Speech from my formal Campaign launch

Thanks everyone for coming along today, it is wonderful to see so many friends here, some old and some new.

Firstly I would like to thank Mark for his kind words. Mark is such an inspiration for me, when I first became secretary of the Tassie branch I must admit I was like a rabbit in the headlights, not fully understanding the role I had taken and really what it was going to take to lead and it was Mark who I looked to for support and inspiration in my new role, and he gave it to me in spades, he was not only generous with his time and his support he always gave advice where he thought it was needed and gave a tremendous amount of support and encouragement when I thought it was needed but never had the courage to ask for.

Mark was an innovator; he was creative and brought a sharp strategic edge to not only the union in South Australia but also across the country. Whist the union is missing his direct leadership I know that the federal Caucus of the Alp and the Australian people are benefitting from his passion, his intellect and commitment to others. He is a friend, and if can be so bold Mark is by far the best karaoke singer, bar none, in the Australian Labor Movement…although I suspect that this part of his work is far behind him.

Before I start I think it’s important that I thank a few people, firstly my campaign team who are working so hard to make sure this is the best campaign it can be, to all of those people that are knocking on doors, letterboxing, knocking up posters sites and attending all of the events and fundraisers we are holding. Thank you so much. I am deeply humbled by your support and your commitment to what we are trying to build. The responsibility I now have is not lost on me.

Since making the announcement to stand for the seat of Franklin, approximately 12 months ago I have been on such an amazing journey. I have been inspired by so many people I have met and I am so appreciative by the level of support I have received.

From Old Beach to Opossum Bay from Richmond to Dover and all places in between Franklin would have to be one of the most diverse seats in the state, diverse economically, geographically and culturally.

But the richness of Franklin comes from the spirit of its people. The community groups, the sporting clubs, the amazing network of neighborhood houses that are working so hard to assist people in need and to build the capacity of the community to grow and prosper.

I have met some of the most amazing people these past months —each one with their own story. Their lives and dreams and stories have touched me, and it my great honor to be able to put my name forward to represent them.

Together, we can help create a better life, and a Stronger Tasmania.


This election is about who will best listen to and represent the people who work and raise their families here in Franklin.

This is a critical election. Tasmania is at a crossroads moment and there is a very clear choice before us.

On the one hand, a Labor team led by David Bartlett is committed to ensuring that we move forward on the issues we face.

I, and the rest of the Labor team will invest in the early years so that all children can get the best start in life and in an education system that will serve all children regardless of who they are or what circumstances they were born.

We will build a health system that despite the enormous demands placed on it can ensure that people receive the high quality primary and acute health services possible.

We will fight for the rights of all workers to be able to work with dignity and have their rights at work respected.

We will confront the massive challenge of climate change, and continue building a strong economy.

And finally I will work with a Labor government to ensure it is compassionate and solutions focused rather than blame focused.


On the other hand we have a Liberal opposition that is racked by internal division,

that is controlled by the hard right of the party,

that will seek to attack workers rights,

that will privatize health facilities and take an axe to a range of government services that currently underpins the strength of our community.

All of these things are part of a failed ideology, a failed agenda, an agenda that works against the community and not for and will only deliver for the few and not the many.

Tasmania and the families I have met in Franklin can not afford to go backward. I want to be a part of a labor government that is focused on making all Tasmanians lives better. Together we can move forward.


This is more than just campaign rhetoric to me. It is deeply personal.

My personal journey and the values that have been instilled in me are a big part of the reason I am seeking to become an elected representative of the people of Franklin.

My father was a swampie from Launceston, a tradie painter, a shop steward and a life member of his union, Dad instilled in us a workers comradely spirit.

My mum is a daughter of a coral sea veteran and council clerk that worked across and for a number of Tasmanian municipalities. Mum worked fulltime caring for three very grateful kids eventually returning to the workforce as a cleaner and yes being elected by her peers as a shop steward for her union….Mum instilled in us a passion for social justice, for equity and above all an ability to be compassionate and to be able to walk in other peoples shoes, to understand their perspective, but importantly Mum also challenged us to find a way to help.

My experiences working in the union movement and as leader of the LHMU have given me the insight into so many different peoples lives -- from cleaners to croupiers, brewery workers to bakers, early years professionals to custodial officers.

It’s taught me that building relationships, working together with people and finding the things that unite us will always lead to a better outcome for all.


This election is going to be tough. There are a number of people have asked me why I am running for public office now, why at this time in the electoral cycle, when surely there must be an easier time for to be a politician.

Well I am not running for office because it’s the easy thing to do.

I am not wanting to be a politician just to fill a seat.

I am running because I passionately belief that Tasmanians want people that “get it” – who are decent, hard working and committed to the community .

After door knocking thousands of doors and having thousands of conversation with people right across Franklin I am convinced that most people simply want political leaders that make their decisions based on core values, not political calculation.

These are the values I hold – and they are Labor values.

Values such as fairness equity, justice and compassion.

It’s not enough to simply talk the talk. Labor people have to have the capacity to walk in other people’s shoes to try and understand what people are going though so that when they make a decision they know exactly what impact that decision will have.

When talking to people on their doorstops, people rightfully ask – somewhat suspiciously -- what am I promising, and how they can know whether or not I will deliver on my promises.

Well I think people are very cynical about politicians claiming they are the white knight, and that they can fix everything.

The fact is no person alone can do this. So talk is cheap, and I make no grandiose promises.

I alone will not be able to deliver lasting solutions because I know by experience that lasting solutions can only be found by people working together, harnessing all of the goodwill and spirit around us.

But I will promise one thing, and that is if I am fortunate enough to be elected on March 20 I commit my heart and soul to the people of Franklin and Tasmania and commit to uphold my values everyday of every week of every month of every year.

And I commit to give life to those values by acting transparently, ethically and with integrity.

I don’t want to go backward, I want to move forward. And I want to be a part of a labor government focused on making all Tasmanians lives better. Because Tasmanians deserve and should expect no less.

Well we have 34 days to go and I know that if we work hard, if we knock on doors, if pick up the phones, if we talk to our friends and our neighbors that the community will understand that we, the labor party, cares deeply about our community and is a party that is wiling to invest in our community, to make a difference in peoples live because we are the party of compassion, we are the party of decent, community values. And with your support, together we will not only win three seats in Franklin but we can win majority labor govt.

Thank you so much for your support and I look forward to working with you and for you for many years to come.
Thanks very much…