Fresh off a strong showing in the federal election, Peter George is jumping back into politics – this time at the state level.
With just 37 days until Tasmanians head to the polls, George has confirmed he will be running as an independent in the July 19 state election.
“Both of the old parties have long since run out of ideas, talent and common sense to run the state,” the prominent anti-salmon campaigner said.
“Now’s the time for independently minded, publicly spirited people to step up to the plate and fill the leadership vacuum that Labor and Liberal left behind a long, long time ago.”
George, who is currently organising his return to Tasmania from Seattle, has already laid out his key priorities ahead of the election.
They include health, education, a budget deficit “that threatens to sink the state” and setting up an independent commission against corruption.
“For a start, let’s get rid of the ridiculous plans for an unaffordable, unwanted AFL stadium in Hobart while demanding the AFL supports the team it knows Tasmanians deserve,” George said.
“And if elected, I’ll ensure the foreign salmon industry is at last brought to heel.”
George collected a primary vote of more than 23% in the May 3 federal election and received $30,000 from Climate 200 for his campaign.
The upcoming state election, officially triggered by Governor Barbara Baker on Wednesday evening, will be Tasmania’s fourth in just seven years.
