious to risk. We can and must do better!
Tasmanians deserve jobs for the long-term that don’t pollute and devalue our brand. They deserve affordable housing, quality mental or other health care, quality education and training and support when times are tough. These things require us to take a different path, beginning with budget repair.
Your electorate and its key issues?
Franklin, where the focus is on maintaining regional jobs that don’t pollute, health, education and cost of living. Many in the Franklin electorate have watched helplessly while public waterways are given away to foreign-owned salmon companies for a song, taking gross profits overseas, leaving us to bear the brunt of the harm.
Yet at the same time the people of Franklin experience daily suffering because of a budget crisis. I believe they are tired of the politics and I believe they will vote for a different outcome.
In the House:
The top priority is budget repair so we can reset our economy and public services. Budget repair begins with the experts we already have. Those struggling within broken systems know the waste, the opportunities and the path forward. Health fixed by engaging with our doctors, nurses, paramedics and pharmacists. Education and childcare fixed by engaging teachers (including TAFE), early childhood educators, aides, carers and support workers. The economy fixed by economists and business leaders who know the waste in state-owned companies and the gouging that occurs in Government projects.
I will constructively challenge old thinking to unlock our potential so that we can afford to support our most vulnerable. What I won’t do is participate in petty politics and parliamentary bullying that detract us from the job of repairing our state and returning hope.
Will you provide confidence and supply to a party which is proceeding with a stadium as a policy position?
I am a founding member of The Devils. We deserve a team. I will work constructively with any member of parliament elected by the Tasmanian public. However, I will not provide confidence and supply to progress a stadium that will bankrupt us, signed up to in a deal done behind closed doors that we have not seen.
We can find a smarter path! Go the Devils!
Why you, why now?
I support the integrity, intelligence and passion of Peter George. I stand with him out of frustration at the persistent and unnecessary failings by both major parties to deliver the Tasmania we deserve. I bring pragmatism, business acumen and a passionate desire to restore Tasmania’s environment to that which matches our global image.
Continuing down the same old path will only plunge us further into darkness. The future is bright, and the path is absolutely clear to me. A strong independent crossbench is needed to address the mess and regain our pride.
Tasmania is amazing. We got this!
Peter George – independent
Political background:
Independent. I have never been a member of a political party but have been a Federal political reporter going back to the Whitlam era of the ’70s. I have covered political events and elections all over the world.
About you, personally:
I was an ABC foreign correspondent and the first ABC Middle East correspondent. Later I was a Four Corners reporter. I have worked in many countries and provided reporting for UK, US, NZ outlets as well as having worked at the Sydney Morning Herald, NZBC, The Canberra Times and Channel 10 based in London.
I reported unions, politics and other news based in Hobart in the 1970s.
Your electorate and its key issues?
This election, the focus is on housing, education, health and the state debt. I have worked for at least a decade to end the pollution of our waterways and impact on marine life by the industrial salmon producers and will continue a focus on getting them out of our waters and transitioning to land. I will work to stop the Mac Point stadium while driving forward Tasmania’s right to a team. And I intend to hold the government of whatever colour to account for ending the debt crisis while ensuring much, much greater integrity and transparency in government.
In the House:
Our parliament has disgraced Tasmania. The old “zombie” parties have clearly focused on retaining or grabbing power at the expense of Tasmania’s best interests, As an independent I will insist on my independence but work with parties of all colours across the divide to ensure programmes that benefit Tasmania’s best interests.
I will also try to improve the levels of discourse so the parliament becomes a contest of ideas, rather than a slanging match.
Will you provide confidence and supply to a party which is proceeding with a stadium as a policy position?
I will not make decisions about supply and confidence if either of the old parties fails to address the major issues that challenge our state. However, a bottom line for me is no stadium but a Devils team and this can be achieved by collaboration across all party lines.
Why you, why now?
This is an excellent question and one that’s hard to answer. I believe that I have become a voice for the disenchanted and the disfranchised at a time when the electorate desperately wants better government and an end to constant inter-party bickering.
Rayne Allinson – independent
Political background:
I have never been a member of any political party. My family lives at Verona Sands, and in the wake of last summer’s “mass mortality event” – the deaths of hundreds of thousands of farmed salmon – the silence of both state and federal politicians made me realise that, as a community, we had to stand up for ourselves and our environment, because our government could not be relied on to put the health of its citizens ahead of corporate interests.
We need strong independents with empathy, integrity and intelligence like Peter George in our parliament and I am standing to send the message that he represents a broad cross-section of our community – including working, renting, single mothers like me. None of us can make change happen alone. We are always stronger together.
About you, personally:
I am the daughter of two teachers and grew up on a dairy farm. We didn’t have much, but we always had books. I was a scholarship student all the way through uni and my passion for stories, people and culture led me to a PhD in History at Oxford University. My thesis was on sixteenth-century politics (the clothes may have changed, but my sense is that politics, like human nature, hasn’t changed all that much in 400 years).
For fifteen years I taught at universities in Australia, the UK and the USA, before coming home to Tassie. I’m now a freelance writer, bookseller and publisher and regularly appear on ABC radio chatting about Tassie books.
I am passionate about raising the quality of education in our schools. Literacy is empowering, for individuals and the community and an educated citizenry is fundamental to a happy and healthy society.
Your electorate and its key issues?
Franklin is a unique electorate, with broad demographics and diverse communities, situated in some of the most stunningly beautiful landscape in the world. However, it faces several big challenges.
Less than half (45%) of adults in the Huon Valley have completed Year 12 or equivalent, well below the Tasmanian average. This limits employment opportunities and puts our young people at risk. I want my daughter and every child in our region, to have access to high-quality education close to home, starting from early childhood.
Health. Accessing a GP in Cygnet is increasingly difficult and mental health services are seriously I will push for better coordination of care and better transport services.
Housing. Affordable housing is scarce. Social housing waitlists continue to grow. I’ll work with local councils to explore sustainable and community-focused solutions, like a mix of housing types in high-need.
In the House:
The most pressing issue we face is how to deal with the terrifying state debt of $13 billion the Liberal government has dragged us into. According to respected economist Saul Eslake, we are at risk of sliding into an even worse recession than Tasmania experienced in the 1990s, which saw so many secure, long term jobs in both the private and public sector vanish. There are no simple answers and any party that claims there are, is lying.
If elected, I will consult with relevant stakeholders and experts to make informed decisions on the best way forward for Tasmania and my main priorities will be protecting areas like education, health, housing and the environment from further debilitating cuts.
Will you provide confidence and supply to a party which is proceeding with a stadium as a policy position?
I cannot in good conscience provide confidence and supply to any party which proceeds with a stadium at Macquarie Point.
I am a life-long footy lover with treasured memories of playing in the ruck at Auskick as a young girl, and watching the Western Bulldogs play at the MCG with my family. I would love to see the Tassie Devils take to the field and compete on the national stage.
But the simple fact is, Tasmania cannot afford a $1.86 billion stadium when we are facing years of catastrophic debt, which threatens to take even more money away from education, health and housing initiatives.
What’s more, a stadium at Macquarie Point makes no sense. Even the ancient Romans knew you don’t build a stadium in the heart of a major urban area, for obvious reasons.
We need leaders who will stand up to the AFL and renegotiate the deal.
Why you, why now?
I have never had ambitions to be a politician. But with public outrage at the two major parties at record levels, there has never been a better time for independently-minded people to take a stand and make a difference.
Communities are desperate for alternative voices to speak up against the vested interests in our parliament and the multinational corporations who for too long have desecrated our precious waterways and forests – and now threaten to destroy our historic Macquarie Point, with its sacred links to the cenotaph and aboriginal heritage.
Our sense of place – the value and reverence we give to our place, our forests, our waterways, our home – is what makes us who we are as Tasmanians.
It is out of deep and enduring love for this place that I am proud to stand as an Independent Support Candidate with Peter George.
Kirsten Bacon – independent
Political background:
While I’ve never held political office, my life has been rooted in advocacy, education and social justice. As a teacher, mother and lifelong resident of Tasmania, I’ve consistently championed causes that matter deeply to our community.
My core values include ensuring equitable access to education, addressing the housing crisis and providing comprehensive mental health support. I envision an education system that not only embraces but celebrates diversity, recognising that every child learns differently and deserves tailored support.
Though I’ve long aligned with the Greens and share many of their principles, I chose to run as an independent because someone from my community asked me to represent them. This invitation underscored the need for voices that truly reflect the people’s concerns..
I acknowledge the challenges ahead and the steep learning curve, but I’m committed to listening, learning and advocating for policies that prioritise the well-being of all Tasmanians.
About you, personally:
I am a mother—nurturing and guiding the next generation.
I am a teacher—dedicated to empowering others through education. I am a daughter—grounded in the values imparted by my family.
I am a friend—offering support and understanding to those around me.
I am a social justice advocate—championing equity and inclusion for all. I care deeply about our environment—striving to protect and preserve it.
I care about meaningful employment—working to create opportunities for everyone.
Above all, I care about you—committed to serving and uplifting our community.
Your electorate and its key issues?
As a Franklin candidate, my focus is:
Protecting our environment. Tasmania’s natural beauty is central to our identity and economy. I advocate for sustainable development that safeguards our waterways and forests, supporting industries that align with environmental stewardship. Environmental stewardship and job creation are not mutually exclusive; sustainable practices can drive economic growth and secure our future.
Enhancing mental health and community services. Mental health challenges are escalating, especially among youth, elders, and rural residents. I support increased funding for local mental health services, with early intervention programs we must ensure these services are adequately resourced and accessible to all, including our rural LGBTIQA+ community.
Strengthening Local Education and Training.
Every young Tasmanian deserves quality education close to home. I advocate for increased investment in local schools, vocational education and training (VET) and recognising VET achievements for students is crucial for providing diverse and meaningful employment pathways.
In the House:
The Tasmanian Parliament is currently deliberating several significant legislative proposals with far-reaching implications for the state. As a candidate committed to social justice and equitable governance, I recognise the importance of engaging with these issues. I will consult with relevant stakeholders to make informed decisions.
Macquarie Point Stadium.
The government has introduced enabling legislation to fast-track its approval, bypassing the standard Project of State Significance process. This move has sparked concerns over transparency and the potential diversion of funds from essential services like health and education.
Development Assessment Panels (DAPs).
Legislation to establish independent panels for certain development applications, removing decision- making from local councils, has been rejected by the Upper House. Critics argue this undermines local governance and community input.
Jari’s Law.
This law mandates coronial inquests for deaths where family violence is suspected, ensuring thorough investigations. It represents a significant step in addressing domestic violence in Tasmania.
Will you provide confidence and supply to a party which is proceeding with a stadium as a policy position?
As an independent candidate for Franklin, I firmly oppose the proposed Macquarie Point stadium, believing it is not in Tasmania’s best interests. Consequently, I would not provide confidence and supply to any party that includes the stadium as a policy position.
The stadium project, with costs escalating diverts essential funds from critical areas such as healthcare, education and housing—services that Tasmanians urgently need. Both major parties, the Liberals and Labor under Dean Winter, support the stadium, despite widespread public opposition and concerns over its economic viability .
I stand with the majority of Tasmanians who prioritise investments in essential services over expensive infrastructure projects.
My commitment is to ensure that public funds are allocated to initiatives that directly benefit our communities, rather than to projects that do not align with the public’s needs and values.
Therefore, I will not support any government that proceeds with the stadium as a policy priority.
Why you, why now?
I have never stood as a political candidate before. Yes, this is a significant step, and if elected, I acknowledge there will be a steep learning curve. I’m not going to pretend that it’s not overwhelming or even terrifying at times. However, enough is enough. I’m tired of outdated rhetoric that fails to address the pressing issues of our time.
While I may be new to the political arena, I have always been an activist— speaking the truth and advocating for the people in various forums. My commitment to social justice, equity, and environmental sustainability drives me to stand up and be a voice for change. I believe that authentic representation and a willingness to listen and learn are crucial for effective leadership.
I’m ready to bring fresh perspectives and genuine dedication to serve our community.
Chrissie Materia – independent
Political background:
Dr Chrissie Materia has never been affiliated with any political party. Her core beliefs are grounded in a deep sense of responsibility to ensure that our shared natural resources—our common property—are managed sustainably for future generations.
Her values are shaped by a lifelong connection to nature. Growing up immersed in the natural world, she developed a profound appreciation for the physical, emotional and social benefits that nature provides. This connection continues to guide her commitment to environmental stewardship, community well-being and intergenerational equity.
Chrissie’s political views have been shaped through decades of hands-on experience in community health, education, and environmental management. She has served on a range of local and regional committees focused on public health planning, natural resource management, and community resilience. These roles deepened her understanding of how policy impacts everyday lives and reinforced her belief in transparent, inclusive decision-making that prioritizes long-term wellbeing over short-term gain.
About you, personally:
Chrissie Materia, PhD is a respected leader in health and community development. She has designed and led innovative programs focused on public health, education, and resilience, with a strong emphasis on practical, evidence-based solutions. Chrissie is deeply committed to strengthening local community networks and promoting active, healthy lifestyles. Her work is shaped by a lifelong connection to nature and a belief in the power of community-led change. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys sailing and outdoor activities, which reflect her values of balance, wellbeing and sustainability. Chrissie brings integrity, experience and vision to every initiative she leads.
Your electorate and its key issues?
Health: The Huon Valley deserves accessible, community-based health care, including a 24-hour emergency clinic to reduce hospital wait times and improve urgent care. Expanding aged care and home nursing services will help elders age in place with dignity.
Education: Education empowers individuals and strengthens communities. I support improved access to education and vocational training, including partnerships with local businesses to offer apprenticeships. This approach builds a healthier, more skilled and resilient Huon Valley.
Sustainable Industry Transition: Transitioning from marine-based salmon farming to land-based systems protects fragile ecosystems and supports sustainable aquaculture. Shifting from old-growth logging to plantation timber preserves native forests and ensures a renewable resource base. Investing in value-adding industries like veneer milling and timber engineering will diversify the economy and create local jobs. These changes promote ecological stewardship, economic resilience and community wellbeing—positioning the Huon Valley as a leader in sustainable resource management.
In the House:
I oppose the privatisation of essential public services, which often reduces accountability and harms service quality. Public assets must remain publicly owned and transparently managed.
The proposed Macquarie Point stadium lacks transparency and bypasses proper planning processes. With costs nearing $1 billion, it diverts funding from urgent needs like health, housing, and education. I support a full review and genuine public consultation.
I’m concerned about Development Assessment Panels (DAPs), which sideline community input in planning decisions. Local voices must be central to development.
On justice legislation, I support reforms that promote fairness, rehabilitation, and human rights. My experience on health and community resilience committees informs my commitment to inclusive, evidence-based policy.
Will you provide confidence and supply to a party which is proceeding with a stadium as a policy position?
I would not support or provide confidence to any party that proceeds with the Macquarie Point stadium as a policy position. The project lacks transparency, bypasses proper planning processes and diverts critical public funds from essential services like health, housing and education.
However, I would consider supporting a party that proposes enhancing an existing stadium—provided the plan is community-driven, cost-effective and aligned with broader public benefit. Upgrading existing infrastructure can support local sport and events without compromising environmental or social priorities.
My support is always guided by principles of responsible investment, community wellbeing and transparent governance.
Why you, why now?
I have lived in the Channel for over 30 years. I know and love the Huon and Channel landscape and the the diverse communities that make it unique. I understand the challenges we face, from access to healthcare and housing to protecting our environment and supporting local jobs.
I’m not affiliated with any political party. I’m here to represent you—not party interests.
With a PhD and decades of experience in health, education and environmental leadership, I’ve worked on the ground and on committees that shape policy. I oppose the $1 billion Macquarie Point stadium, which diverts funds from essential services. I support practical, community-driven alternatives.
I believe in transparent governance, ecological stewardship and investing in what truly matters. I listen, I act and I lead with integrity.
I’d be honoured to earn your trust and your vote.
Andrew Jenner – independent
Political background:
I am an independent candidate. I am not affiliated with any party.
I believe in efficient collaborative government. My personal history is in health care and working with data at the Bureau of Meteorology.
Why did I agreed to enter politics? Because I care and because I can count. $13,000 million debt will be the ruin of our economy. Ordinary Tasmanian’s should not have to pay such a huge price for the incompetence of the major parties.
I have met and support the independents running in Group C on the Franklin ballot.
Note: I am not the Andrew Jenner (nationals) in Lyons. Apologies for any confusion. I was born on St. Andrews Day and this is my name.
About you, personally:
Education: Registered General Nurse (degree equivalent) BSc Environmental Engineering PostGraduate Certificate of Management.
I have a partner and 2 children: one at UTAS, the other in Year 10 Public High School.
I am a former nurse, then 24 years working for the Bureau of Meteorology: 9 years around Australia and Antarctica. 15 years in Tasmania mainly at Hobart Airport. I finished with BoM in February 2025 when the Hobart Airport office closed. I then became involved in athletics and the independent political movement. I recently won the Australian Masters High Jump 55-59 years and I am the age group state high jump record holder.
I love and support the work of Landcare. In my free time I love to spend running, cycling or walking on the Tangara trails around Clarence.
Otherwise attending the many amazing music and arts festivals around the state.
Your electorate and its key issues?
Redesigning, mental health services, with compassion and common-sense, to ensure our MHS can cope when a major episode occurs. Mental Health is 15-20% of health incidents yet it receives <7% of the health budget. The vast majority of mental health disorders emerge in youth, before 25. Youth MHS services such as Headspace need a large funding increase and workforce redevelopment to cope.
Homes not housing. We must deliver homes. We have a massive shortage of social housing which will provide an option for Tasmanians and a safety net for those in our community that suffer. Working with councils to build houses efficiently in growth corridors will also bring prices down. Increasing supply gives choice, and flows on resulting in decreasing rents. I believe in regulation of the AirBnB industry.
Our generational marine industries; fishing, abalone, oysters should be protected from the short term expansion of multinational salmon farms.
In the House:
The stadium project is idiotic when we are so far in debt. I love my footy but this is a vanity project which can wait until the team is established and the debt is under control. So many other sports are growing in participation rate: mountain bike riding, athletics, football(soccer). Privatisation of profitable public assets is senseless. This is a sell off for short term gain and long term loss.
The Development Assessment Panel (DAP) is another erosion of the public’s rights. We should be able to ask questions of our elected officials regarding inappropriate development. It is not the role of government to close out the electors they are responsible to.
Will you provide confidence and supply to a party which is proceeding with a stadium as a policy position?
I will support a party with many ongoing major building projects over the next decade such as the Tasman Bridge, mental and public hospitals in the North and South but NO, I will not provide confidence and supply for such an economically disastrous project at this time.
I can and will renegotiate with the AFL since the Labor and Liberal parties say they are not capable of doing this.
If and when we choose to sell or lease any of our treasured and valuable land it should always be on our terms.
Why you, why now?
I hope Franklin voters will consider me because I care and I can count. I know that I will be able to make decisions to remove this damaging debt. I hope that voters will consider myself or other independents such as Peter George because we are not beholden to any party machine.
I will listen to experts, read the reports and will act on them. Not shelve them.
My life has involved working and traveling around the world and living in 5 of the 6 states. Everywhere I go Tasmania is viewed by business and the public as amazing. The Tasmanian government needs to realise that.
For decades politicians have continually sold us short and that is why we have this debt.
We all know how incredible this Island is. If and when we choose to sell or lease any of it, it should always be on our terms.
No information received on other independent and minor party candidates.
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