Jeremy Rockliff has revealed what he is calling the “best possible team” the Liberals have ever put forward in the north-west seat of Braddon ahead of the upcoming state election.
Speaking at Penguin Composites on Friday, Rockliff announced a seven-strong ticket featuring himself and sitting members Roger Jaensch and Felix Ellis.
Former federal MP Gavin Pearce is hoping to return to politics at the state level, joined by ex-senator Stephen Parry. Giovanna Simpson and Kate Wylie round out the Liberal line-up for the key electorate.
“We have a fantastic team of candidates right out of the blocks here in Braddon,” Rockliff said.
The announcement follows the unveiling of his Bass team yesterday, as Tasmania heads toward an early election that, according to Rockliff, Tasmanians “didn’t want”.
“The decision to go to an election was forced upon us by Dean Winter in a rush of blood to his head and in desperation,” Rockliff said.
“We cannot afford a desperate Dean Winter to lead this state.”
Pearce said his decision to run for state, rather than federal, politics stemmed from personal priorities and his belief in what the Liberal team is trying to achieve.
“There comes a time in every politician’s life,” Pearce said. “And the rigours of federal politics weigh heavy on my personal commitment.”
“This path, the state path, allows me time to spend with my kids … as well as doing the right thing for the state that I love.”
Pearce said he was also motivated to run by seeing the state’s “strategic viability” undermined by what he called “childish pranks”.
“This region respects Jeremy Rockliff and what he stands for. He comes from the region and he’s trying to do the right thing for the strategic viability and the future of Tasmania and Tasmanians,” he said.
“That’s what I’m there to defend. That’s why I picked up my rifle, so to speak, in metaphorical terms and I’ll be standing in the trenches with him on this one.”
The electorate of Braddon includes Burnie and Devonport and covers Tasmania’s north-west and west coasts.
