Alistair Allan is campaigning for a seat in the federal election as the Greens candidate for Lyons, driven by a desire to bring change to a region he believes has been overlooked by the major parties. His concerns centre on environmental protection, cost of living, housing, health, and education—issues he says the Greens are uniquely positioned to address.
Allan, who has lived in Lyons for years, acknowledges his limited experience in formal politics but points to a background in environmental activism as a foundation for leadership. He spent 11 years with the marine conservation organisation Sea Shepherd, working in various roles before serving as a captain for the last five years of his time there. Now, he works as a marine campaigner with the Bob Brown Foundation.
“What I’m hearing in my communities is that people are struggling,” Allan said. “The corporations and massive companies seem to make more and more profit, while everyday people are struggling more and more—whether that be through price gouging at the big supermarkets or big corporations paying no tax at all.”
He highlighted housing affordability as another pressing concern, referencing a recent ABC report that found 73 per cent of people in Lyons are experiencing mortgage stress. “There’s so much that can be done,” Allan said, advocating for policies such as rent freezes and the construction of more public housing.
Environmental concerns are also a priority for Allan, particularly the impact of native forest logging and the salmon industry on Tasmania’s ecosystems. “Our environment is under siege,” he said, pointing to logging operations and aquaculture companies as significant threats to local waterways and forests.
Engaging with voters at the Deloraine market, Allan said he encountered strong sentiments on these issues. “People are fed up with the big corporations making endless profit while ordinary, hardworking Tasmanians struggle to get by,” he said. “The Greens are one of the only parties offering solutions—making these corporations pay their fair share of tax and using that revenue to ease the cost of living.”
It’s time to have someone in Lyons that’s going to champion strong ideas and good policies rather than just the status quo.
Alistair Allan believes a good politician should be “open, honest, transparent, and sincere.” He criticised the major parties for operating in a way that erodes public trust. “Politics has become about its own class,” he said. “It’s very hard for me to discern any major differences between Liberal or Labor. They often run hand in hand when it comes to things like taking donations from fossil fuel companies.”
Asked why he considers himself the best candidate for Lyons, Allan said he offers something different. “For a very long time, Lyons has switched between the two major parties, and both have disappointed the people here,” he said. “I think now is the time for big change—radical ideas that will actually make an impact quickly, whether on cost of living, climate change, or social services.”
On climate action, Allan called for an end to native forest logging in Tasmania. “The evidence is there that we do not need to be logging our native forests,” he said, describing them as “massive carbon stores.” He believes a transition to plantation forestry would support workers while preserving biodiversity.
Beyond politics, Alistair Allan shared his appreciation for the natural beauty of Lyons, particularly the Meander Valley. “My absolute favourite part is the walk to Meander Falls in winter, when the waterfall freezes—it’s just fantastic,” he said. He also described Deloraine as a welcoming town with a vibrant community. “I think anyone who visits the Meander Valley walks away with a good feeling in their stomach.”
As the campaign progresses, Allan is eager to continue engaging with the community, pushing for policies that he believes will bring meaningful change to Lyons.
