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AREA: 7378 square kilometres from Launceston to Flinders Island in the north.
CURRENT MEMBERS IN THE TASMANIAN HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY: Liberal MHAs Michael Ferguson and Peter Gutwein, Labor MHAs Michelle O'Byrne and Brian Wightman and Greens MHA Kim Booth.
NUMBER OF CANDIDATES: 22.
The Examiner invited all parties and candidates to write 50 words on their vision for Tasmania and why they should get your vote. Here are the replies received.
AUSTRALIAN CHRISTIANS
Ray Kroeze: "We believe all people matter; we believe our future is our children; we believe this starts with our families, promoting good education for our children, the reform of anti- discrimination laws, to encourage and foster our faith-based schooling system, and support for expectant mothers and terminally ill people. Further, we need to promote growth and development".
AUSTRALIAN LABOR PARTY
Andrew Connor: Born in Launceston, Andrew Connor is a Meander Valley councillor, has been the spokesman for consumer advocacy group Digital. Standing in Bass because only one party has a proven track record and a plan for Tasmania's digital future. It's a track record of working to get the best broadband for Tasmania with a fibre optic NBN.
Adam Gore: Grew up in a family of educators, soldiers and transport workers. Born and raised in Devonport and is now raising his own children, Logan and Addison, with his wife Coby, at Riverside. Joined the army as a musician in 1998.
Senka Mujkic: Senka was born in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1984 and arrived in Australia with her family at the age of 10. She completed school in Launceston and graduated from the University of Tasmania in 2006 with a bachelor of arts degree. She works at the Migrant Resource Centre (Northern Tasmania Inc.)
Michelle O'Byrne: Michelle began her working life as an organiser for the Liquor, Hospitality and Miscellaneous Union. In 1996, worked for Senator Kerry O'Brien. In 1998 elected Federal Member for Bass. From 2006 Michelle has served as a government minister in a number of portfolios, mainly in health since 2010.
Brian Wightman: Born in 1976. Attended Trevallyn Primary School and Riverside High School before graduating from Launceston College in 1993. He obtained a bachelor of education at the University of Tasmania in 1997 and a master of education in 2004. A former school principal, he is now education minister.
PALMER UNITED PARTY
Christopher Dobson: "I want a safe, secure and viable future for our kids and future generations. I believe in creating a vibrant and sustainable economy, and a responsible, open, honest government with integrity. I want a much higher standard of education and good quality of life for all Tasmanians. It's time for change."
Brian Gunst: "With both qualifications and real life experience in many areas, I'm standing to listen to the people of Bass. My aim is honest, transparent government and wise use of funds. Government of the people, for the people, by the people. Is this not the Australian way?"
Mark Hines: "I stand for change and a fair go for all Tasmanians. I want to create employment and apprenticeship opportunities, improve our emergency services and the health system. I want to create an environment for small businesses to thrive and assist the agricultural sector to get this state back on its feet."
Tim Parish: "My promise is to listen to the people of my electorate. I am standing to improve education and give our young people a future they can look forward to. We will make sure Tasmania has a world-class health system so our sick and elderly get proper health care when they need it."
LIBERAL PARTY
Sarah Courtney: "Four years ago I moved to Tasmania to pursue my dream of running a vineyard in the Tamar Valley and I've unashamedly fallen in love with the region. I know what it takes to get things done. My experience in Sydney's leading financial firms and running my own small business has given me the drive to ensure Tasmania gets its fair share."
Michael Ferguson: "Tasmanians want someone determined to make a difference - I am that person. With a strong track record of delivering for Tasmanians across the state, my passion for education, jobs, small business, youth affairs and innovation will benefit a strong, stable Liberal team for Bass, and Tasmania."
Peter Gutwein: "This is without doubt the most important election I have been involved in. Now more than ever we need to create a Tasmania that leads the way and is open for business. I've worked hard over my term as your local Liberal MP in Bass, and I will continue to deliver as apart of a majority Hodgman Liberal government."
Barry Jarvis: "I will represent the majority in Bass, not just the minority. As part of a strong, stable Liberal team I will bring my diverse experience in mining, construction, retail and local government to fight for more jobs for locals, less red tape for businesses and a balanced budget to secure Tasmania's future."
Leonie McNair: "Bass is my home and Tasmania is my life. As a former teacher, my experience in education and passion for job creation, youth, tourism and small business will be best utilised in state Parliament. My life has been about supporting and fostering our community to create a better Tasmanian society."
TASMANIAN GREENS
Kim Booth: "Politics is not about special favours for mates. It's about having the right policies to give everyone a fair go. Over the past four years, I have worked to deliver real jobs in forestry, lower electricity prices, a pulp mill-free Tamar Valley, and sustainable fisheries with no super trawlers."
Andrea Dawkins: "I'm standing for the Greens as a small business operator and advocate for animal welfare. I've been self-employed for more than 20 years and built my business Fresh on Charles into a social enterprise business that links community interests into a vibrant social network of ideas and shared resources."
Anne Layton-Bennett: "Northern Tasmania is a great place to live and I have been here for most of my life. The region consistently features in top 10 tourist destination lists for its fine foods, wines and stunning natural assets. Opportunities abound to showcase these further with niche tourism that promotes our heritage, unique wildlife and cultural festivals."
Anna Povey: As an environmental consultant, Anna is passionate about the natural world. She is actively involved in local community groups and understands the importance of communities in helping us live happily and healthily. Anna is standing for the Greens because they care best for people and the environment.
Amy Tyler: "I want to work hard as your representative to ensure our local culture and natural assets are managed to become the engine drivers for our economy and society. As a professional woman who has lived and worked on the mainland and overseas, I know how special Bass is and how much we have to offer."
UNGROUPED
Brett Lucas: "Assisting Tasmania back to a semblance of reality economically needs good business decisions. I am passionate in seeing families, communities, and business feeling a sense of confidence in government making consistent sensible decisions. Tasmania needs to make every post a winner financially into the future."
Andrew Roberts: "As a sixth generation Tasmanian, a scientist and a lover of our unique wilderness, I have a commitment to ensure Tasmania can flourish in a way that will benefit all future generations without loss to our natural heritage.
CORRECTION
In yesterday's profile of Lyons candidates, The Examiner incorrectly referred to an ungrouped candidate as Stewart Murray. His name is Murray Stewart. We apologise for this error.
To read the candidates' comments in full, go to www.examiner.com.au