As the 19 July Tasmanian state election approaches, the Liberal Party has unveiled its seven-member team contesting the electorate of Lyons. This lineup combines seasoned legislators with fresh faces, each bringing distinct experiences and perspectives to the campaign. Their collective platform emphasizes continuity, regional development, and bolstering essential services, aiming to resonate with voters across Tasmania’s largest electorate. The following article delves into each candidate’s background and policy priorities, offering insights into the Liberal vision for Lyons.
Guy Barnett Mark Shelton Stephanie Cameron Jane Howlett Poppy Lyne Bree Groves Richard Hallett
Letter to the Editor
Guy Barnett
Cost of living
Transport is essential for those who live in regional areas. Our half-price bus fares delivered in rural and regional areas have helped thousands reduce the cost of travel and are extended for a further 12 months. Our Area Connect Service is helping regional Tasmanians connect to training and jobs.
Health
The Liberal Government is delivering better emergency care in Lyons, with a new Longford ambulance station being built and 78 more paramedics being recruited across the State – including at Deloraine District Hospital. While Labor and the Greens argue, we’ve been delivering better healthcare.
Economy
Tasmania has continued its run of being one of the top economies in Australia. Powered by our small businesses, our regional workforces and our “get on with the job attitude”, Tasmania’s economic growth shows we’re performing well above the national average.
Proposed stadium in Hobart
The stadium will create thousands of construction jobs, many for northern and north-west tradies and businesses. With $130 million for UTAS Stadium and $25 million into Dial Park, we’re backing regional sport, jobs and aspiration. This is about building statewide opportunity and ensuring the north gets its fair share of the AFL dream.
The North Coast Post: BSB 633 000 · Account number: 2366 8 9535
Housing
Tasmania is leading the nation in social housing growth, with more than 4,380 social and affordable homes already delivered. We are well on track to meet our target of 10,000 additional homes by 2032. Backed by record investment, we are reshaping housing delivery to meet the needs of all Tasmanians.
Environment
The Liberals are about providing certainty and stability for Tasmanians, keeping our economy strong, supporting our regional communities while protecting those natural assets that are important to all of us – as Tasmanians. We do this through investment in protecting priority species, investment in strategic waste diversion programs and supporting our scientists to undertake their best work in the region.
Education
The Liberals understand the importance of a student’s surroundings in supporting learning and high-quality teaching. We’re committed to providing the best possible schools and have committed $188 million to deliver major upgrades for 15 schools through our Building Blitz program including Deloraine High School and Campbell Town District High School.
Summary on why voters should choose you
Jeremy Rockliff and the Liberal team are offering a clear plan, a united team, and the leadership to get on with it.
Mark Shelton
Cost of living
As part of making sure Tasmania’s power prices stay the lowest in the nation, we are delivering $60 off energy bills this year as part of the Renewable Energy Dividend. For concession card holders this means even more back into their hip pocket.
Health
We’re backing rural health in Lyons, with $1.8 million awarded to GP practices across the State earlier this year including Deloraine Medical Centre to help boost access to primary care for Tasmanians living in rural and regional areas and ensure the ongoing viability of these practices in the long-term.
Economy
Tasmania has the highest business confidence in the country. We’re continuing to back our businesses, create local jobs and make it easier to deliver important goods to our communities across the State.
Proposed stadium in Hobart
I’m all for it – a stadium at Macquarie Point won’t just benefit Hobart, but everyone in Tasmania. I’m really excited to see the lasting impact it has on our young people. The AFL will invest $360 million in grassroots AFL and AFLW across the State, meaning our local footy clubs are supported and more kids are getting involved.
Housing
The Liberal Government is unlocking land across Greater Hobart, making room for nearly 10,000 new homes, right where they are needed, including in Southern Lyons. This follows strong industry and community engagement and sets the stage for sustainable housing development in key growth areas for many years to come.
Environment
The environment is very important to the Liberals. We are supporting Cement Australia’s Railton facility to cut its emissions by over 100,000 tonnes annually, replacing coal with reprocessed waste fuels—simultaneously supporting Tasmania’s climate goals and regional economic security.
Education
The Liberals want our kids to have a healthy lifestyle and that includes accessing fit-for-purpose playgrounds and sports courts. We are supporting more than 100 schools and child and family learning centres across the State to upgrade playgrounds and sports courts, including Evandale Primary School and Longford Primary School.
Summary on why voters should choose you
While Labor and the Greens argue, we’ve been delivering better healthcare, more housing, and responsible cost of living relief. And we’ve got more to do. But here’s the truth: we can’t finish the job without a majority Liberal Government.
Stephanie Cameron
Cost of living
We want to make sure Tasmanians can stay active through our Ticket to Play and Ticket to Wellbeing schemes, offering eligible Tasmanians $100 vouchers to participate in sport and activities. We’ve also established the Veteran Wellbeing Voucher program to reduce the cost of sport and community recreation club membership for eligible veterans.
Health
The Liberals are providing more access to health services in rural and regional areas through Care@home services, virtual emergency care, and enhanced services at Deloraine District Hospital. With a $40 million investment currently rolling out upgraded medical equipment and $500,000 to plan for the future of our District Hospitals, we’re providing high-quality, sustainable care for communities across our region for years to come.
Economy
Tasmania’s unemployment rate of 3.8% is at an all-time low. This is good news for Tasmanian families who rely on secure jobs, particularly in rural and regional communities.
Proposed stadium in Hobart
The stadium represents an immense opportunity. We’re footy mad in the Meander Valley – it’s something that our young people are highly engaged in. My daughter plays junior football at Deloraine Junior Football Club and I have noticed a real change in her confidence. This highlights the impact of investment sport for young people.
Housing
We’ve been punching above our weight – and national data confirms it. The Liberals are delivering social housing at a rapid rate when compared to other states. Our proactive reforms and investments are driving real outcomes, delivering the homes that Tasmanians need.
Environment
We take responsibility for the protection of the environment and our unique threatened species very seriously. We’re investing $8 million in our Threatened Species Fund, and threatened species community grant programs. We are working alongside local communities to help control an increase in rabbit numbers. It is vital investments like this that Labor is delaying.
Education
We want to support our students to be engaged in their learning – and we know that access to a nutritious lunch plays a key role in helping our students concentrate. Students at Campbell Town District High School can access our Healthy School Lunch Program, and we are doubling the program, which will see 60 schools taking part in the program in 2026.
Summary on why voters should choose you
I have had a broad career working in hospitality, aged care, and agriculture. This varied professional background gives me real-world experience. I am keen to join a Liberal team who are the only ones offering a clear plan, a united team, and the leadership to get on with it.
Jane Howlett
Cost of living
The Tasmanian Liberals are doing more to house Tasmanians by reducing barriers and incentivising affordable private rentals. We’re helping first home buyers into their first home without paying a cent on stamp duty and we’re expanding the Private Rental Incentive for an additional 200 homes – providing rentals at a reduced rent.
Health
I know just how important mental health support is in our rural communities. That’s why I’m proud we’ve invested $1.6 million in Rural Alive and Well — backing trusted, tailored support for towns like Deloraine, and making sure help is there when and where it’s needed.
Economy
Recently Tasmania has topped the charts in business confidence and business conditions. That’s because we are committed to backing business and backing jobs. We know better business conditions mean more local jobs and more thriving communities. We will continue to support our businesses for the entire Tasmanian community.
Proposed stadium in Hobart
Small business is the lifeblood of our State – tourism and visitors to Tasmania make a huge impact to their bottom line. The Macquarie Point Precinct will act as a magnet for tourism, bringing visitors to Tassie who then make their way up the East Coast or to Cradle Mountain supporting businesses across the state.
Housing
We have a clear plan to deliver more housing through our many initiatives including the MyHome Scheme, Stamping Out Stamp Duty for first home buyers, and stamp duty concessions for new apartments. All of these initiatives are supporting Tasmanians into homes.
Environment
The Tasmanian Government is investing in cleaner air with a $1.4 million upgrade to the state’s air quality monitoring network. Stations in the statewide network report on particle concentrations, smoke and dust and assist in asthma warnings in places like Sheffield, Deloraine, Westbury, Perth, Longford, Oatlands and Campbell Town.
Education
We want to ensure all Tasmanian students can reach their potential and understand that additional help may be required to support our students’ learning and engagement while at school. In the 2025 school year alone we are providing over $150 million to supports students with disability to access, participate and engage in quality educational programs.
Summary on why voters should choose you
Tasmanians are sick of the political games. They want action. They want stability. And they want it now. This election wasn’t our choice. Labor forced the election on you because they are more interested in political games over Tasmanian families.
Poppy Lyne
Cost of living
I’m passionate about making sure that families facing cost of living challenges have access to what they need. Investment in community relief programs are so important and make a real difference to our most vulnerable. I’m pleased the Liberals are supporting over 50 different organisations in this regard.
Health
I’m proud to be part of the Liberal Team who are expanding access to health care through our local pharmacies. By upskilling our pharmacists, they will be able to treat 23 additional common conditions — like shingles, reflux, and eczema. It’s practical, local healthcare that will make a real difference for Lyons communities.
Economy
Having a strong economy allows us to invest more into cost-of-living relief, health, education, housing and community infrastructure. It also provides certainty to so many businesses and employers. Our economy is the largest it’s ever been, and I am committed to making it even stronger.
Proposed stadium in Hobart
I’m passionate about the future of our rural communities and the $360 million for grassroots footy that the AFL have put forward will benefit them the most. Local footy clubs across the state can take on more juniors, grow their clubs and build stronger communities.
Housing
I’m a big supporter of the MyHome Shared Equity Program which has helped more than 1,930 Tasmanians into home ownership with as little as 2% deposit. It is a proven success, giving low- to moderate-income earners a real pathway to own a home in communities they love.
Environment
The Liberals are protecting, restoring and improving our natural assets and our unique species and places. It’s important that we continue to invest in conservation, research and community programs that protect our threatened species, particularly throughout regional Tasmania.
Education
I want to see transformational change in our schools continue to ensure that every child and young person has the literacy skills they need for life when they leave school. Through the Liberals’ Lifting Literacy Plan, the Government is working with our teachers and our schools to implement evidence-based, structured literacy that will make a real difference to the learning outcomes for children.
Summary on why voters should choose you
For the last forty-five years I have been involved in our diversified farming business at Riccarton, Campbell Town and have been fortunate to participate in many local groups and organisations such as health and education for the betterment of our community.
Bree Groves
Cost of living
When Tasmanians have needed it most, the Liberals have stepped in and supported them. So many concessions and discounts are now available to Tasmanians across energy, water, rates, transport and more. I’m proud to be part of a caring, compassionate team who will always stand beside Tasmanians when they need us to be.
Health
Every Tasmanian deserves to live their best life – healthy and happy. The Tasmanian Liberal Government’s 20-Year Preventive Health Strategy is our opportunity to make this a reality. Healthcare consumes a large proportion of the state budget, and this is why our work on the 20-Year Preventative Health strategy needs to continue.
Economy
Having a clear pathway to career development is often front of mind for younger people in Tasmania. It’s so important that we continue to have strong wage growth, making it more attractive for young people to move to, or stay in, Tasmania. At the same time, we continue to have record low unemployment. More jobs and higher wages show that the Liberals have a plan to give Tasmanians a better future, and it’s working.
Proposed stadium in Hobart
Growing our economy and creating more jobs should be a priority for any good Government. That’s what this stadium offers. It is an inter-generational project and I’m keen to be part of the team that will finish the job, for Tasmania.
Housing
Tasmanian first home buyers now pay zero stamp duty on existing homes under $750,000, saving up to $28,935, thanks to our Stamping Out Stamp Duty policy. This landmark policy makes home ownership more affordable, supporting even more Tasmanians to realise their dream of home ownership.
Environment
In Tasmania, we have some of the cleanest air in the world. It’s something we should be proud of, as we market ourselves to the world. This is why we continue to invest in the work of the independent EPA with record funding. We are getting on with the job of protecting our people and the environment.
Education
Access to child care for working families has been an increasing challenge which is why the Liberals are building a new supersized Child and Family Learning Centre (CFLC) in Longford. This will be game changing for those living in Northern Lyons.
Summary on why voters should choose you
I know that Tasmanians deserve the very best. I have the fighting spirit to deliver. This is why I am proud to stand alongside Jeremy Rockliff and our Liberal team. We will deliver: a clear plan, a united team, and the leadership to get on with it.
Richard Hallett
Cost of living
Sometimes Tasmanians need a helping hand, and the Liberals have continuously proven they will step in. Supporting Tasmanians to manage their finances by helping more low-income Tasmanians get access to no interest loans is a key example of this. Through NILS Tasmania, Tasmanians can access essentials such as household goods, car registration and repairs, medical and dental services and bond or rent in advance.
Health
As your Liberal candidate for Lyons, I’m passionate about making mental health care more accessible. Services like Access Mental Health are critical for our region, available 24/7 to connect locals with the right support. It’s a simple call that can make a life-changing difference, and I’ll always back services like this.
Economy
Our economic plan is clearly working. Unemployment is low. Businesses are confident. Wages are high. And our economy continues to grow. Our plan is working, we want to get on with it and finish the job.
Proposed stadium in Hobart
I am a strong advocate for the project. I know the benefits that it will bring to our regional economies right around Tasmania, and am proud that young Tasmanians can now aspire to play elite level sport without having to leave their home state.
Housing
I want all Tasmanians to have a roof over their head. The Liberals’ Private Rental Incentive Scheme offers guaranteed rent and financial support to landlords who offer properties at below-market rates. It’s a smart partnership approach delivering more homes, faster – while supporting Tasmanians into rentals.
Environment
Cement Australia in Railton, a major employer in the region, is being supported by the Tasmanian government. Cement Australia’s project has been partly funded through the Tasmanian Government’s Waste Tyre Reprocessing Grant Program (totalling $3 million) and this contributes greatly to climate goals and regional economic prosperity. We can both protect our incredible natural resources whilst also sustaining jobs in these industries, by using world’s best practices.
Education
The Liberals continue to turbo-charge our Vocational Education and Training (VET) in schools and colleges giving kids the best chance at success. As part of this, the Liberals are supporting upgrades and investment in new equipment at Campbell Town District High School, Deloraine High School and Prospect High School.
Summary on why voters should choose you
As a farmer, business owner and employer, I know first-hand the challenges and opportunities that exist in communities throughout Lyons. It is in my nature to tackle the biggest challenges and to ensure the solutions to them are long-term.
