Vote Earth Rally speech

Friends, and fellow Tasmanians—thank you for being here. You’re here because you care. About clean air, thriving forests, safe water, climate action, and a future for our kids.
So am I.
But let me say this clearly—this election is not just about what we care about. It’s about
who we serve.
Because right now, both major parties are serving someone—but it’s not ordinary
Tasmanians.
It’s the developers. The multinational salmon companies. The racing industry. The
pokies barons. The donors.
And in return? We get debt. We get cuts to basic services.
And we get a billion-dollar stadium in a climate and cost-of-living crisis.
That’s not democracy. That’s capture.
But there’s another way. A better way.
Imagine if instead of funneling public money into private profits, we put it to work for
people and the planet.
We could launch a statewide program to retrofit homes—install insulation, energyefficient appliances, solar, community batteries.
That’s real climate action. It cuts bills, eases pressure on Hydro, and creates good,
skilled jobs in every corner of Tasmania.
We could train a new environmental workforce—people with deep knowledge in animal
control, weed management, and bush regeneration.
Because invasive species are costing us hundreds of millions and pushing native
species to the brink. Let’s fund the people who know how to protect and restore our
native bush and native species.
And we could reduce insurance premiums—not with the laughable idea of a Tasmanian
company underwritten by Tasmanian taxpayers, but by tackling the root causes of risk.
More trees, better land management, less flooding, less fire. That’s what brings costs
down and safety up.
This is the kind of work that protects what we love and makes our economy stronger.
But you won’t hear the major parties talk about this—because their vision is stuck in the
past, thanks to the interests that have poured money into their parties for generations.
They want to talk about “budget repair”—well so do I.
But real budget repair doesn’t mean cutting nurses and teachers and frontline workers.
It means cutting the rorts.
It means shining a light on waste, pork-barrelling, and endless handouts to industries
that pollute, extract and exploit.
It means asking: how much are we paying for each job? And is it worth it?
Because I believe public money should serve the public—not mining companies, not
sports empires, and not party donors.
So let me finish with this.
Some will tell you that voting for an independent, or a Green, or a minor party is risky.
You know what’s risky?
Giving unchecked power to the parties that sold this place out.
When the two major parties march in lockstep—on salmon, on stadiums, on
donations—we need strong, independent voices more than ever.
I don’t take donations. I can’t be bought. And I’ll never stop asking the hard questions—
on your behalf.
So before Saturday 19 July, I ask you:
Ask the candidates in your electorate: Who funds you? Who do you really serve?
And if you want someone in Parliament who serves you, who fights for a fair, green, and
future-focused Tasmania—
Then vote for someone who’s already proven they will.
Let’s fight for a Tasmania that’s beautiful, fair, and fearless.
Let’s take our power back.
And let’s make this the election where people—and the planet—win.
Thank you