Voices of Franklin

MEDIA RELEASE: IMMEDIATE

Wednesday, June 11

Independent Peter George to stand in State election

No to: Mac Point Stadium

Yes to:  Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC)

“Old parties have run out of ideas, talent and common sense to run the State.”

Further info & comment:

+ 1 585 957 3715 (Seattle, USA)

Peter@petergreorgeforfranklin.com

Peter George, who ran a closely-contested campaign in the Federal election for the Tasmanian seat of Franklin, will stand as an Independent in the state election.

Mr George, who collected a primary vote of more than 23% in the May 3 election and more than 42%, two candidate preferred, announced his decision to run today.

“Liberal and Labor have signed a suicide pact by forcing Tasmania to an expensive, unnecessary early election that neither of them really want and will drive them like lemmings over the political cliff,” said Mr George.

“Both of the old parties have long since run out of ideas, talent and common sense to run the State.

“They’ve become creatures of the corporates, captured by the big end of town.

“Now’s the time for independently minded, publicly spirited people to step up to the plate and fill the leadership vacuum that Labor and Liberal left behind a long, long time ago.”

Mr George said his priorities would include repairing the state’s health and education systems along with fixing a budget deficit that threatens to sink the state.

“For a start, let’s get rid of the ridiculous plans for an unaffordable, unwanted AFL stadium in Hobart while demanding the AFL supports the team it knows Tasmanians deserve.

“Then let’s stamp out the systemic corruption that has afflicted this island for so long by introducing truly transparent election funding legislation and a properly funded independent commission against corruption with wide powers.

“And if elected, I’ll ensure the foreign salmon industry is at last brought to heel - they can’t buy independent MPs in the way they’ve bought off the fawning Labor and Liberal parties.”

Mr George is in Seattle, USA, with family, helping out with his three-month-old granddaughter. He will return to Tasmania over the coming week.

We acknowledge the Palawa / Pakana of Lutruwita and recognise their continuing connection to this land, its waterways and the sky, since time immemorial. It is a privilege to pay respect to Elders, knowledge holders, and to all the generations of First Nations' peoples who have lived on and taken care of their unceded sovereign lands for over 40,000 years and continue to do so today.

Authorised by Peter George, 6777 Channel Highway, Deep Bay, TAS, 7112 ABN 54051161935