In some ways, David Fry's first foray into Tasmanian politics was a case of unfortunate timing.
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He was elected as a Liberal lower house member for Bass on a countback in 2000, became the party whip, then watched on as the Liberals were wiped out at the 2002 election when leader Bob Cheek lost his own seat.
Fry lost his seat, too, but not to Labor. Instead, it was to a fresh-faced Peter Gutwein.
But 18 years down the track, Fry had nothing but admiration for the man who went on to become the state's Premier.
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"I don't think there's too many other people who could have managed the situation like he has," he said.
"It's been important for people to be able to have confidence in the government, and that's gone a long way to helping us to get to the position that we're in now."
Yet that does not mean the government should be immune to serious scrutiny. And that's where Fry believes the upper house has a crucial role to play, particularly during the coronavirus state of emergency when the government is making rapid decisions.
Beyond party politics
He may have once been a Liberal, but Fry says he has not been aligned with the party - politically or ideologically - for some time.
In fact, he believes the party is "insular" and does not consult with all segments of society. This has heightened his belief that independent voices in the upper house were important - and why he's running as an independent in Rosevears.
"To have members of the Liberal Party in the upper house, I think, would be a negative thing because all you're going to do is get exactly the same party view as you have in the lower house, and that's not what the upper house is all about," Fry said.
"It's important that the people of Tasmania can see openly what their members of parliament are doing and saying about issues, and how they are voting, and if you belong to a party those decisions are made behind closed doors and people don't even have the opportunity to see what you really think."
If the major parties win in Rosevears and Huon, the upper house would be majority party politicians for the first time. Describing himself as a socially conservative centrist, how would David Fry, independent MLC, approach issues?
Various fields
Having worked in banking and finance, managed his own business in the building, maintenance and renovation industry and worked as a cricket administrator for the North, Fry says he has always favoured a consultative approach to issues.
"I hope that people appreciate the fact that I'm coming to them as an independent, and that I'm prepared to listen to what they've got to say and support some of their ideas," he said.
Fry applies the "independent" theme in his responses to all issues.
"The government has been provided with pretty much unfettered opportunity to manage the situation without a lot of scrutiny," Fry said. "Therefore I believe it's very important that the parliament - particularly the upper house - has the opportunity to objectively make an assessment of some of those things that have happened and the way that we move forward from here."
Providing adequate ongoing support for tourism and hospitality businesses - while keeping a close eye on government purse strings - should be a priority, he said, along with helping Tasmanian exporters adapt in a COVID world.
"We had a situation at the start of this pandemic where people, in particular in the seafood industry, were having difficulty trying to get their goods overseas, particularly into China," Fry said.
"Those markets are closed to us because of the situation over there. I think we're going to need to be very careful about how we nurture our small businesses, in particular, through this time."
Caution on key issue
Having seen first-hand the impact holistic palliative care could have on people with terminal illnesses, Fry wants to see improvements in the sector. And he believes that should be the focus, rather than voluntary assisted dying.
"My mother passed away at Philip Oakden House," he said.
"I am absolutely stressed that that was not maintained by the government, despite commitments to maintain good palliative care in the state. That did not happen.
"I'm not discounting the stories of people who say that they've had relatives who died in pain, what I'm saying is I don't believe [voluntary assisted dying] is necessary for that to happen.
"It's important that there's an emphasis on providing adequate, properly staffed palliative care units right around the state."
On poker machines, Fry was "horrified" at data showing Tasmanians spent $2.6 million on the pokies in the first five days since they were switched back on in June.
"I believe that it's generally people who can't afford the money that are losing money on poker machines," Fry said.
"On the other side of the argument, people need to take responsibility for themselves, but we do have a responsibility to assist the vulnerable people in our community, and a lot of those people are the ones who are losing a lot of money on the poker machines.
"I absolutely support the fact that if we do have them, that it's not a monopoly. I don't think that it's one big business that should have the monopoly on those machines.
"By the same token I don't think they're a good thing for our community."
Tamar a focus
From estuary health to invasive ricegrass, communities all along the western side of the Tamar River - where the Rosevears electorate is situated - have varied issues with the water way.
Fry said the matter had been debated for decades, and it was time all bodies were combined into one to come up with permanent solutions.
"I'm an advocate for a single authority for the Tamar River from go to whoa, so that everyone is inside the tent making a contribution to make sure we get it right," he said.
"This is one of the most beautiful cities and beautiful regions in the world, and one of the most livable places in the world, but to stand here today and look out over the weeds and water besides the river is sad and I think we could do so much better and that's really what I want to see happen."
His time with Cricket Tasmania also showed the importance of community and sporting groups, which would be a focus as an MLC.
"It has a spinoff in regards to mental health, economic activity, getting people together in community, keeping them fit and healthy as well," Fry said.
"Another one of my passions is for a lot more support for preventative health. Things like sport and community groups very much play into that."
- This article is part of a series profiling all the Rosevears candidates in the lead up to the August 1 election.