Street mulls over running

FORMER Liberal MHA Nic Street is among party members considering a tilt at Nelson.

The seat has attracted interest from a field of independents and the Greens ahead of the retirement of veteran independent and Legislative Council president Jim Wilkinson at the May election.

The Tasmanian Liberals will today advertise for expressions of interest for candidates in Nelson, and a federal election candidate to run against incumbent independent MHR Andrew Wilkie in Clark.

A party source said Mr Street would put his hand up to run for the Liberals because he wanted to progress the party’s pro-development agenda.

Mr Street served on the Kingborough Council then worked as an adviser to former Braddon Liberal MHA Adam Brooks, who resigned from parliament on Monday.

He replaced former Frank- lin Liberal MHA Paul Harriss on a countback after that minister resigned in 2016, but lost the seat at last year’s state election. He has worked as an adviser to state minister Jacquie Petrusma since.

Mr Street was considered a moderate Liberal who spoke in parliament in favour of samesex marriage.

The Nelson candidates includes six independents: Blair Brownless, John “Polly” Farmer, Meg Webb, Madeleine Ogilvie, Richard Griggs and Vica Bayley. The Greens are running Deborah Brewer.

Applications for Liberal preselection for the two elections will close February 25.