On many health metrics, Tasmania has some of the worst national statistics. One third of Tasmania’s budget is spent on health. Each budget sees more funds directed at health.

Necessary investments in health include a well-trained workforce, facilities that meet the community’s needs, and proper investment in preventive measures that keep Tasmanians well.

I worked for many years in the public health system as both a manager and clinician, have toured pathology, pharmacy, emergency and radiology departments at the RHH. More recent committee work shows the under-investment in facilities across our state.

We know the current approach is failing. While there are some fabulous success stories that must be celebrated, the government must work more closely with clinicians and federal and local government counterparts to improve health offers and health outcomes for all Tasmanians.

Acute, sub-acute, mental health, community, telehealth, and hospital-at-home models should be developed in order to have a suite of offerings for our dispersed population.

I’ve spoken in support of the preventive health strategy that the government is moving towards: keeping people active and well starts long before they present to the emergency department. This must be embedded across all the government undertakes – building infrastructure like roads and bridges must include safe pedestrian and bike paths that keep people safe and connected for better health. New subdivisions should be planned to link communities with public and active transport options, and include shaded areas to reduce heat islands.

Tasmania has many hardworking doctors, nurses, allied health professionals and other workers in healthcare settings. We need to prioritise preventive health and subacute/outpatient services that stop people becoming so unwell they end up in hospital.

Dental health should absolutely be included as essential health care and included as part of the state government’s responsibility.

The impacts of climate change are real and immediate and they continue to impact the lives of Tasmanians with increasing regularity. Based on good policy and informed by accurate data, community, government and business prepared for those impacts will thrive and survive.

Hobart is vulnerable to catastrophic fire, with experts like David Bowman calling for action. In 2018 floods affected South Hobart and Lenah Valley, as well as the city streets adjacent to the culverted Hobart Rivulet.

Tasmania is fortunate to have world-leading expertise with UTAS, IMAS and CSIRO, activists who fight for climate action and protecting our environment, and organisations such as the RACT that recognise and model the risks and help us plan for coastal erosion, inundation, habitat loss, and disasters. Local governments often take the lead in community resilience building, mitigation and adaptation strategies.

Climate change is an economic issue, not just an environmental issue. Even though Tasmania export markets are worth millions to the state, feeding Tasmanians with our own quality local produce is important.

School gardens help embed the act of growing and eating fresh produce. Community gardens as part of neighbourhoods and Neighbourhood Houses help build local connections and benefits beyond the plate. Food security and the circular economy are perfect for islands with 95% reliance on imported fuels – reducing costs and food miles is part of building a resilient community that cares for its own.

We can reduce carbon emissions by significantly improving the state’s currently poor forest management practices.

One of the best ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is to reduce transport emissions. Tasmania needs to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels, develop renewable energy in appropriate locations, encourage adoption of solar, electrify the government vehicle fleet, and prioritise planning that avoids heat islands and provides green spaces. Tasmania is at risk of losing its status as a net zero carbon emitter.  

My successful first Private Member’s Time as an Independent set the agenda and sent a clear message that ranks this as one of my greatest concerns: it called for the government to prioritise climate change with a Climate Change Minister and accept recommendations of the latest independent Climate Change Act Review.

This must be informed by people from all backgrounds and ages. Ensuring young voices and minds help steer discussion and policy – as well as experts, activists, business and scientists – can help government act with integrity and the best interests of Tasmanians.

Over many decades, Tasmania’s government-sponsored forestry practices hemorrhage money and treat the forest estate as an infinite resource.

Sustainable Timbers Tasmania (Forestry Tasmania) has been heavily subsidised by Tasmanian taxes for years. Outdated practices have created millions of CO2 emissions into the atmosphere and undermined our state’s clean, green and clever image.

There is no valid reason for Tasmania’s native forests and wild places to be clear-felled, fire bombed and devastated by destructive practices which have no social licence. Using existing plantations rather than creating more provides a model of sustainable, responsible timber harvesting.

The way forest have been wrecked by a rapacious industry has put generations of Tasmanians into conflict.

There must be an end to this conflict. 2027 marks the end of logging contracts and a move away from how forestry is currently practiced in this state. Federal environmental laws will include forest practices for the first time, and devolved responsibilities are the best opportunity to improve forest protection and management.

Smart silviculture methods that protect forest ecosystems provide opportunities to use specialist timbers and gain a higher economic and value yield. That transition will only happen when environmental defenders, business and the general community agree to end destructive, extractive approaches that do not respect the value forests provide.

Tasmania can end native forest logging. Our natural resources have more value when left standing. They support our unique plants and animals, and intact forests protect against climate change.

Tasmanians have a strong connection to this place we call home. We live surrounded by natural beauty, in close proximity to coasts, rivers, mountains and amazing wild places. National parks and world heritage areas such as the Franklin River have been fought for, recognised and protected.

The Tarkine / Takayna is an area of temperate rainforest and stunning coastline, imminently threatened by mining.

Places like Lake Malbena and the Tyndalls are areas that should be protected, but are at risk when the government prioritises private enterprise or big-spending mainlanders rather than protecting these special places.

Lake Pedder would be the ultimate jewel of restoration in this decade of ecosystem restoration, and a much better way of investing in Tasmania’s future, tourism experience and natural values.

Imagine a government that recognises how special Tasmania’s natural beauty is, that has the long term thinking that would see the benefit of restoring Lake Pedder, that invests in weed and threatened species management, that protects habitat and the environment, as a bulwark against climate change and a place for future generations.

People in our cities, towns, regions and inhabited islands should have a range of transport options, with built-in safety for all who use our road networks and ferries. I support planning that links public transport and active transport options, as most people complete their journeys using multiple modes.

All great cities have well-functioning public transport systems that are built for the people. Congestion is reduced, harmful emissions improve air quality, and mass transit reduces greenhouse gas emissions, especially when bus fleets are electrified.

And yet no recent state government has properly invested in our public transport system, prioritised public transport or gone all out to electrify our buses.

With low rates of public transport patronage, accounting for 5% of commutes in Hobart, roads are choked and Metro has limped on, recently showing signs of neglect.

However, free public transport has seen a huge patronage on city and regional buses. Since escalating fuel prices and cost-of-living pressures, because of the Trump invasion of Iran and the ongoing war in the Persian Gulf, more people catch buses across Greater Hobart.

The government must act to ensure people see the benefits of continuing catching buses that are frequent, prioritised, reliable and regular.

I want to see an ongoing commitment to public transport that is connected, convenient and cost-effective for commuters. some love from the government for Metro, and regional services.

If buses don’t remain free for all, they should be free for students and pensioners, and a set fare that doesn’t disadvantage Metro and regional services who because of poor planning, have to live in suburbs and towns a long way from their destination.

By showing some love for Metro and investing in ferries and electric buses that link to other options, we’re all better off on our roads.

Tasmania’s cities and towns should be built for everyone – whether you use a wheelchair, personal mobility device, bike, walk or run, you should be safe and protected from vehicles.

Having real choices to getting from Point A to Point B should be a feature of urban design, infrastructure projects, and turbo-charged by a government that wants improved health and wellbeing for Tasmanians.

The Battery Point walkway has been on the drawing board for too long. Other places in Brisbane, Adelaide and Melbourne have scenic paths along foreshores and rivers that become valued assets.

The popular Intercity cycleway has successfully transformed the old rail corridor into a safe, enjoyable walking and cycling route for commuters, and people travelling to schools, MONA and sports fields.

Off-road facilities aren’t always feasible. Adding safe walking paths and protected bike lanes into state infrastructure projects, links people with destinations such as local shops and sports facilities, and provides incentives for people to leave their car at home. This type of planning also decreases traffic congestion, increases social connections and promotes better health.

Transport encompasses all the ways we move ourselves and our freight within our communities and around the state. Beyond investing in roads, we need to give everyone access to the places they go, however they travel: walking, riding, using mobility devices, cars or public transport. Minimal investment in active transport has major benefits: reducing traffic congestion, improving health, boosting local economies and community connections.

Each year too many Tasmanians are injured or die in motor vehicle accidents.

One way this can be addressed is through road safety and driver training skills. Driver Mentor Training programs are offered around our state and provide invaluable practical support to young drivers, new migrants and and all Tasmanians who are disadvantaged by distance or circumstance and need to gain their licence.

Programs that target young people before they gain their licence, such as Ryda and RACT programs, complement the Driver Mentor Training programs offered across the state.

Land use strategies and planning policies must prioritise resilient, adaptive communities to ensure Tasmania’s special places are prepared for climate change. 

Increasing density in appropriate areas will create homes near services, and build thriving, vibrant communities.

Community sports of all kinds are incredibly valuable and deserve government support. Rather than investing heavily in a single project or in elite sports, we need to fund community sports and facilities across the state to foster social connections, strengthen neighbourhoods, encourage healthy movement, reduce isolation, and provide positive outlets for young people. 

While I respect the will of parliament, I have grave doubts about the ability of the Tasmanian government to manage this project. I fear costs will balloon and the project will create skilled labour shortages. The Tasmanian government should reprioritise large projects like the stadium and redirect funds into projects that will benefit the broader community.

The crossbench role is to hold government to account – expecting accountability and transparency on key issues. I welcome the establishment of the Parliamentary Friends of Public Integrity Group by Independent Member for Nelson Meg Webb MLC and Independent Member for Clark Kristie Johnston MP, and support its aims to strengthen the state’s integrity practices and oversight, and restore public confidence in our democratic systems of governance.

Budgeting limited resources is always challenging. I commit to working with government to find efficiencies and improvements, while making decisions that will put Tasmanians in a stronger position to deal with future challenges. 

I support the reform of cannabis laws using established research, so people who use medical cannabis can access prescriptions at a reasonable cost without the risk of being criminalised or facing barriers to employment.

I also support pill testing, which is another well-researched issue with proven harm minimisation.