Ag policies from the main players - your election guide

Tasmania goes to the polls on Saturday, and as the voice of Rural Tasmania, we want to ensure that our readers are as informed as possible about the issues that matter.

Tasmanian Country has put together a guide to the lower house federal election candidates in the seats of Lyons, Braddon and Bass, where most of our primary producer readers are located.

We asked all 21 candidates what they stand for, in particular their agricultural policies and their responses are below:

LYONS

Susie Bower – Liberal Party

A fifth-generation Meander Valley resident, Susie Bower recently helped establish the Bell Bay Advanced Manufacturing Zone.

“To support our farmers, I've hit the ground running,” Ms Bower told Tasmanian Country. 

“In November last year, we announced that the Coalition will develop the Greater South East Irrigation Scheme.

“This project will employ over 200 Tasmanians in construction and support almost 470 ongoing jobs - while backing in farmers across south east Tassie.

“Additionally, we are going to turbo-charge the Tasmanian Freight Equalisation Scheme with a 33 per cent increase in the amount claimable.”

Rebecca White – Labor

Rebecca White is a veteran of Tasmanian politics despite only being 42 years old.

The Richmond resident entered state politics in 2010 and became Tasmanian Labor leader seven years later, remaining in the role until 2021 after two successive election losses.

However, she was quickly reinstated as Labor leader after sexual harassment claims against her successor, David O’Byrne, emerged.

Current federal member for Lyons, Brian Mitchell, stood down to allow Ms White to become the Labor candidate for the electorate.

Ms White said she has worked hard to secure funding for projects like the Bridgewater Medicare Urgent Care Clinic, the Midlands Multi-Purpose Health Centre and the Greater South East Irrigation Scheme.

Alistair Allan – Greens

Alistair Allan lives in Dodges Ferry and is a former Sea Shepherd captain.

The Greens’ agricultural policies include subsidising on-farm batteries and renewable energy storage infrastructure with $50 million to lower costs and drive adoption, accelerating renewable energy generation on farms with $50 million in dedicated funding to scale technologies, establishing an agricultural demonstration program through ARENA with $2 million to share knowledge and promote adoption, launch an agrivoltaics research program with $2 million to showcase how farming and renewable energy can coexist, and implementing legislative reforms to streamline scaling up renewable energy and storage for farmers.

Shaun Broadby – Pauline Hanson’s One Nation

A retired veteran, South Midlands resident Shaun Broadby describes himself as “a passionate advocate for Tasmanian families, workers, and farmers.”

“As a proud Tasmanian, Shaun is determined to protect the state’s agricultural industry from foreign ownership, back farmers through a rural lending fund, and ensure regional communities get their fair share of federal funding,” a One Nation spokesperson said.

“Water security, job creation, and housing affordability are at the heart of Shaun’s campaign.

“He supports One Nation’s national apprenticeship program, expanded infrastructure investment, and a five-year GST moratorium on building materials to help lower housing costs and get more Tasmanians into homes.”

Sarah Graham – Trumpet of Patriots

“A proud Tasmanian with deep roots in the community,” Sarah Graham’s work experience includes training with the National Investigation and Research Training Centre in Sydney, music and arts achievements with the Australia and New Zealand Cultural Art Society, and hospitality function planning.

“It’s time for leadership that puts Australians first and delivers real results.” Ms Graham said.

“I believe in restoring prosperity for all Australians. We all deserve the opportunities and freedom to make Australia great again.”

A Trumpet of Patriots spokesperson says the party’s priorities for Lyons include housing affordability, economic freedom for local businesses, job creation for regional economies and integrity of Australia’s immigration system.​”

Carlo Di Falco – Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party

A keen shooter, Carlo Di Falco has run as a candidate for the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party in the last three state elections.

The party’s senate candidate, Phillip Bigg, said Mr Di Falco was well respected in the Lyons community.

“Carlo will champion the issues that matter to rural and regional Tasmanians – stronger local economies, better infrastructure, and respect for traditional industries like agriculture, forestry and fishing,” Mr Bigg said.

“We’re offering Tasmanians a genuine alternative – candidates that won’t tow a party line dictated by elitists or career politicians.

“We believe in restoring balance, protecting freedoms, and putting everyday Tasmanians first.”

Michael Phibbs – Australian Citizens Party

Government, civil construction, agriculture and mining are the industries which Michael Phibbs has spent his working life in.

Living outside Deloraine, he has been associated with the Australian Citizens Party for over 15 years.

“A healthy, productive physical economy is of paramount importance for the future of Tasmania and Australia as a whole, and government must make this a priority,” Mr Phibbs said.

“I also have a strong commitment to the family unit as the building block of society and believe that quality education at all levels is key to a sustainable, harmonious society in Australia and globally.”

Angela Offord – independent

Angela Offord has practised as a veterinarian for 28 years.

Running as an independent in the federal election, Ms Offord said she would not be influenced by “party ideology, politics or vested interests.”

“The agricultural sector in Tasmania is a very important and significant contributor to the economy,” Ms Offord said.

“I understand that the lack of rainfall, falling commodity prices, and increased input costs such as fertilisers and fuel, labour challenges and the high cost of shipping goods across Bass Strait are significant issues.

“Climate change, along with water availability and the degradation of natural resources, are real concerns for Tasmanians.”

BASS

Bridget Archer – Liberal Party

If Bridget Archer retains her seat, it will be the first time since 1993 that the electorate of Bass has remained in the hands of a single party for three terms.

Commonly referred to as the ejector seat in federal elections, the George Town said cost of living was the number one concern for people in Bass.

“The Albanese Government has allowed it to go on for far too long,” Ms Archer said.

“That's why an elected Coalition Government will halve the fuel tax by 25 cents a litre, saving Tasmanians on average $14 per week at the bowser.”

Jess Teesdale – Labor

Hoping to spoil Ms Archer’s run in Bass is Launceston local Jess Teesdale.

Ms Teesdale said “an Albanese Labor Government is committed to a robust, sustainable agriculture industry that continues to thrive in Australia.”

“We will continue delivering for Australian farmers and producers: strengthening biosecurity, boosting the ag workforce, opening up new trade opportunities and improving farm sustainability,” Ms Teesdale said.

“A re-elected Albanese Labor Government will increase assistance for the Tasmanian Freight Equalisation Scheme (TFES), providing an additional $95 million in a big win for Tasmanian farmers and producers.

“We've brought together farmers, unions, and government to address visa issues, while also strengthening the future workforce with fee-free TAFE.”

Charlene McLennan – Greens

Charlene McLennan has worked as a regional property and succession lawyer for more than a decade.

“Growing up on a beef farm, and her mother the owner operator of the only local store, she is very aware of the issues facing farmers and small rural businesses,” a Greens spokesperson said.

“Both those businesses are still in Charlene's family, and Charlene is still a lawyer serving her community in family law.”

One of the major agricultural polices the greens have is investing $100 million into developing alternative proteins to support a greener, sustainable food system.

Jordan Potter – Pauline Hanson’s One Nation

Having previously served in the Australian Air Force, Jordan Potter said that while he is new to politics, he is “very excited to continue serving my country and its people on a new playing field.”

“There is a large push at the moment, given the current climate in the U.S, to more strongly support Australian-grown food, wool, and construction material,” Mr Potter said.

“The way that we hope to do this is to create a mark on these products that allows consumers to know where the product came from.”

Mr Potter said he hoped this would reduce the need for imports and enable people to support Australian products better.

Raymond Broomhall – Trumpet of Patriots

A member of the Tasmanian Bar Association, Raymond Broomhall specialises in environmental health, human rights, privacy, industrial relations and administrative law, with experience in COVID-19 mandate challenges, windfarm and renewable energy disputes, and telecommunications policy.

“The role of government is to serve the people, not to rule over them. It’s time the bureaucrats and politicians were reminded of that,” Mr Broomhall said.

“We need strong voices in Parliament who understand how the system works and how to fix it when it breaks.

“Australia doesn’t need more career politicians. It needs watchdogs with backbone, and that’s exactly what I plan to be.”

Caroline Larner – Australian Citizens Party

Caroline Larner is a registered nurse, having previously run a plant propagation nursery while raising five children.

Regarding agricultural policy, Ms Larner says her priorities are food and fuel security, supporting live exports, increasing diplomatic cooperation and trade with China, and a moratorium protecting homeowners and farmers from mass evictions.

“It is important that Tassie’s farmers understand that there is an alternative to the Liberal/Labor open-door policy on behalf of corporate takeover of our land and primary industries,” she said.

“Many farmers I have spoken with are really worried about it.”

George Razay – independent

George Razay works as a general physician and geriatrician at the Launceston General Hospital and is a local councillor.

In the 2022 federal election, the Launceston resident polled five per cent in Bass.

“I believe that we are entering a new era of changes, away from the old organised and tribal mainstream politics and into real diversity in political ideas, including respectful debates,” Dr Razay said.

“We need parliamentarians who put the interests of the community ahead of the interests of the few.

“That is the best way to create a happy and harmonious community. Australia prides itself on being the most egalitarian, fair dinkum society and a fun-loving, larrikin land.”

BRADDON

Mal Hingston - Labor

After leaving school at 15 to take up a trade, Latrobe resident Mal Hingston has since worked in the mining, civil, and defence industries.

He was preselected as the Liberal Candidate for Braddon after incumbent Gavin Pearce decided to retire after two terms in federal government.

“Farming and agriculture is a way of life here in Braddon,” Mr Hingston said.

“Most importantly, I guarantee that I will never, ever sell out our fishing, forestry, mining or farming sectors for Green preferences in mainland seats like my Labor opponents always do.”

Mr Hingston said a Coalition government would give the public a $1200 tax rebate.

Anna Urquhart – Labor

If Anne Urquhart wins Braddon, she will simply sit in a different part of Government House in Canberra.

Having been a senator since 2011, the former factory worker from Gawler has ditched her role in the upper house in the hope of securing the seat of Braddon for Labor.

“The agriculture industry is critical to our economy and is a major employer – it also contributes to many jobs in the processing and manufacturing of fresh produce,” Ms Urquhart said.

“I’ll work hard to ensure fair prices are paid to growers and farmers and that they are protected from unfair practices in their dealings with major retailers.”

Erin Morrow – Greens

Having worked in various roles in the sector, Erin Morrow says she is passionate about advocating for health care for all.

“After seeing too many failures in the health care system over her 20-year career, Erin wants to take her knowledge and compassion to Canberra to advocate on behalf of the people of Braddon to make sure they have a voice,” a Greens spokesperson said.

Part of the Greens’ agricultural policy includes supporting Australian farmers in transitioning to regenerative and sustainable practices by establishing Green Agriculture Australia with $250 million in funding, and investing $80 million in research, development, and extension to protect Australia from invasive species and pests.

Christopher Methorst – Pauline Hanson’s One Nation

At 19, Christopher Methorst joined the Australian Army, serving full-time for seven years and later as a reservist for another three.

Since then, he has worked in construction, mining, disability support and community coaching.

“Chris knows firsthand that the major parties have lost touch with ordinary Australians,” a One Nation spokesperson said.

“He’s watched governments neglect our rural communities, overburden our schools and hospitals, and allow cost-of-living pressures to spiral out of control.

“He believes in putting people before politics, and in returning power to everyday Australians.

“He’s committed to practical, common-sense policies that get results—not lip service.”

Stephen Kenney – Trumpet of Patriots

Stephen Kenney is the Braddon candidate for the Trumpet of Patriots in the federal election.

The brainchild of Clive Palmer, the Trumpet of Patriots is “focused on democracy, individual freedoms, free speech, reducing government intrusion in our lives, breaking the duopoly, real choice and real liberty.”

“If you are unhappy with how your life has become more expensive to manage, disturbed by the direction of our nation and troubled by the erosion of our Australian values and identity, then at the election on 3 May, you must vote differently,” the Trumpet of Patriots website reads.

Adam Martin – independent

Ridgley resident Adam Martin is a builder, farmer, and former executive officer of the national peak body for recreational fishing, where he regularly worked in Canberra advocating for regional interests.

“Adam Martin’s farming policy is built around an Abundance Agenda—empowering small producers, prioritising food security, and rebuilding regional economies,” a spokesperson for Adam Martin said.

“He supports micro-abattoirs, regenerative agriculture, direct-to-consumer sales, and removing red tape that stifles innovation.

“His plan includes a Roll-On/Roll-Off ship for King Island livestock, a dedicated Ag Bank, farmland buyback schemes for young farmers, and fairer treatment for beekeepers and pasture-raised poultry producers.”