Peter George raised more money than any other Tasmanian federal candidate in the 2025 election, pulling in $345,777 from 212 donors in his bid to win Franklin.
But the hefty fundraising wasn’t enough to defeat Labor’s Julie Collins.
The anti-salmon farming campaigner’s donations dwarfed his rivals, with about two-thirds coming from Climate 200 and teal-aligned donors, according to Australian Electoral Commission disclosures.
West Australian tech entrepreneur Norman Pater was George’s biggest individual donor, contributing $100,000.
Climate 200 gave $71,601 across three payments between March and May. Keldoulis Investments added $50,000.
George spent $332,566 on the campaign and won 21.69% of first preferences – a strong result but not enough to unseat Collins.
The figures show Climate 200’s growing influence in Tasmanian politics, particularly in backing independents against the major parties.
The organisation also supported Clark independent Andrew Wilkie, who held his seat after receiving $30,000 of his $66,681 total donations.
Among major party candidates, Labor’s Anne Urquhart had the highest donations in Braddon with $74,000 from 31 donors.
Fellow Franklin independent Brendan Blomeley raised $92,526 from 60 donors, though none reached the disclosure threshold. He secured 5% of the vote.
George’s federal loss didn’t end his political career.
He won a state parliament seat in Tasmania’s snap election months later, receiving $103,499 in donations including $60,000 from Climate 200.
Annual party disclosures covering broader funding for major parties are due in early 2026.
