The Tasmanian State Election has been called for Saturday 1 May 2021.
We need a government that is committed to reduce poverty and inequality in our society so that everyone can live a good life.
Throughout this election campaign, TasCOSS will continue to give voice and agency to the Tasmanians living on inadequate incomes, their hopes and aspirations for the future. Alongside seeking election commitments which go to supporting our population to recover from COVID-19 and building resilience, TasCOSS will continue to advocate on behalf of the community services industry — Tasmania’s largest and fastest growing industry.
Please find below a candidate guide for all five Tasmanian electorates, a rundown of TasCOSS’s election priorities and responses from the major parties, a suite of resources on how to advocate around the State Election; and information on upcoming events and forums where you can have your say in the lead up to the election.
TasCOSS 2021 State Election Priorities
The 2021 State Election sees Tasmania poised at a pivotal juncture, a time when our economic and social recovery from COVID-19 hinges on decisive actions from our government.
TasCOSS challenges the next political leaders of Tasmania to recognise and address the needs of Tasmanians in shaping this future. Tasmanians have consistently told us that in order to live a good life they need to be able to afford the basics, have a healthy body and mind, and a place to call home.
This is why TasCOSS’s election priorities (PDF, 2.88MB) focus squarely on jobs, affordable housing and improved health outcomes.
TasCOSS urges all Tasmanian political parties to commit to:
- Meaningful, secure jobs for local people in the community services industry
Investing in the long-term sustainability of our workforce in the wake of COVID-19
- A secure, affordable home for all
Housing our population and reducing homelessness
- Accessible health care that is close to home
Bringing timely, affordable health care into communities
- Closing the digital divide so no one is left offline
Equipping Tasmanians with the skills and confidence to navigate the digital world
- Delivering lower household electricity bills
Reducing prices and investing in energy efficient homes
Download the TasCOSS 2021 Election Priorities document to view offline (PDF, 2.88MB).
Resources & Assistance with Advocacy
TasCOSS has prepared an Advocacy Toolkit for Organisations and Individuals (PDF, 133KB) around the State Election. This resource covers off on a range of lobbying activities you can engage in individually or on behalf of your organisation to influence candidates and political parties.
Want to get in touch with your local candidates? View contact details for every State Election 2021 candidate (PDF, 132KB).
Want to share? If you have an election-related event or news you would like TasCOSS to share on social media or in our member communiques, please let us know by emailing us.
Candidate Guide by Electorate
Tasmania has five divisions: Bass, Braddon, Clark, Franklin and Lyons. Five members are to be elected for each division.
Not sure what electorate you’re in? View the House of Assembly electoral boundaries map.
For more details on State Election 2021 candidates, please refer to the Tasmanian Electoral Commission website.
Bass
Liberal Party:
- Lara ALEXANDER
- Sarah COURTNEY (incumbent)
- Michael FERGUSON (incumbent)
- Peter GUTWEIN (incumbent)
- Greg KIESER
- Simon WOOD
Australian Labor Party:
- Janie FINLAY
- Adrian HINDS
- Jennifer HOUSTON (incumbent)
- Michelle O’BYRNE (incumbent)
- Owen POWELL
Tasmanian Greens:
- Jack DAVENPORT
- Tom HALL
- Mitchell HOUGHTON
- Anne LAYTON-BENNETT
- Cecily ROSOL
Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Tasmania:
- Andrew HARVEY
Animal Justice Party:
- Sue WOODBURY
Independents:
- Roy RAMAGE
Braddon
Liberal Party:
- Jeremy ROCKLIFF (incumbent)
- Roger JAENSCH (incumbent)
- Felix ELLIS (incumbent)
- Adam BROOKS
- Lara HENDRIKS
- Stacey SHEEHAN
Australian Labor Party:
- Shane BROAD (incumbent)
- Anita DOW (incumbent)
- Amanda DIPROSE
- Justine KEAY
- Michelle RIPPON
Tasmanian Greens:
- Darren BRIGGS
- Emily MURRAY
- Tammy MILNE
- Maureen CORBETT
- Phill PARSONS
Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Tasmania:
- Brenton JONES
- Kim SWANSON
Independents:
- Craig GARLAND
- Liz HAMER
- Matthew MORGAN
Clark
Liberal Party:
- Elise ARCHER (incumbent)
- Madeleine OGILVIE (incumbent)
- Simon BEHRAKIS
- Will COATS
- Harvey LENNON
Australian Labor Party:
- Ella HADDAD (incumbent)
- Chris CLARK
- Simon DAVIS
- Deb CARNES
- Sam MITCHELL
Tasmanian Greens:
- Cassy O’CONNOR (incumbent)
- Vica BAYLEY
- Bec TAYLOR
- Nathan VOLF
- Tim SMITH
Animal Justice Party:
- Tim WESTCOTT
Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Tasmania:
- Lorraine BENNETT
- Andrew LARGE
Federation Party Australia:
- Justin STRINGER
Independents:
- Sue HICKEY (incumbent)
- Kristie JOHNSTON
- Jax EWIN
- Mike DUTTA
- Lisa GERSHWIN
Franklin
Liberal Party:
- Jacquie PETRUSMA (incumbent)
- Nic STREET (incumbent)
- Bec ENDERS
- James WALKER
- Dean YOUNG
Australian Labor Party:
- David O’BYRNE (incumbent)
- Alison STANDEN (incumbent)
- Fabiano CANGELOSI
- Toby THORPE
- Amy BRUMBY
- Dean WINTER
Tasmanian Greens:
- Rosalie WOODRUFF (incumbent)
- Gideon CORDOVER
- Kit DARKO
- Phoenix HARRISON
- Bridget VERRIER
Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Tasmania:
- Shane BROADBY
- Rebecca BYFIELD
- Robert CAIRNS
Animal Justice Party:
- Mark TANNER
Independents:
- George SPILIOPOULOS
- Francis FLANNERY
Lyons
Liberal Party:
- Guy BARNETT (incumbent)
- Mark SHELTON (incumbent)
- John TUCKER (incumbent)
- Susie BOWER
- Justin DERKSEN
- Stephanie CAMERON
Australian Labor Party:
- Rebecca WHITE (incumbent)
- Jen BUTLER (incumbent)
- Janet LAMBERT
- Edwin BATT
- Gerard GAFFNEY
Tasmanian Greens:
- Liz JOHNSTONE
- Tim MORRIS
- Jill PIERCE
- Isabel SHAPCOTT
- Glenn MILLAR
Animal Justice Party:
- Sharon McLAY
Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Tasmania:
- Carlo DI FALCO
Independents:
- George LANE
TasCOSS Political Leaders' Forum
More details shortly.
Media
Media Releases & Response:
- TasCOSS 2021 State Election priorities (8 April 2021)
- Tasmanian Liberal’s Local Jobs For Local People policy announcement (30 March 2021)
Media Coverage:
- Interview with Ryk Goddard (ABC Breakfast, 12 April 2021)
- Interview with Mike O’Loughlin (Tasmania Talks, 9 April 2021)
- 2021 State Election priorities (Seven News, 8 April 2021)
- Interview with Mel Bush (ABC Drive, 8 April 2021)
- TasCOSS releases list of demands ahead of 2021 Tasmanian state election (The Examiner/The Advocate), 8 April 2021)
- TasCOSS sets out election priorities (Tasmanian Times, 8 April 2021)
- Tasmanian Government pledges to boost jobseeker assistance (The Examiner/The Advocate, 30 March 2021)
- 2021 State Election priorities (ABC News, 26 March 2021)