Andrew Wilkie (Clark, Independent) Share this | Hansard source

By now, most people probably know of my deep frustration with the way the Tasmanian government is stuffing up seemingly every aspect of running the state. I'm not alone, as evidenced by the community reaction to a relevant video I posted on social media earlier this year, which remains my most viewed to date and which still prompts people to stop me in the street to share their agreement with what I had to say.

Yet underlying my frustration is the fact that Tasmania has everything it needs to be the jewel in Australia's crown. For a start, we have some of the cleanest air in the world, and, while that might sound like something Tasmanians say with a wink, it's a fact, verified and monitored by the CSIRO. Moreover, we are the gateway to Antarctica, and we have a stunning natural environment, rich Aboriginal history and a quality of life that could be the envy of the nation.

Frankly, our world-class wineries, beaches, hikes, dining and creative industries make us small but especially mighty, and it's no wonder that people flock there to experience it. Our tourism appeal in particular is undeniable, as evidenced by the fact that, this year, the Conde Nast Traveller 2025 readers' choice awards crowned Hobart as the 10th-best small city in the world—the only city in Australia to make the cut. And that recognition has been echoed elsewhere. For example, Expedia's Unpack '26: the trends in travel report named Hobart one of its destinations of the year, noting a 25 per cent increase in searches for Hobart compared with last year. No wonder a mammoth 1.348 million visitors came to our island in the year ending June 2025. I understand that that may not sound like a lot to mainlanders, but that is more than double the number of people who call the island home. In short, the secret is out. People know there's something special about Tasmania and are willing to spend their time, money and effort to experience it for themselves. But there's more.

In my electorate of Clark, we are home to world-leading innovation at Incat, where a team of designers, engineers and technicians have just built and launched the world's largest battery electric vessel. Hull 096, named China Zorrilla, at 130 metres long is the largest electric vehicle ever constructed and will carry up to 2,100 passengers and 225 vehicles. The ambition doesn't stop there. Incat is also one of the nation's largest single-site employers of apprentices and is expanding its operations, with the goal of becoming the global centre of excellence for sustainable large-vessel manufacturing.

On the topic of sustainability, the University of Tasmania has been recognised again for its global leadership, ranking first in the world for climate action for the fourth year running, according to the Times Higher Education impact rankings. This outstanding achievement reflects the university's long-term commitment to meaningful climate action, from being certified carbon-neutral since 2016 and divesting from fossil fuel investments in 2021 to ongoing prioritisation of investments that support the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

I could go on, but, as I have only five minutes, I've chosen to highlight just these three areas, which have been announced this year, demonstrating the unique strengths of our environment, our people and our way of life. Indeed, I meet a plethora of constituents, who have either grown up in Tasmania or have chosen to build their lives there, who have unending enthusiasm to fulfil Tasmania's rightful role as the jewel in Australia's crown.

So, despite the state government's best efforts, Tasmania continues to punch well above its weight. Yes, sure we've got lots of challenges—which almost inevitably can be traced back to the incompetent state government and underperforming local governments. Some of those challenges are getting a lot of publicity, as they should, like the debacle with the new Spirit of Tasmania ferries that are three years late and half a billion dollars over budget, and the proposed third AFL stadium, which we can't afford and don't need and which most people don't want. Sure, Tasmania is as much, or more, affected by the usual challenges confronting communities right around Australia, like poor health care, underfunded public schools and choking traffic congestion. But those things come and go. What don't and won't are Tasmania's precious human and environmental capital and economic potential. So, as they say, come down for air.

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