Tasmanian Nationals here to stay

Tasmanian Nationals chairman Rick Mandelson wants his party to be a staple in the state’s political landscape as they begin to plot their next moves.

The party has started its preselection process for the Legislative Council seats of Huon and Rosevears.

The Nationals are also on the lookout for candidates to contest for seats in both houses of the Federal Parliament, with the next election due in 2028.

Mr Mandelson said that the party had a lot of hard work to do.

“It’s an uphill battle and we’re starting from a standing start,” he said.

“But I think there’s an appetite for something other than the two major parties.”

He said he believed the Tasmanian Nationals could nab a Senate seat.

“The lower house is a bit more of a challenge, federally, and the next state election – whenever that is – I think we’ll probably have a much better showing than last year.

“We weren’t prepared, I’ll admit that.”

The Tasmanian Nationals are still developing their policy platform, but Mr Mandelson said it would be centred around affordable housing, alternative energy and overhauling staffing arrangements in the public service.

“It’ll be a focus on communities and local towns and villages because we feel that they tend to be ignored.”

The party is hoping to run candidates in all five Tasmanian electorates.

Mr Mandelson said he believed the Tasmanian Nationals could influence the state’s political landscape.

“I think a bit of representation from rural and regional areas of Tasmania is needed.

“I think the major parties have been too Hobart and Launceston-focused – not that there’s anything wrong with Hobart and Launceston, other places need representation too.

“A lot of the rest of Tasmania appears to be missing out and we want to give those parts of Tasmania a voice, both at a state and federal level.”