Independent MP Peter George to divest fossil fuel and gambling shares

New Tasmanian independent MP Peter George has announced he will divest shares in fossil fuel and gambling companies after acknowledging they conflict with his political platform and personal values.

The Franklin independent, elected in the state’s recent snap state election, disclosed shareholdings in companies including Origin Energy and Endeavour Group.

George said these holdings were at odds with his campaign promises, which included opposition to new fossil fuel extraction in Tasmania and advocacy for mandatory pre-commitment cards for poker machines.

“Endeavour and Origin I agree are inappropriate due to my approach to life,” George told the ABC.

“I’m really quite pleased it’s been raised. It’s better than having it sit there for years.”

The former ABC journalist explained he inherited the shares from his mother who died more than three years ago, but had not thoroughly reviewed the portfolio until it came to light this year.

“With Origin, there’s no great excuse. It’s tardy of me. There’s no excuse, but there is a reason,” he said.

George’s parliamentary returns also revealed his self-managed superannuation fund includes interests in mining companies BHP and Rio Tinto.

While not opposing Australian mining broadly, he plans to divest from Rio Tinto due to concerns about their treatment of Indigenous sacred sites.

The independent MP declined to disclose the exact number of shares he owns, describing it as personal financial information.

His Endeavour Group shares were reportedly issued to Woolworths shareholders during the companies’ demerger.