Tabatha Badger, the youngest representative in Tasmania’s parliament, entered politics with a mission: to champion Tasmania’s natural environment and to address the urgent crises affecting her community. Representing Lyons for the Tasmanian Greens, Badger brings a fresh perspective to parliament, aiming to create meaningful change on issues like climate, housing, and economic inequality.
Badger’s background in conservation and land management prepared her for a career focused on protecting Tasmania’s diverse ecosystems. As former campaign director for the Restore Pedder initiative, she advocated for the restoration of Lake Pedder in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area—a site now threatened by ageing dams and natural faults. Badger believes this work is critical to preserving Tasmania’s environment in a time of biodiversity crisis, saying, “It’s now time…to invest that money into restoring this magnificent lake.” Her leadership experience includes serving as convener of the Wilderness Society, where she helped protect forests that are vital for carbon sequestration and biodiversity, and this work shaped her commitment to protecting Tasmania’s unique wild places through the political process.
Climate change remains at the forefront of Badger’s agenda, driven by her firsthand experience of environmental shifts across Tasmania. She sees impacts from coastal erosion to shifts in agriculture all being aggravated by climate change. “There are so many different impacts that people are seeing,” she says, driving home that these realities be brought to public attention and addressed urgently. Badger considers herself more than just a politician; she advocates for drastic shifts in environmental policy to secure Tasmania’s future.
Badger’s political vision also includes tackling Tasmania’s severe housing and cost-of-living crises, which have disproportionately affected younger Tasmanians. She recognises the pressures facing new generations—especially in Lyons, where small, close-knit communities experience unique challenges alongside limited resources. Badger wants to ensure that homeownership is not out of reach for young people, and that development respects natural areas. She advocates for affordable housing alternatives, such as medium-density housing, as part of a broader strategy for sustainable urban growth that preserves essential green spaces. “Owning a home shouldn’t be out of the picture for younger Tasmanians,” she says, stressing that access to affordable, community-friendly housing is essential for Tasmania’s social and economic health.
In addition to these challenges, Badger has been vocal about the digital divide affecting Tasmania. In rural and regional areas, connectivity remains unreliable, not only because of physical infrastructure gaps but also due to limitations in digital literacy. Badger supports upskilling programs, and aims to ensure that all Tasmanians have access to essential online services—particularly those in remote areas. She highlights that digital skills are vital for everyday tasks like renewing licences, accessing social services, and seeking employment. “We need to make sure that people can access the online world,” she emphasises, aware of how essential digital connectivity has become.
Badger’s youth gives her a valuable perspective in Parliament. Often described as a “young voice,” she’s acutely aware of the unique challenges facing even younger generations, whose experiences diverge from her own. She sees this as an opportunity to advocate for policies that address the pressing needs of her peers and future generations. “I bring a voice to a Tasmanian generation,” she reflects, remaining aware of the need for more young representatives to continue to bridge the generational gap in Parliament.
Badger’s recent election reflects a shift in Tasmania’s political landscape, with voters moving away from major parties and towards alternative voices—a trend she sees as part of a broader national movement, fuelled by dissatisfaction with the response to key issues like housing, the cost of living, and climate change. She believes that people are increasingly looking to individuals and new alternative parties who will advocate for meaningful change. In her words, “People are going to shift their views and look for…minor parties with a high degree of integrity.”
As she looks to the future, Badger remains driven by a vision of a sustainable, resilient Tasmania. Her legislative goals include measures to reduce intergenerational debt, protect vulnerable ecosystems like the Tarkine/Takayna and Great Western Tiers/Kooparoona Niara, and fulfil Tasmania’s climate targets. For Badger, these aspirations are about safeguarding the state’s natural treasures, and ensuring a sustainable future. “We have a responsibility to do the right thing,” she says, hopeful that her work will help secure a better future for the communities she serves.
