Newly independent Clark MP Helen Burnet says cities and health will be the defining focus of her work in Tasmania’s parliament.
The former Greens MP, who quit the party two weeks ago after more than 20 years, on Thursday outlined her priorities as a crossbencher.
“They’re simple headlines, but they encompass so much of what I care about,” Burnet said.
“When we talk about our cities, we’re talking about housing, planning, public transport and the cost of living.”
She said better planning and reliable public transport were essential to making cities more affordable and liveable.
“Unless public transport is reliable and effective, people are forced to rely on cars,” she said.
“That drives up household costs, increases congestion and emissions and limits opportunity.”
Burnet said “climate resilience” must sit at the heart of responsible planning, arguing it protects communities while reducing long-term costs.
A former podiatrist, Burnet said preventive health would be her second major priority.
“As a former health professional, I’ve seen firsthand the importance of investing not just in acute care, but in prevention, helping people to stay well, safe, connected and living in their own homes if possible,” she said.
She praised Health Minister Bridget Archer for embedding preventive health across government sectors.
“The same thinking will not fix the health mess and demand for hospital care,” she said.
“If we invest in this earlier, along with workplace safety and community wellbeing, we reduce pressure on hospitals and improve quality of life.”
Burnet said she would work constructively across the political spectrum and with all three tiers of government.
“I’m focused on practical, local solutions that strengthen communities and underpin our economy, including smarter approaches to planning, transport and waste,” she said.
Burnet resigned from the Greens earlier this month, saying she wanted to be “more effective” in representing her electorate.
The move blindsided Greens leader Rosalie Woodruff, who suggested Burnet had struggled to work as part of a team.
Burnet has since accepted an invitation to join the government’s budget repair panel, after the Greens and independent Kristie Johnston walked away from it.
She was first elected to state parliament in March 2024 and previously served as deputy lord mayor of the Hobart City Council.
Her departure leaves the Greens with four MPs in Tasmania’s lower house.
