Launceston teacher Ben Mckinnon will contest the Rosevears seat in this year’s Legislative Council elections after being announced as Labor’s candidate.
Leader Josh Willie unveiled the candidacy on Sunday ahead of the May 2 poll.
Mckinnon has spent nearly two decades teaching in schools across the Launceston area.
“I’m putting my hand up because I’m passionate about giving our community a stronger voice when it comes to influencing decisions made by politicians in Hobart,” he said.
“I’m a teacher, not a politician.”
The seat is currently held by Liberal Education Minister Jo Palmer, who won Rosevears in 2020 and was elevated to cabinet two years later.
She holds the education, children and youth and disability services portfolios.
Mckinnon said his work in classrooms gave him a unique perspective on local families.
“You get to see when families are thriving, and also when families are facing challenges and that’s driven me to want to make a difference,” he said.
His campaign will focus on education, mental health support and road safety along the West Tamar Highway.
“Too many people I speak to have a connection to a story of tragedy or a near-miss … and that’s something I’m determined to change,” Mckinnon said.
“I believe in the Labor values of equality and respect.”
“I’m running to represent the electorate, because I want to see everyone get a fair go.“
Beyond teaching, Mckinnon has worked at City Mission’s Missiondale Rehabilitation Centre and served as a social inclusion officer delivering employment programs.
He lives in the electorate with his wife and two children.
Rosevears covers the west bank of the Tamar River, including parts of Launceston and West Tamar communities from Greens Beach to Riverside.
The seat of Huon in the state’s south will also go to voters on May 2.
