Launceston councillor Andrew Palmer has announced he will run for deputy mayor, following the news that current Deputy Mayor Hugh McKenzie is stepping down from local government after 15 years.
Palmer said he had spent his first four-year term learning the ins and outs of council and was now ready to take on a leadership role.
“I believe that now is the time to step up to that leadership role because I believe I have learnt a lot of lessons over the last four years about the way council operates and about what community expects,” he told Pulse.
Palmer paid tribute to McKenzie, saying he had learned a great deal from the outgoing deputy mayor who was first elected to council in 2011 and to his current position in July 2023.
“I really want to thank him for his service and everything that he has done for the City of Launceston,” he said.
Mayor Matthew Garwood also praised McKenzie’s contribution.
“I genuinely couldn’t have done the last few years without Hugh,” Garwood said.
“His experience, dedication and professionalism are second to none.”
Garwood said he would have backed McKenzie for another term but understood the sacrifices that come with the role.
“I’ve learnt a lot from Hugh and I’m incredibly grateful to have had him alongside me,” he said.
Palmer said his focus would be on serving all corners of the municipality if he was to become deputy mayor.
“I will do everything I possibly can to make it the best city in the world to live in,” he said.
“It’s not so much about what I think, it’s about what the community ask of me and then finding that solution to do whatever I can to find a positive outcome for the community.”
Garwood has confirmed he will seek another term as mayor.
Palmer said whoever wins the top job would have his full support.
Fellow councillor Alan Harris has also put his hand up for the deputy mayor role.
“The meputy mayor should be more than a substitute when the Mayor is unavailable,” Harris said.
“I want to help build a Council that reflects those qualities, one that is constructive, responsive and looks for solutions rather than obstacles.”
