Rebecca White’s journey into politics was sparked by national debates and local values. Now, as the State Member for Lyons and a federal candidate for the same electorate, she brings a distinct blend of rural sensibility and political acumen to the forefront of Tasmanian and Australian politics.
White entered the political arena in her twenties, driven by pivotal national issues “One was ratifying the Kyoto Protocol, which I thought was very important, and that was something the Labor Party was going to do if elected, and also WorkChoices,” she recalled. These national concerns intersected with her personal values, laying the groundwork for her commitment to the Labor Party.
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Yet, her political ethos is deeply rooted in her upbringing in the small country town of Nugent. Growing up on a farm instilled in her a strong work ethic and a belief in community cooperation. “Everyone just pitched in and helped each other out. And for me, I think that’s how I define my type of politics. It’s actually getting involved at a grassroots level and helping to build stronger communities,” she said.
White’s political values mirror those instilled by her family. “We were always brought up to take the view that if something bothers you, there’s no point complaining about it. You’ve got to get involved and try and make a difference,” she shared, highlighting the proactive philosophy that continues to shape her political approach.
As a politician, White is passionate about ensuring that regional Tasmanians receive fair access to essential services. “I want to make sure that no matter where you live, you get a fair go,” she said, pointing to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities as key areas of focus. Transport, a significant barrier in rural areas, is another concern. “I’m interested in making sure that no matter where you live, you can access those good government services, and there’s no barrier in your way.”
White believes that good politicians must first and foremost be good listeners. “You can’t represent your community unless you’re out there to hear what matters to them,” she explained. For her, listening is not just about gathering information but also about building trust. “There’s a real trust deficit… people don’t think politicians are in it for the right reasons or they’ve been let down so many times that they don’t really believe what they’re being told,” she said, underscoring the need for politicians to follow through on their promises.
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Navigating the challenges of modern politics, White acknowledges the increasing polarisation in society and the role of fragmented media consumption in deepening divides. “We don’t have mass communication so that people are reading and hearing the same things… That does make it hard to build consensus,” she noted. However, she remains committed to fostering unity through clear communication and collaborative governance.
White is also mindful of the international political landscape and its implications for Australia. “There are trends that we need to be alert to here in Australia… where we’ve seen a pushback against incumbent governments because of the challenges people are facing in their daily lives,” she observed. Rising extremist views in political discourse are another concern, though she believes Australia’s political system, particularly Tasmania’s Hare-Clark system, provides safeguards against such influences gaining excessive power.
On policy, White is clear about her stance on energy and infrastructure. She opposes nuclear power, arguing it is neither a viable nor economical solution for Australia’s energy needs. “It’s going to take too long to build reactors. It’s going to be incredibly expensive… and it’s not going to actually put downward pressure on household energy bills,” she said, criticising the federal Liberal Party’s support for nuclear energy. Instead, she advocates for further investment in renewable energy, particularly in Tasmania, where hydroelectric power has long been a cornerstone.
White fondly recalls the Westbury Showground as her favourite spot in the Meander Valley, a place where she competed in horse events and formed lasting friendships.
As she campaigns for a federal seat, White’s pitch is grounded in experience and a proven track record of collaboration. “I bring a lot of experience to this role and I have a lot of great relationships… I know how to get things done. I can hit the ground running,” she asserted. For White, politics is not just about policies but about people—a philosophy that began in Nugent and continues to guide her vision for Lyons and beyond.
