Vying for the most marginal seat in the country is Dr George Razay, a world-leading researcher in the field of dementia and Alzheimer's disease and a nominee for the 2021 Tasmanian Australian of the Year.

READ MORE: Cryptocurrency influencer Alex Saunders apologises for actions

Having lived in Launceston for over 25 years, Dr Razay said it was with a heavy heart that he stepped away from his position at the LGH, but was buoyed by the excitement of the months ahead.

"I feel very excited about embarking on a new challenge," he said.

"I am entering politics because I feel I can make a difference and have a lot to contribute, and it will give me another opportunity to continue serving my community."

READ MORE: Targa gears up for 30th anniversary competition

Having not previously held any serious political ambitions in the past, Dr Razay said the decision to run for Bass came after giving a talk on the health of the nation, in which he found the fair and equitable values that underpinned Australian society were becoming less so.

He said with greater equality in mind, he wanted to be a part of the conversation of ideas that would help shape Tasmania and Australia more broadly.

"I believe that we are entering a new era of change," he said. "Australians are craving real diversity in political ideas, including respectful debates, and want parliamentarians who put the interests of the community ahead of the interests of the few."

READ MORE: Tasmania's support services are often unable to offer adequate assistance to homeless children

As a career physician, Dr Razay said health would be one of the cornerstones of his campaign, with a focus on promoting a happy, healthy and active community.

Supporting the next generation, promoting better education, respect for seniors and reducing income and wealth inequality, were also identified as key issues, as were combating climate change and fighting for affordable housing.

READ MORE: Two elderly Tasmanians have died from coronavirus in aged residential care

Dr Razay said Tasmanians had a social responsibility to one another to ensure the basic standards of wealth, education, health and living were accessible to all, and would fight to ensure they were supported by the government.

With the seat of Bass hotly contested by both of the major parties, Dr Razay said he was realistic about his chances of winning this year's election, but said if he could effect change during the campaign through some of his ideas the decision to run would be validated.

What do you think? Send us a letter to the editor:

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:

Follow us on Google News: The Examiner