Liberal Senator Stephen Parry has confirmed he will not relocate his electorate office from Launceston to the North-West, but left open the possibility of the four Liberal senators privately funding an office in the region.
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Senator Parry was selected as the patron senator for Braddon by the Tasmanian Liberal Party last month, but had been reluctant to relocate to the North-West Coast.
”I’ve considered it very carefully,” he said.
“I've come to the conclusion after discussions with my staff that it’s unreasonable to force [a move] on them again.
“But I will do what I can to facilitate an office. What we want to do is make sure there is a North-West presence for the Liberal Senate team.”
Senator Parry was one of three senators tasked with relocating following the Liberals losing its three lower house representatives.
Senator Parry said he had “certainly made it clear to the state executive” that he was the wrong person to relocate to the North-West given his role as senate president.
Burnie Mayor Anita Dow said it was important people on the North-West had access to federal government representation.
“With no [Liberal MP] based in Burnie, or in Braddon, there is genuine concern that our region will be disadvantaged,” she said.
Alderman Dow said it was important the region had the ability to influence government and “advocate on the unique issues facing our communities”.
Central Coast Mayor Jan Bonde said it was most important the Liberal senators were visible in the area.
“It’s always nice when you’ve got someone close by that you can and see but we’ve got a good relationship with the Liberal governments and I’d have no trouble picking up the phone,” she said.