Peter George Newsletter

12 June 2026

What a year the last few weeks have been!

Firstly, thank you to everyone who braved the wind and the rain to join us at Parliament House for our Community Independents celebration. Close to 100 people from a range of community organisations in Franklin and beyond signed up to hear from newly-elected MLC for Huon Clare Glade-Wright and Professor Gabrielle Appleby from the Centre for Public Integrity. There were even some surprise cameos from political stars like Senator David Pocock and Helen Haines, Federal MP for Indi (where the Community Indie movement all began). The room was buzzing, and we want to keep that energy going with more events over the coming months so stay tuned!

Following that it was Budget Estimates week, where Ministers and departmental representatives from all portfolios were questioned on policy, resourcing and progress on issues.

Read on for highlights on what Peter asked, how you can make a difference, and exciting events coming up.

Warm wishes

Rayne

A Message from Peter

The Madeleine Ogilvie saga has consumed many column inches and much airtime in the past couple of weeks since the government dead-batted questions - some 150 of them - in Estimates.

I’ve tried to stand back and not get involved in the political strategies of winning ministerial scalps, preferring to focus on understanding where the Westminster conventions have been broken which require a minister to stand down if they’ve misled Parliament or stand aside if serious questions of probity are being investigated.

As with Ms Ogilvie and Minister Jane Howlett, it appears the Integrity Commission lies behind their legal bills which, together, amount to close to half a million dollars without any transparency about the issues involved.

Ms Ogilvie’s gone, as is only right, after misleading parliament.

Minster Howlett’s case is much more opaque but, in my view, she should voluntarily step aside from all ministries until whatever legal action is involved is resolved.

I think it’s clear the Rockliff government has - at the least - played a politically tricky game and been called out for it.

And the bottom line is that the Integrity Commission legislation needs more than amendments, it needs an overhaul.

🔥HOT TOPICS🔥 

Special Budget Estimates Edition

No Time for Abalone or Rock Lobster, Plenty for Salmon 

Despite the existential threat posed by Florfenicol to valuable abalone and rock lobster exports to Asia, the Premier admitted in Estimates on Monday 1st June that he has had no meetings with concerned wild fishers (click on the image to watch the question in full). 

Peter says: “It’s hard to believe that the Premier can meet with salmon industry executives but not bother to meet the people who export some of the best, most valuable seafood in nation that is proudly Tasmanian.”

Education

Thanks to advice and feedback from teachers, Peter pressed Minister Palmer to explain what the Education Department is doing to respond to key findings of the Bayliss Independent Education Review. Ms Palmer agreed that the TCE, widely recognised as one of the most demanding Year 12 certificates in Australia, is currently not fit for purpose but stopped short of any commitment to changing it beyond reaching “a shared and inclusive definition of educational success” by August this year.

Rockliff Government’s Fail on Integrity 

On Tuesday 2nd June, Tasmania’s Integrity Commission revealed it doesn’t have adequate staff to carry out current and future work and maintains that lobbying regulation is required to improve government transparency.   

Peter says: “This is an utter failure of the Rockliff Government to live up to undertakings made to the crossbench after the election last year – undertakings that were a core issue in determining who would take the reins of government.”

Cabinet Promise on Disability Access

In response to urging by disability advocates, Peter sought an undertaking from Minister Jo Palmer to make digital government documents like applications and submissions more accessible for people with disabilities. She agreed to make this a Cabinet matter, which is a big win for the 30% of Tasmanians reporting some form of disability. Meanwhile, more than 2,100 Tasmanians remain on the waiting list for suitable housing to meet their disability needs. Peter says: "We need to do better for people who are often amongst Tasmania’s most vulnerable."

Permit to Pollute

It’s been almost 18 months since rotting salmon flesh washed up on south-eastern Tasmanian foreshores, but according to the Director of Public Prosecutions, Daryl Coates, no prosecutions have been launched against multinational salmon companies for environmental breaches. 

Director of the Environmental Protection Authority, Catherine Murdoch, later confirmed in Estimates that her legal team are still finalising their brief and will forward it to the Director of Public Prosecutions when complete, but couldn’t give further details on a timeframe.

📃 Have your Say 📃

🔔Independent Salmon Study

One of the key promises Peter won from the Liberal Government following his election last year was a halt on the Salmon Industry’s expansion to allow a fully independent, science-driven, off-island study on the impacts of industrial salmon farming in Tasmania. The draft study plan and stakeholder engagement plan are now open for public consultation.

Whether you are someone directly impacted by salmon farming, or one of the majority of Tasmanians concerned about the health and environmental impacts of the industry, it’s important to make your voice heard.

Submit your feedback HERE by midnight on Sunday, 5th July.

 

🔔Draft Aboriginal Heritage Bill 2026

The Government is seeking feedback on a draft Bill that aims to update the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1975.

Aborigines in Lutruwita/Tasmania have been calling for adequate protection of Aboriginal heritage for decades. However, the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre has voiced a number of concerns about this Draft Bill, including a lack of consultation with aboriginal communities. You can read their open letter to Tasmania’s Aboriginal Affairs Minister, Bridget Archer MP, HERE.

You can find a copy of the review, timeline of the consultation, and related background information HERE.

Submission are open until 5:00 PM on 6 July 2026.

 

🔔NOFF Petition on Salmon Industry Pollution 

Nearly 2,000 Tasmanians have made their voices heard – add yours today!

This parliamentary petition sponsored by Neighbours of Fish Farming calls on the government to amend relevant environmental standards and laws governing the finfish industry, including noise, light and marine debris pollution.

Closing Date: 30th June 2026 

 

🔔Voluntary Assisted Dying Act

Tasmania’s voluntary assisted dying legislation was introduced in October 2022. A statutory review is now underway to assess how the law has been working during its first three years of operation, and how it might be improved.

For more information and to submit your feedback online, go HERE.

Submissions close on 10th July 2026

 

🔔Modernising Tasmania’s Residential Tenancy Act

The Residential Tenancy Act 1997 sets out the rights and responsibilities of tenants, property owners, agents, and housing providers.

If you are a renter, a landlord, an agent or housing provider, please read the discussion paper and have your say on what needs to change.

Submissions close Friday, 12 June 2026

🌞Events and Activities🌞

Film Screening and Fundraiser: The Pursuit of Happiness (1988) 

When: 5pm – 8pm, Saturday 20th June 

Where: Kickstart Arts Centre 1831 South, St Johns Park New Town, TAS 

Join Peter George MP and Rosalie Woodruff MP for a screening and discussion of a classic Australian anti-war film set during the original campaign against nuclear proliferation and US military presence in Australia. 

Bring a blanket – warm soup, crusty bread, and hot chocolate will be provided! 

Funds raised will help send delegates to the Independent and Peaceful Australia Network (IPAN) National Conference. 

For more information and book tickets click HERE. 

Finding Hope in Uncertain Times - Fundraiser for Cygnet Primary School

When: 6.00pm – 9.30pm, Fri 3rd July 2026 

Where: Cygnet Town Hall, 14 Mary Street, Cygnet 

Cost: $28 Per Person | $125 Group of 5 tickets 

Join Huon Valley locals, Bob Brown and Nigel Brennan, as they share their perspective on remaining hopeful even when the going gets tough. Zinnia Blue will be performing. There will be drinks and dinner available for purchase on the night, as well as a silent raffle.

Bookings required – click HERE to secure your place 

Samantha Brown Think Pink Luncheon  

Where: Rokeby Neighbourhood Centre, 4 Hart Place, Rokeby 

When: 12:30pm Wednesday 15th July 2026 

This special event, now in its 6th year, continues to raise awareness, build connection, support better mental health and wellbeing, and support the established Safe Space Room at Rokeby Neighbourhood Centre. 

Guests are invited to enjoy a free 3 course lunch, raffles, lucky door prizes and a wonderful afternoon of community connection. 

We encourage everyone to wear pink and join in the fun. 

Please RSVP 30th June 2026 by calling 6200 0738 or emailing manager@rokebync.org.au. 

2026 Australia Post Community Grants 

Are you a community organisation seeking funding? AusPost applications for their 2026 Community Grants program are now open. 

Grants of up to $10,000 each are available for eligible not-for-profit organisations across Australia, with up to an additional $250,000 in grants allocated for projects supporting mental wellbeing in disaster-impacted areas.  

If your organisation is eligible, or you know of a worthy project in your area, find out more and apply at auspost.com.au/grants.   

Applications are accepted until midnight on 6th July. 

2026 Australia Post Community Grants Guidelines 

Thank you as always for reading our newsletter. If you have any news you'd like to share, don't hesitate to get in touch!

Warm wishes,
Rayne Allinson, Electorate Officer for Peter George MP
rayne.allinson@parliament.tas.gov.au
03 6212 2228
Peter George for Franklin

Parliament House, 1 Salamanca Pl, Hobart
Australia

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