Line-up still taking shape in Pembroke

THE contest for the seat of Pembroke in next month’s byelection remains wide open with former Upper House member Tony Mulder giving no indication of whether he intends to fight Clarence Mayor Doug Chipman and no Greens candidate named as yet.

Ald Chapman is running as an independent to fill the seat left by Vanessa Goodwin, who resigned from politics late last month due to ill-health.

Mr Mulder, who lost his seat of Rumney in May to Labor’s Sarah Lovell, said he would decide “soon” if he will throw his hat in the ring.

Nominations for the seat close on Thursday, with polling day set down for November 4.

“I am still considering my position but expect to make that decision in the very near future after I consult with several people,” Mr Mulder said yesterday.

Youth Network of Tasmania chief executive Joanna Siejka is the Labor candidate for Pembroke while the Greens have not yet announced who will run.

Ms Siejka, 38, says she is a young “progressive” voice and wants to see poker machines removed from Tasmania’s pubs and clubs.

The Tasmanian Liberals have nominated Lindisfarne podiatrist and Clarence alderman James Walker and have already promised to reduce the number of gaming machines allowed in Tasmania by 150 and open up the future of gaming in Tasmania to tender.

Labor has not yet released its formal policy on gaming machines.

Mr Walker, who has described himself as a “middle of the road Liberal” said he was feeling confident after his first week of campaigning.

He was joined on the hustings in Risdon Vale yesterday by Premier Will Hodgman.

Mr Walker said the cost of living and the price of water were big issues with voters.

He said the community was not raising concerns over poker machines.

“Mr Chipman has refused my challenge for a one on one debate on TasWater, and yesterday the Labor candidate pointedly failed to mention cost of living in her press release.

Mr Walker voted against the take over of TasWater as a Clarence alderman. He said he had now changed his stance on the Government takeover of the water corporation.

The Eastern Shore electorate has been held by Dr Goodwin since 2009.

Premier Will Hodgman said the party was taking the campaign very seriously and was confident of retaining the seat.