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!
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.
Thursday, August 20:
At the end of each parliamentary day, there’s an opportunity for all members to deliver a 5-minute “adjournment” speech on any subject they choose.
Last night it was an honour - a sad honour - to bid farewell to a friend and great Tasmanian, Kraig Carlstrom who died suddenly last week.
With deep condolences to his wife, Carolyn: Valé Kraig.
Wednesday, August 19:
Parliament can be extraordinarily frustrating, especially when Liberal and Labor gang up to defeat cross bench measures that might hurt their self-interests.
Today, it happened during a motion calling on the government to introduce tighter and more transparent measures to prevent “pork barrelling” when discretionary government funds are used for political purposes.
It would have tied Tasmania to much more transparent Federal guidelines … but it was not to be.
For those interested, we’ll soon put the speech up here: https://petergeorgeforfranklin.com
Tuesday, August 18:
Rarely in Parliament have I found myself caught on the horns of a dilemma but that’s what happened today on, of all things, raising penalties for vandalising war memorials in Tasmania.
It might have been a straight forward “Aye” but as a matter of legal principle, I voted “No” - but the legislation was passed with a big majority.
A very difficult decision on the day when we honour servicemen who fought and died in the Vietnam War.
You can find the reasons here: https://petergeorgeforfranklin.com/index.php/2026/08/18/speech-war-memorials/
