Labor has unveiled pepper berry farm owner Abby McKibben as its candidate for the seat of Huon in the May Legislative Council election.
McKibben, a Surveyors Bay resident who has lived in the area for nearly 20 years, will challenge incumbent Dean Harriss and independent candidate Clare Glade-Wright in the election.
“The Huon is home for me and my family and it’s where we are raising our young children,” McKibben said.
“We’ve laid down deep roots here and I’m running because I want to give back to the community that has given us so much.”
Labor Leader Josh Willie announced McKibben’s candidacy, saying Labor will run a “positive, issues focused campaign in Huon”.
“Abby is deeply passionate about making life better for regional Tasmanians,” Willie said.
Currently working as the Manager of Communications, Engagement and Marketing at the Hobart City Council, McKibben also co-owns a native pepper berry farm in Geeveston with her husband.
Her campaign will focus on improving regional health services, expanding childcare options, supporting local jobs and environmental protection.
“People are sick of polarising politics. Fundamentally, I believe that government exists to deliver services that make people’s lives better – that’s what my campaign is going to be about,” she said.
McKibben’s professional background spans various regional industries including aquaculture, energy, information technology, tourism and horticulture.
Kingborough Deputy Mayor Clare Glade-Wright announced her candidacy for the seat last month, with a focus on scrutiny of government spending and concerns about salmon farming in the D’Entrecasteaux Channel.
The Greens are currently taking nominations for their candidate to take on the Huon election.
Incumbent Dean Harriss was elected as an independent at a by-election in May 2022, beating Labor candidate Toby Thorpe along with candidates from the Liberals, Greens and Local Party.
The by-election followed the resignation of Labor-turned-independent MLC Bastian Seidel.
Dean Harriss’ father, Paul Harriss, was the member for Huon from 1996 to 2014.
