Independent candidate Clare Glade-Wright has announced she will contest the Legislative Council seat of Huon, promising to deliver stronger scrutiny, accountability and genuine independent oversight in Tasmania’s Upper House. Her campaign centers on the urgent need to rigorously review major government spending, particularly the escalating costs of the proposed stadium and to address the severe environmental impacts of salmon farming in the D’Entrecasteaux Channel.
Media release – Clare Glade-Wright, 4 December 2025
Independent Clare Glade-Wright to contest Legislative Council seat of Huon in the May 2026 Tasmanian Legislative Council Election
Clare Glade-Wright today announced she will stand as an independent candidate for the Legislative Council seat of Huon in the upcoming election, citing the urgent need for stronger scrutiny, accountability and genuine independent oversight in Tasmania’s Upper House.
Glade-Wright said she was prompted to run because Tasmania is entering a period where rigorous, independent review of major government spending decisions is essential – particularly the escalating costs associated with the proposed stadium.
“Now more than ever, we need strong independents in the Upper House who will thoroughly scrutinise the stadium spending, hold the government to account and prevent further cost blow-outs,” Glade-Wright said.
“Tasmanians deserve transparency and responsible financial management, not rubber-stamping.
“The consequences of voting ‘yes’ to this deeply flawed project will burden our future very heavily.”
She also raised serious concerns about the impacts of salmon farming in the D’Entrecasteaux Channel.
“The environmental and community impacts we are seeing right now in The Channel are extensive and heavily outweigh the benefits to our state,” she said.
“We need stronger oversight, stronger regulation and a commitment to protecting our waterways and coastal communities.”
Glade-Wright said strengthening integrity in Tasmanian politics would be a central part of her campaign.
“Our Integrity Commission must be more robust, better resourced, and empowered to initiate its own inquiries. Integrity cannot be optional; it is fundamental to good government.”
Glade-Wright confirmed she will continue in her role as Deputy Mayor of Kingborough throughout the campaign.
“I take very seriously the responsibility of wearing two hats. I will continue to serve as Deputy Mayor with professionalism and care, keeping my council duties separate from my candidacy.”
She said her approach to decision-making will remain grounded in community listening, evidence and the best expertise available.
“I will listen to experts, look closely at the evidence, consider what is in the public interest and stay connected to what the community values. My decisions will always be thoughtful, independent and transparent.”
Glade-Wright said the role of independents in the Legislative Council has never been more crucial.
“It is so important that we have genuine independents in the Upper House so that legislation isn’t simply waved through. Tasmania deserves an Upper House that asks the hard questions and stands up for the community.”
Tasmanian Times (TT) is a community-based news and current affairs service covering the island state of Tasmania. It exists to provide a diverse presentation 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 … what our contributors and readers suggest! Please get in touch with your suggestions.
