A 23-year-old tradie from Mornington is running for Clarence City Council, saying young people are drastically underrepresented in local government across Australia.
Zac Morrisby, who is an electrician working across social housing in southern Tasmania, says it takes courage for someone his age to step up and put their hand up.
“I feel strongly that the youth and my generation is underrepresented in pretty much all forms of government across Australia and I think it just really takes someone with courage to step up and say, ‘Right, ‘ll be that voice,'” Morrisby told Pulse.
Morrisby worked at KFC, Domino’s and Bunnings before landing an electrical apprenticeship and says his on-the-ground experience in social housing gives him a unique perspective on the issues facing the community.
Housing is at the top of his agenda.
He wants to see more high-density developments approved, arguing they’re good for the economy and provide homes for people who need them most.
He pointed to the $30 million Bayfield Street development that was recently knocked back by council, partly over concerns about its appearance.
“I don’t think that’s a good enough reason to knock back such a big development and such a big investment in our community,” he said.
Morrisby said the community needs to “learn to cut the red tape” and focus on the positives of well-planned developments.
Transport is his other major focus.
He recently visited Sydney and was impressed by how well-connected ferry services were to trams, buses and trains.
“Not everyone drives and the Tasman Bridge is without a doubt getting congested,” he said.
“There’s only gotta be one crash of a morning and it’s gridlock everywhere.”
He backed calls to start planning for major infrastructure like a new bridge, noting that Mayor Brendan Blomeley had recently said such projects take decades to plan.
Morrisby pushed back on criticism he would be too young and lacks life experience for such a role.
He said he was raised by a single mother and started working young to pay his own way.
“I would say some people may be too old and don’t want any change when change is needed, ’cause change is good,” he said.
He stressed he isn’t using the role as a stepping stone to a bigger political career and hasn’t yet spoken with current councillors or the mayor about his candidacy.
If elected, he plans to use social media to keep the community informed about council decisions and how they’ll affect residents.
His message to other young people thinking about running is simple.
“Go for it. Just go for it. Put your hand up. If you think you have an idea and it’s a good idea, don’t let anyone tell you otherwise,” he said.
Another 23-year-old, Rifatul Bari will also put his hand up for local council, when he contests the Hobart City Council elections.
The local government elections take place in October.
