Craig Garland independent bid as Local Party misses registration

The Circular Head fisherman had planned to run for the Local Party.

However, Tasmania's electoral laws meant the party could not register in time to run candidates under its name.

Leanne Minshull, who played a key role in organising the party, said the Tasmanian Electoral Commission said two weeks ago it would not be able to register until May 21.

That was because of coming Legislative Council elections.

Premier Peter Gutwein later called the state election for May 1, meaning the Local Party could not register for it in time.

Ms Minshull said it still aimed to register after the election, and to register in time for the next federal election.

In the meantime, Ms Minshull said, the focus would be on supporting Mr Garland's bid in Braddon.

Mr Garland said he did not believe the party's setback would make much difference for him.

"In the Braddon electorate, I'm pretty well known here," Mr Garland said.

"They (the Local Party people) will be able give me a bit more of a hand."

He was unsure about his victory chances.

"I really don't know," he said.

"If people aren't gobsmacked by what's going on in the political system ... its toxic.

"We need to get the right people in there.

"We're not getting the right people in there."

If he was elected and the Local Party later registered, he said he had not thought far enough ahead to say whether he would join it as a party MP.

"It's a bit like talking about winning the grand final and you haven't played your first game," he said.

"People know I am an independent.

"The Local Party structure is you retain your independence.

"This is where the problem lies now.

"The community is left out in the decision making process because its the parties' interest first and foremost.

"At the end of the day, they are there to represent the constituents, not the party."

Mr Garland is best known politically for his opposition to a big wind farm project planned for Robbins Island and concerns about salmon farming.