Greens' campaign launch

Phil Bingley and Tim Morris

PUBLIC health and environmental management expert Philip Bingley has been endorsed by the Tasmanian Greens to contest the seat of Derwent at the Legislative Council election on May 7. Greens deputy leader Tim Morris made the announcement at the Hamilton Agricultural Show on Sunday. "Mr Bingley has worked for over 30 years in public health and environmental management as an environmental health officer," Mr Morris said.

Mr Bingley, of New Norfolk, said he was standing for the Greens in Derwent because he believed Tasmania was at a crossroads - particularly with respect to the Tamar Valley pulp mill and responsible budget management. "I would like to thank deputy Greens leader Tim Morris MP for officially launching me as the Greens’ candidate for Derwent in the Upper House, and look forward to a strong and rigorous campaign," Mr Bingley said.

Mr Morris said that the Greens’ election campaign would focus on giving the Upper House a shake up and dust off. “A vote for the Greens for the Upper House will be a vote to put an end to the divisive Gunns Tamar Valley pulp mill, a vote for responsible budget management and continuing the economic transition to a modern and sustainable economy,” Mr Morris said.

“A vote for Phillip Bingley in Derwent is also a vote for shaking up and dusting off the Legislative Council. Mr Bingley will bring 30 years experience as an environmental health officer. Mr Bingley’s determination guarantees the voters of Derwent a strong, positive and feisty representative who will stand up for their quality of life, access to services, and an advocate for strengthening local businesses and economy in regional areas,” Mr Morris said.

“Mr Bingley will be a strong voice for the division of Derwent in promoting the Greens’ policy platform to protect local jobs and regional economies, as well as act as a buffer against inappropriate legislation. The Greens believe that it is the responsibility of all candidates to declare any political party allegiances which is why we proudly support endorsed Greens candidates to contest Upper House seats. Too often we see so-called independents elected to the Legislative Council who do not disclose their political leanings,” Mr Morris said.