In the aftermath of the election, two political figures, Andrew Jenner and Jiri Lev, offer their candid reflections on their respective campaigns and outcomes.
Andrew Jenner, Lyons candidate, as recorded in the Tally Room, Grand Chancellor Hotel, Hobart 19 July 2025
Guy Stayner: Casey Briggs has just announced that you have been defeated. What are your reflections on the Jacqui Lambie Network experiment and your 16 months in Parliament?
Andrew Jenner: Oh, look, it’s been great. It’s been such an experience, I wouldn’t have changed it for the world. And look, if I’ve been defeated, that’s great. I was hoping to get John [Tucker] over the line this time. But you know politics it’s a funny old game.
Leon Compton: Do you regret supporting a vote of no confidence in Jeremy Rockliff, ultimately, it led to where you find yourself tonight, which is no longer with a job in Parliament.
Andrew Jenner: No, not at all, because that wouldn’t be who I am. I’d rather do what was best for what I felt was for Tasmanians. At that time, we were talking about the ferries, the GBE’s and obviously the budget. So I might be fairly vocal on those things, so I couldn’t not vote for it. So no, not at all.
And as I said, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I’m great. I’m really pleased Craig is in. I’m pleased Peter George is in and so too Kristie, they’ll hold my candle.
Airlie Ward: Can I just ask what your advice would be then to newcomers, you had a very steep learning curve 14 months or so ago, what did you what? What did you? Would you not do, or would you advise others to do if they’re coming in, in a similar situation, not belonging to a major party?
Andrew Jenner: I think the most important thing is not to rush into a supply and confidence agreement, you know, find out what you want, what’s best for the people that you represent, and work forward with that. The rest of it is, it’s just mechanics.
It’s just learning how the actual Parliament works. And yes, it does take, as Craig said, at least 12 months to get your feet under the desk.
But you know that’ll always be the same when you’re new into politics, but definitely to make sure you’re supplying confidence agreement, if that’s the way you’re going to go, make sure it suits you as well as it suits them, because there’s nothing worse than getting halfway through… because that doesn’t also set for a stable Government.
Jiri Lev, Lyons candidate, provided Tasmanian Times with his statement 20 July 2025
This modest snap election campaign was my first, unplanned political attempt to further the causes I have been working for through my career: equitable access to healthy, dignified housing and sustainable, resilient and beautiful living environment.
Interest in independent candidates in my electorate is by far the lowest in Tasmania and this very small space was contested by several well established other candidates.
With my campaign declared plastic sign free and my preexisting professional commitments preventing me from traveling the large electorate, I consider my election result indicative purely of the kind interest and intelligence of the people who read my policies.
As stated in my early campaign interviews, rather than becoming a politician, my hope was to reinforce the points I have been communicating to the government for years. Even a fraction of the votes received would have achieved that.
In this light, I am absolutely delighted and very grateful for every single vote entrusted to me. My entry into the parliament at this election was always completely improbable, but your votes are already making a difference.
More will become clear in the coming months. Perhaps by the time of the next election, my aims will have been fulfilled to a degree enabling me to remain focused on architecture and not having to run again.
Having said that, this campaign has also been extremely valuable in gathering experience required for a far more prolific and successful sequel, should it be needed.
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