Career, just one devoted to getting results for community

Reluctant politician Craig Garland says he’s not planning a long career in politics if he can get action on the issues close to his heart and important to his electorate.

During a visit to Hobart on Friday, Mr Garland said he was working hard to get up to speed on the intricacies of his new job after winning the final seat in Braddon at the March 23 state election.

“I didn’t expect to be here to be honest,” he said.

The Liberals have not sought, nor has Mr Garland offered, a formal deal as are in place with some other crossbenchers – but he has explained his key concerns in talks with Premier Jeremy Rockliff.

He says he is looking to achieve results in key areas such as managing the impact of the aquaculture industry and wind farm developments.

“I read a long time ago that politics was there for anyone with an issue to put the hand up, go forth,

Independent Braddon MP

get it sorted out and then ride off into the sunset,” he said.

“I’ll be true to my word if they sort out the salmon farms or the broadscale wind farm expansions and all the problems associated with that and a few of the other things … I’ll go okay, I’ll stick to it.

“I got three beautiful kids, I’ve got a life outside of politics, but it was the only avenue I had. I’ve been on advisory councils for nine years trying to get things done with my fishery. Nothing, ignored.

“Now, my community’s backed me to get in and I’ll be asking them to address those issues.

“I’m not asking for the world. I’m not asking for millions of dollars.

“A lot of my issues are pretty simple and can be sorted out quicksmart. So the ball’s in their court, really.”

Mr Garland, whose election comes after multiple campaigns for state and federal office, said his approach would not change – the people of the North-West would expect nothing less.

“In my electorate, they want raw honesty and a sense of community and that was outlined to me the very first meeting I did,” he said.

“I’ve never been a public speaker, but my football coach came along and he said ‘Couta, it’s all about raw honesty and sense of community’.

“And I thought: ‘Well, that’s easy’. And from that point on, whenever I’m talking, that’s how I approach it.”

The opening of Tasmania’s 51st parliament is on May 14.

Craig Garland