Labor heavy weight Simon Crean was in Hobart today to endorse former Forestry Tasmania boss Bob Gordon for the seat of Lyons.
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Mr Gordon was announced as a candidate for the March 15 election by Premier Lara Giddings in Launceston on Saturday.
''Simon's got a wealth of experience in this regional development area and in economic development and what I'm about it is getting the best brains I can to make sure we don''t make any mistakes that have been made elsewhere,'' Mr Gordon said.
Mr Crean was Minister for Regional Australia and Regional Development under the Gillard government.
''One of the best champions I've ever met in Tasmania for regional development is Bob Gordon,'' Mr Crean said.
He said the forests package that came out of the forest peace deal should have already been paid to the state by the federal government.
''What we need out of the election down here is commitment to the pulp mill, commitment to economic diversification, and fighting for delivery of that economic package, that will help secure Tasmania's future,'' Mr Crean said.
Mr Gordon said his focus would be rebuilding the forestry industry in Tasmania and adding to agriculture and aquaculture.
''Tasmania spends a lot of time talking about the things we can't do, I know the things we can do and that's what I want to spend my time on,'' Mr Gordon said.
Mr Gordon said he has been a Labor party member for 35 years. He ran unsuccessfully for the party in 1990.
''The foundation for the future is there but it's only going to be there if you get people like Bob Gordon into the parliament,'' Mr Crean said.
The two were then seen getting into a car with former Premier Paul Lennon, but it is uncertain what role he will play in Mr Gordon's campaign.