Why I’m running as an Independent by Jennifer Hamilton
I love so many things about living in Tasmania. I also see that we need some big changes so our people can thrive. Tasmania is not a one-size-fits-all party and neither am I.
What drew us here is the diversity of the values. There’s a strong sense of community, thriving small businesses, and beautiful access to nature. It’s the education component I see now that must be the focus moving forward so we can continue growing this unique part of the state.
What if we support our young people earlier with a universal preschool starting at age 3 to prepare them for kindergarten. What if we support our teachers with more help directly in the classroom during primary school. What if we have hands on skill-based training starting from the early years of high school so students can easily transition into trade apprenticeships, and in healthcare. What if we have more opportunities to upskill with short effective training for adults who can then fulfill the jobs needed by the businesses.
Education must take priority. We need a thriving region where students leaving high school feel prepared, where people wanting to have work – have jobs. A region where our kids all know how to read. A region where innovation and business creation is supported and becomes the status quo.
I see education as the foundation of a good, healthy, productive life. I will work beyond party lines, creating relationships where we have win-win solutions that help us all move ahead the way Tasmania deserves.