Carlo Di Falco has ended more than a decade of unsuccessful attempts to become the first Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party MP elected to the Tasmanian parliament.
The Tasmanian Electoral Commission this afternoon confirmed Di Falco’s victory in the seat of Lyons, following a tense wait since election day.
Di Falco has contested the seat eight times since the party launched its Tasmanian campaign over a decade ago.
He now joins the Parliament alongside Lyons Liberal MPs Guy Barnett, Jane Howlett and Mark Shelton, Labor’s Jen Butler and Brian Mitchell and the Greens’ Tabatha Badger.
“I am humbled and honoured by this result and deeply grateful to the voters of Lyons for placing their trust in me and the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party to represent them,” Di Falco said.
“The people of Lyons have sent a clear message. They want their voice heard and they want practical, grounded solutions.”
“That’s exactly what I will fight for every day in parliament.”
Di Falco said he would spend the coming days in talks on how to deliver “stability, integrity and transparency” in the new parliament.
He also flagged that his party would push for fixed-term elections as part of those discussions. As for what the party stands for, Di Falco said it is all in the name.
“Shooters – we’re straight shooters. No spin, no bull. Fishers – we believe in real stewardship of lake, land and sea. Farmers – we’re here to reconnect farm to city,” he said.
The mainland Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party, which has its roots in the New South Wales Legislative Council, congratulated Di Falco on his historic win.
“To everyone who said it couldn’t be done – this one’s for you,” the party said.
“For too long, law-abiding firearms owners have been painted with the wrong brush.”
“We are more than just shooting and hunting, we are about all communities and transparency, especially those of the bush. Slowly, surely, the truth is getting out.”
