On 19th July 2025, Independent Peter George was elected to the Tasmanian House of Assembly in electorate of Franklin.
Thanks to an exuberant campaign that attracted over 600 volunteers, Peter won the seat convincingly on first preference votes - the only candidate in Franklin to do so.
As a Community Independent Peter is accountable only to the people of Franklin, not to lobbyists, political parties or their corporate donors.
Peter is your Independent voice in Parliament. He wants to hear from you!
Tuesday, Sept 8:
This week a great deal of parliamentary time will be taken up debating Tasmania’s response to the national firearms debate sparked in the aftermath of the Bondi massacre last December.
Among the most contentious issues are caps on gun ownership & changes to categories of guns.
The Police Commissioner proposed caps and I will support them, with exemptions for good reasons but it’ll be a closely contested debate and the vote will come down to the wire.
https://www.parliament.tas.gov.au/bills/bills2026/firearms-amendment-strengthening-firearms-security-bill-2026-30-of-2026
Tuesday, Sept 8: Today Animals Australia published two devastating indictments of the multinational salmon industry’s practices in breach of the same animal welfare laws that every Tasmanian has to follow - or risk a criminal prosecution.
I’ll be introducing a motion into the Parliament tomorrow (Wednesday) calling on the government to ensure a full, transparent and complete investigation of Animal Australia’s complaints - followed by prosecutions where breaches are identified.
Today’s adjournment speech on the likely catastrophic impacts that the salmon industry will have on our waterways and the endangered Maugean Skate, this summer, with the oncoming ElNino weather pattern.
I reckon I could take a fashion tip or two from fellow MP, Prof. George Razay. He dressed to fit the occasion moving a motion in parliament in praise of the miraculous impact that music can have on the life of people - particularly as we grow older.
A lesson lost on me, I’m afraid, as I have no musical talent at all.
Wednesday, Sept 2:
Parliament was suspended this evening for a while so that MPs could take part in a vigil with the Nepali community in the aftermath of the shocking tragedy in the country of their origin.
The shock and grief was palpable
The need for donations to the relief fund from those of us who can contribute remains urgent.
Tuesday, Sept 1
Today Parliament suspended normal business to express condolences to Tasmania’s Nepali community who are grieving over the disaster and loss of life in the flood disaster.
My short contribution is below.
Unsurprisingly, there was unanimous support for the motion which can be found here after Parliament rises this evening: https://www.parliament.tas.gov.au/house-of-assembly/chamber-proceedings/proceedings/2026/september/house-of-assembly-1-september
Thursday, August 20:
It’s not often I end up in agreement with both Treasurer Abetz and Deputy Opposition Leader, Janie Finlay … and it’s rare for them to agree with each other.
But we all sang from the same hymn sheet this evening when the entire House voted on plans to make the track through the nature reserve at Calverts Hill, near Cremorne, a much more accessible, walkable and enjoyable experience.
Thursday, August 20:
Primary Industry minister, Gavin Pearce, wrote to me today promising an immediate biosecurity investigation into serious allegations about practices in the Tasmanian arm of the world’s biggest fish feed company, Norway’s Skretting.
(I’ve spoken to the Australian GM who contests the whistleblower’s reports of practices that, if proved, would raise concerns about fish and human health.)
I followed-up in Question Time today.
