Tasmanian Election Heats Up: Key Figures Announce Candidacies

The upcoming Tasmanian election is quickly approaching, with the polling date set for July 19. Several prominent figures have declared their intentions to run. These announcements add further complexity to an already dynamic political landscape. The focus now shifts to the specific platforms and strategies these candidates will use to gain voter support.

Independent Bid and Stadium Concerns

Former Tasmanian Liberal attorney-general, Elise Archer, has announced her independent bid for the seat of Clark. She previously campaigned during last year’s state election. Archer, now unaffiliated with the Liberal Party, expressed her frustration with the Rockliff Liberal government as the motivation for her candidacy.

Archer is critical of the government’s handling of public funds. She pointed out budget mismanagement, which she finds deeply troubling. She also highlighted that the government is making commitments that are currently unaffordable. She is also critical of the proposed AFL stadium at Macquarie Point in Hobart, which is now estimated to cost $945 million.

“Borrowings is a red cent more. I don’t accept that argument.”

—Elise Archer

Archer believes a “minority government was inevitable” and wants to see independents in parliament with a measured approach. An analysis by the Australia Institute found that the average cost of a stadium in Australia is $684 million (Source 2024).

Additional Candidates Emerge

Another contender is Luke Martin, the former Tourism Tasmania and Salmon Tasmania boss, who will seek the Labor candidacy for Clark. He previously worked as a staffer for Labor leader Dean Winter, and he believes the current government has lost its way, especially regarding budget management. Jessica Munday, secretary of Unions Tasmania, will also seek Labor preselection for Franklin, focusing on worker advocacy.

Jack Davenport, a child protection campaigner, plans to run as an independent in Bass. He expressed concern that the proposed Macquarie Point stadium distracts from core issues such as child protection and housing.

The field includes Tamar Cordover, who will run as an independent in Franklin on social and environmental issues, and Jiri Lev, an architect, who is also running as an independent in Lyons.